IB Physics HL D.1.9 Potential Gradient Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL D.1.9 by calculating gravitational field strength from potential gradients, radial graphs and equipotential spacing.

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A uniform, spherical planet P has mass M and radius R.

The surface of P is an equipotential surface $E_{0}$ . The dotted circle labeled $E_{1}$ is an equipotential line at a distance $\frac{3 R}{2}$ from the centre of P . The potential difference between $E_{1}$ and $E_{0}$ is $2.2 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{Jkg}^{-1}$ .

Figure for Question D.1.9 (HL)—Potential gradient question 1 — IB Physics HL

The radius R of P is $8.5 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~m}$ .

Estimate the magnitude of the gravitational field strength between $E_{1}$ and $E_{0}$ .

$\begin{aligned} g=\pi \frac{\Delta V_{\mathrm{g}}}{\Delta r}=>\frac{2.2 \times 10^{6}}{\frac{8.5 \times 10^{6}}{2}} g=0.52 \ll \mathrm{~N} \mathrm{~kg}^{-1} \gg \end{aligned}$

Ignore negative sign

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D.1.9 (HL)—Potential gradient question 1