ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

AP Physics C: Mechanics 2.6: Gravitational Force

Practise AP Physics C: Mechanics 2.6 by comparing gravitational forces, calculating field strength, and relating mass, weight and apparent weight in physical systems.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • Calculate gravitational-force ratios and field strength from masses and centre-to-centre distances.
  • Distinguish mass, weight and apparent weight when free fall or elevator acceleration changes a scale reading.
  • Use enclosed mass within a uniform sphere to compare gravitational force below the surface.

Covered syllabus points

2.6.A—Describe the gravitational interaction between two objects or systems with mass2.6.B—Describe situations in which the gravitational force can be considered constant2.6.C—Describe the conditions under which the magnitude of a system’s apparent weight is different from the magnitude…2.6.D—Describe inertial and gravitational mass2.6.E—Describe the gravitational force exerted on an object by a uniform spherical distribution of mass

2.6 Gravitational Force question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Two moons of equal mass are in circular orbits around a planet. Moon 1 orbits with a radius of r and moon 2 orbits with a radius of 3 r. What is the ratio of the magnitude of the planet's gravitational force on moon 2 to that on moon 1, FG( on 2)/FG( on 1)F_{G(\text { on } 2)} / F_{G(\text { on } 1)} ?

A

9/1

B

3/1

C

1/1

D

1/3

E

1/9

2.6 Gravitational Force question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

A student with a mass of 50 kg is standing on a bathroom scale while riding in an elevator. If the reading on the scale is 400 N , which of the following is a correct description of the elevator's motion?

A

Moving upward with increasing speed

B

Moving upward with constant speed

C

Moving downward with constant speed

D

Moving downward with increasing speed

E

Moving downward with decreasing speed

Figure for Question 2.6 Gravitational Force question 2 — AP Physics C: Mechanics

2.6 Gravitational Force question 3

[Maximum number: 1]

The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Moon is about 1/6 of that on the surface of Earth. An astronaut weighs 600 N on Earth. The astronaut's mass on the Moon is most nearly

A

600 kg

B

360 kg

C

100 kg

D

60 kg

E

10 kg

Figure for Question 2.6 Gravitational Force question 3 — AP Physics C: Mechanics
All question bank results loaded