Gravitational fields: past paper questions
Real questions on gravitational fields
The newest 20 of 166 written questions, plus 12 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[1]
Define gravitational field at a point.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(i)[2]
By considering the force exerted by the point mass on a test mass of mass m placed at P, derive an equation for the gravitational field strength g at P, in terms of M and x. Identify any other symbols you use.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[1]
On Fig. 3.1, draw an arrow to indicate the direction of the gravitational field at P.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(iii)[2]
Point Q is at distance shown in Fig. 3.2. Q x from the point mass, on the opposite side of the mass from P, as 2 x 2 mass M P x Fig. 3.2 Compare the gravitational field at Q with that at P.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[3]
Two identical isolated uniform spheres X and Y each have radius R. The centres of the spheres are separated by distance L, as shown in Fig. 3.3. X Y P x L Fig. 3.3 Point P lies on the line joining the centres of X and Y, and is at a variable displacement x from the centre of sphere X. The gravitational field strength a...
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
Show that the radius of the circle around which Cambridge moves is 3.90 × 10 6 m.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a[2]
State Newton’s law of gravitation.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(i)[2]
Use your answer in (c)(ii) to calculate the average gravitational force between adjacent molecules in hydrogen gas. average force = N
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2d(ii)[1]
By considering the weight of a molecule, suggest with a reason whether your answer in (d)(i) is consistent with the assumption of the kinetic theory of gases that there are no forces exerted between molecules.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(i)[2]
By considering the force exerted by the point mass on a test mass of mass m placed at P, derive an equation for the gravitational field strength g at P, in terms of M and x. Identify any other symbols you use.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(ii)[1]
On Fig. 3.1, draw an arrow to indicate the direction of the gravitational field at P.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3b(iii)[2]
Point Q is at distance shown in Fig. 3.2. Q x from the point mass, on the opposite side of the mass from P, as 2 x 2 mass M P x Fig. 3.2 Compare the gravitational field at Q with that at P.
See it on the paper → - 9702/43 · October/November 2025 · Q3c[3]
Two identical isolated uniform spheres X and Y each have radius R. The centres of the spheres are separated by distance L, as shown in Fig. 3.3. X Y P x L Fig. 3.3 Point P lies on the line joining the centres of X and Y, and is at a variable displacement x from the centre of sphere X. The gravitational field strength a...
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[2]
Define gravitational potential at a point.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(i)[3]
Show that the mass of Mars is 6.4 × 10 23 kg. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1b(ii)[2]
Calculate the gravitational potential φ at the surface of Mars. Give a unit with your answer. φ = unit
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(i)[1]
The orbit has a period of 25 hours. State what can be deduced from this about the rotation of Mars on its axis.
See it on the paper → - 9702/41 · May/June 2025 · Q1c(ii)[1]
State one other feature of this orbit.
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2a(i)[2]
State what is represented by a gravitational field line. (a) (i) 2
See it on the paper → - 9702/42 · May/June 2025 · Q2a(ii)[2]
The Earth may be considered as a uniform sphere, as shown in Fig. 2.1. Earth Fig. 2.1 (ii)
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Candidates who knew the inverse relationship, understood that gravitational potential is always negative, and took care over their diagrams, were generally able to achieve the marks.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/42 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
Many candidates realised that, at a constant distance from the Earth’s surface, the gravitational potential must be constant.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9702/42 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
Most candidates were awarded at least partial credit, but full credit was often not possible because of a dimensionally incorrect definition that gave an energy rather than an energy per unit mass.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9702/42 Q2(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.