A space probe has a mass of 500 kg.
The Table shows the gravitational field strength on the surface of four objects in the Solar System.
Table
| Object | Gravitational field strength in N/kg\text{N/kg}N/kg |
|---|---|
| Earth | 10 |
| Mars | 3.7 |
| Jupiter | 25 |
| Moon | 1.6 |
Calculate the weight of the space probe on Mars.
On one of the objects in the Table, the weight of the space probe is 12 500 N12\,500\ \text{N}12500 N.
Use a calculation to identify the object.
Suggest why the gravitational field strength on Jupiter is much greater than on the Earth.
A student says:
'Only very large objects, such as planets, have a gravitational field.'
Explain why the student is wrong.
46 exam-style questions on OCR GCSE Physics 2.3 Forces in action, covering 2.3.1 Stretching, bending and compressing, 2.3.2 Elastic and plastic deformation, 2.3.3 Force and extension of a spring, 2.3.4 Linear and non-linear force-extension behaviour, 2.3.5 The spring constant, 2.3.6 Work done in stretching, 2.3.7 Gravitational fields, 2.3.8 Weight and gravitational field strength, 2.3.9 Acceleration in free fall, 2.3.10 Relating force, mass and gravitational field strength, 2.3.11 Forces causing rotation, 2.3.12 The moment of a force, 2.3.13 Levers and gears, 2.3.14 Pressure in fluids, and 2.3.15 Pressure, force and contact area. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.