Question

The gravitational field at a point in space is:

• A. Force per unit mass
• B. Force per unit charge
• C. Mass per unit volume
• D. Mass per unit charge

Hint:

This definition is directly analogous to the definition of the electric field, which is the electric force per unit charge (\(\vec{E} = \vec{F}_e/q\)).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The gravitational field \(\vec{g}\) at a location is defined as the gravitational force \(\vec{F}_g\) on a small test mass \(m\) at that location, divided by the test mass's magnitude.\[ \vec{g} = \frac{\vec{F}_g}{m} \]Consequently, the gravitational field represents force per unit mass. Its units are Newtons per kilogram (N/kg), which are identical to meters per second squared (m/s\(^2\)), the unit for acceleration. This equivalence explains its alternative name, acceleration due to gravity.