Edexcel A-Level Physics Newton’s Law of Gravitation

Review Newton’s law of gravitation in Edexcel A-Level Physics through force calculations, Cavendish-style data and unit derivations for G.

Exam points

calculate gravitational force using F = Gm1m2/r² with masses and centre-to-centre separation
deduce whether a measured force is possible by comparing Cavendish-style values with sensitivity
derive or check the SI units of G from the gravitation equation and base units

[Maximum number: 2]

The dwarf planet Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt.
Ceres has a mass of $9.38 \times 10^{20} \mathrm{~kg}$ . Ceres has a circular orbit of radius $4.14 \times 10^{11} \mathrm{~m}$ around the Sun.

Show that the gravitational force exerted on Ceres by the Sun is about $7 \times 10^{17} \mathrm{~N}$ .

\text { mass of Sun }=1.99 \times 10^{30} \mathrm{~kg}

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5.6.156 - Newton’s law of universal gravitation question 1