Equation Summary for Gravitational Fields

 
For All Gravitational Force Fields
Units
Force
F=mg
N
Gravitational Field Strength

g=F/m

N/kg
Work (gravitational potential energy)

W=EP=mDV

see note 1,3

J
Gravitational Potential

DV=EP/m

see note 1,3

J/kg
Uniform Gravitatioanl Fields
Point Mass Gravitational Fields
Force

F=DVm/d

see note 1,3

F=Gm1m2/r**2
N
Gravitatial Field Strength

g=V/h

see note 1,3

g=Gm/r**2
N/kg
Work (gravitatial potential energy)
DEP=mgDh
EP= -Gm1m2/r
J
Gravitational Potential

V=gh

see note 1,3

V= -G m/r

see note 2

J/kg

Note 1: not in IB Data Booklet

Note 2: Not commonly used but is included in the mechanics section of the IB data booklet. I have only seen V used for electrical potentials but apparently this V is for gravitational potential.
Note 3: Have never seen this one used, offered for comparison to electric fields only.

IB Physics Home