Physics · Theme D: Fields

D.1 — Gravitational fields

Physics · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. Newton’s gravitation and Kepler’s laws

   Kepler’s three laws and Newton’s universal law of gravitation for point masses.

2. Gravitational field strength

   Gravitational field strength as force per unit mass, and gravitational field lines.

3. Gravitational potential and potential energy

   Gravitational potential energy, potential, the potential gradient, and equipotential surfaces.

4. Orbits, escape and orbital speed

   Escape speed, orbital speed, satellite energetics, and the effect of atmospheric drag.