Physics Gravity and Gravitation 3

Question 1

A geosynchronous satellite orbits Earth with a period of:

Accepted Answer

24 hours

Answer

Geosynchronous satellites have a 24-hour orbital period, matching Earth's rotation so they remain above the same equatorial point.

Question 2

Tidal forces on Earth are primarily caused by:

Accepted Answer

Differences in the Moon's gravitational pull across Earth's diameter

Answer

Tidal forces arise because the Moon pulls more strongly on Earth's near side than its far side, stretching the oceans into two bulges.

Question 3

At the exact center of the Earth, the gravitational acceleration would be:

Accepted Answer

Zero

Answer

At Earth's center, mass is distributed symmetrically in all directions, so gravitational pulls cancel and the net acceleration is zero.

Question 4

On the Moon, where g ≈ 1.6 m/s², a 60 kg person would weigh approximately:

Accepted Answer

96 N

Answer

Weight = mg = 60 kg × 1.6 m/s² = 96 N on the Moon's surface.

Question 5

The gravitational force between two objects is greatest when:

Accepted Answer

Both masses are large and the distance is small

Answer

From F = Gm₁m₂/r², force maximizes with large masses and minimum separation between them.

Physics Practice Test