BRAINCAKEArea Under a Force vs Distance Graph
The diagram shows the force needed to move a 1kg mass in a gravitational field (N) with the distance moved (m). Work done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force. The area under the graph is the work done on the 1kg mass and is transferred to gravitational potential energy. Work done per unit mass = gravitational potential, so the area under the graph is the gravitational potential provided the mass is 1kg.
Sign in free to see the rest of this lesson, the R.E.C.I.P.E. recall steps and the quiz
BrainCake is free. Make an account in seconds and pick up where this page stops.
Key terms in this lesson
- Gravitational field
- A region of space in which a mass experiences a force due to the presence of another mass.
- Gravitational potential
- The work done per unit mass to move a small test mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field; it is zero at infinity and negative everywhere else.
More in Gravitational Fields
- Gravitational Potential
- Equipotentials.
- The Potential Gradient.
- Newton's Law of Gravitation.
- Gravitational Field Strength - g.
- Gravitational Potential.
- Potential Gradients
- Satellites
All 14 lessons in Gravitational Fields · All AQA A-level Physics topics