A2 · Topic 13

Gravitational fields.

Newton's law of gravitation, field strength and potential, and the orbits they govern, from low satellites to the geostationary ring. Play the three simulations below. The gamified lessons and the topic Paper 4 practice are live below too.

Simulations · live
Interactive · live The inverse-square law How the gravitational pull between two masses weakens with the square of their separation. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live Orbits and geostationary satellites Gravity as the centripetal force: orbital speed, period and the 24-hour geostationary radius. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Interactive · live Field strength and potential Field strength g = GM/r squared and the negative potential well around a point mass. Loads only when you launch, so the page stays fast.
Paper 4 practice · live
Structured questions · with worked solutions Ten original Paper 4 style questions A full topic set covering field strength and Newton's law, orbits, and potential and energy, each question linked to its lesson, with worked solutions. Open practice →
Lessons · live
Gravitational field and Newton's law Orbits and field strength Gravitational potential
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