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• For an electric field, F = qE The decline of either field with distance can be represented graphically:
(F = force; q = charge; E = electric field intensity) E or g
1
Comparison of Gravitational and Electric Fields Physics Factsheet
www.curriculumpress.co.uk
Comparing the sizes of gravitational and electrostatic forces Similarly, a positive charge that is free to move will always move from a
Gravitational forces only really become important when very large objects position of high electrical potential to a point where the potential is lower
are involved - you feel the gravitational force due to the Earth, but not due - in the same direction as the field lines.
to other people, for example. Electrostatic forces, in contrast, are quite
easily noticeable - you will have seen experiments with charged spheres
demonstrating "like charges repel, unlike charges attract". The electric field and associated potential due to a positively charged body
will be positive, so the potential decreases to infinity.
To illustrate this, consider a hydrogen atom.
Direction of V increasing
(from zero at ∞)
+Q positive
p+ R
charge
In this field, as we might expect, a positive test charge will tend to move
The proton and electron are oppositely charged; the magnitude of the outwards, and a negative charge inwards.
1
charge on each is 1.6 ×10-19C. 4πε is approximately 9 × 109 Fm-1
0
So the electrical force is given by: The electric field and associated potential due to a negatively charged body
(1.6 × 10 ) 2.3 × 10
-19 2 -28 will be negative, so the potential increases to infinity.
Fe = 9 × 109 × = N
R2 R2 Direction of V increasing
(to zero at ∞)
The masses of the particles are mp = 1.7 ×10-27kg and me = 9.1 ×10-31kg.
G is approximately 6.67×10-11 Nm2kg-2.
negative
So the gravitational force is given by: -Q
charge
1.7 × 10-27 × 9.1 × 10-31 1.03 × 10-67
Fg = 6.67 × 10-11 = N
R2 R2
2
Comparison of Gravitational and Electric Fields Physics Factsheet
www.curriculumpress.co.uk
Summary
Gravitation Electrical
1
G = 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2kg-2 = 9 × 109 Fm-1
Constant Constant 4πε0
m1 m2 q q
F= G 2 Coulomb's Law Fe = 1 × 1 2 2
Newton's Law r 4πε0 r
Gm 1 q
g= Field Strength E = 4πε × r 2
Field Strength r2 0
-Gm 1 q
Potential V= r V = 4πε × r
Potential 0
∆Vg ∆V V
Field g=− Field E=− or E=−
∆r ∆x d
most significant with massive objects such as planets, stars and galaxies holds atoms and molecules together
(a) Illustrate mathematically why we do not feel the gravitational (b) Sketch graphs to show how field strength declines with distance for
force of attraction between ourselves and other people. the two cases in (a).
Take G = 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2kg-2 [5]
People have masses M and m, and are a distance r apart. 2. (a) Define potential for electrical and gravitational fields, and state its
m1 m2 m m relationship to field strength.
So force on them is F = G 2 = 6.67 × 10-11 1 2 2 2/5
r r
(b) Explain what is meant by an equipotential.
The candidate has the correct idea, but without putting actual values
in for m1, m2 and r, the argument is not convincing, so full marks 3. State the factors that affect field strength for electric fields and gravitational
cannot be awarded. Substitution of "sensible" values for the masses fields.
and distance would show that the force involved was too small to
be felt. 4. Discuss the similarities and differences between electric and gravitational
fields.
(b) (i) Estimate the mass of an object if you experienced a gravitational
force of 100N at a distance of 1m from it. [3] Answers
2
m1 = Fr /Gm2 = 1.5× 10 kg
12
1/3 Answers to questions 1, 2 and 3 can be found in the text.
The equation has been rearranged correctly, but this time the candidate
4. Differences:
has simply ignored m2, rather than substituting in a value. If the
Gravitational forces can only be attractive; electric forces can be
candidate had written down the step in which the substitution was
attractive and repulsive.
carried out, s/he might have realised this mistake.
Gravitational fields exist around masses; electrical around charges.
(ii) Calculate the charge that you and the object would each need, Medium is important for electrical fields, not for gravitational fields
(assuming both charges are the same), to feel the same
electrostatic force at this distance. Take 1 = 9 × 109 Fm-1 Similarities:
4πε0 Field strengths follow inverse square relationships with distance
q = √(4πεor2F) = 9.5 × 105 C 1/3 Work done in moving through the field is (mass or charge) ×
potential
The problem here is that the candidate has taken 4πε0= 9 × 109
Potential is proportional to 1/distance
If s/he had shown more working, s/he might have gained a second mark,
despite this mistake.
Examiner's Answers.
(a) F = Gm1m2/r2 For 2 people each of mass 60kg, 1m apart Acknowledgements:
(or other sensible values) F= 6.67 × 10-11 × 60 × 60/1 = 0.24µN This Physics Factsheet was researched and written by Keith Cooper
The Curriculum Press,Unit 305B, The Big Peg,120 Vyse Street, Birmingham, B18 6NF
Physics Factsheets may be copied free of charge by teaching staff or students, provided that
(b) (i) m1 = Fr2/Gm2 = 100 × 1/(G × 60) = 2.5 × 1010kg their school is a registered subscriber.
No part of these Factsheets may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
(ii) q2 = F × 4πε0 × r2 in any other form or by any other means, without the prior permission of the publisher.
q = √(100 × 4πε0 × 12) q ≈ 10 –5C ISSN 1351-5136