Q7 · 2025 · Paper 2Simple familiar5 marks
QUESTION 7 (5 marks)
A satellite with a mass of 1500 kg orbits the Earth at a height of above the surface. The radius of the Earth is .
a)[3 marks]
Calculate the gravitational force of attraction between the satellite and the Earth. Show your working.
b)[2 marks]
Determine the Earth’s gravitational field strength as experienced by the satellite. Show your working.
WORKED SOLUTION
5 marksQCAA guide · typeset solution
ANSWER
See worked solution below.
Worked solution
a)
Gravitational force =
b)
Gravitational field strength =
recognises that the scenario relates to Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
calculates total radius
calculates gravitational force of attraction
recognises that the scenario relates to gravitational field strength equation
calculates gravitational field strength
One QCAA sample method typeset for web; criterion wording is adapted from the official marking guide.
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