Gravitational field
Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) · Unit 13: Gravitational fields · 6 flashcards
Gravitational field is topic 13.1 in the Cambridge A-Level Physics (9702) syllabus , positioned in Unit 13 — Gravitational fields , alongside Gravitational force between point masses, Gravitational field of a point mass and Gravitational potential. In one line: A region in space where an object experiences a non-contact force. Examples include gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 6 flashcards — 2 definitions, 3 key concepts and 1 calculation — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 2 definition cards to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
A 'field of force'
A region in space where an object experiences a non-contact force. Examples include gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields.
What the Cambridge 9702 syllabus says
2025-2027 syllabus, in our words · A2 LevelWhat the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).
- Understand that gravitational fields are one example of a force field, and define gravitational field as the force acting per unit mass.
- Use field lines to represent a gravitational field.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9702 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Gravitational field
- › Read the question carefully to distinguish between requests for field lines (radial with arrows) and equipotential lines (concentric circles).
- › Always include 'per unit mass' to indicate the division required by the physical definition.
- › Define gravitational field strength as the force per unit mass acting on a small test mass.
Define a 'field of force'.
A region in space where an object experiences a non-contact force. Examples include gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields.
Define 'gravitational field strength'.
Gravitational field strength (g) is the gravitational force experienced per unit mass at a specific point in a gravitational field. It is a vector quantity.
What is the formula for gravitational field strength (g)?
g = F/m, where F is the gravitational force acting on a mass m. The units are N kg⁻¹ (Newtons per kilogram).
Describe how gravitational field lines represent a gravitational field.
Gravitational field lines show the direction of the force that would act on a small test mass placed in the field. The closer the lines, the stronger the field.
How are gravitational field lines arranged around a spherical mass, such as a planet?
Gravitational field lines around a spherical mass are radial, pointing inwards towards the center of the mass. This indicates that the gravitational force is always attractive.
Explain how the spacing of field lines indicates the relative strength of the gravitational field.
A region where the field lines are closer together indicates a stronger gravitational field. Conversely, widely spaced field lines signify a weaker field.
Review the material
Read full revision notes on Gravitational field — definitions, equations, common mistakes, and exam tips.
Read NotesMore topics in Unit 13 — Gravitational fields
Gravitational field sits alongside these A-Level Physics decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Gravitational field deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
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