Exam-style question
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If a gravitational potential graph shows a horizontal line, what does this indicate about the gravitational field?.
- A.The gravitational field strength is zero.
- B.The gravitational field strength is constant.
- C.The object is in free fall.
- D.The gravitational potential is increasing.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The gravitational field strength is zero.
Explanation
Why this works
The evidence shows that a horizontal line on a gravitational potential graph indicates that there is no change in gravitational potential energy with height. This implies that the gravitational field strength is zero in that region.
Thus, the conclusion is that a horizontal line signifies a lack of gravitational influence.
Common mistake
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