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GCSE Physics · key term
A region around matter in which another mass experiences a gravitational force.
Used by OCR
Specification P2.3g · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Revise: Gravitational fieldAll matter has mass, so all matter produces a gravitational field around it. The field is the region in which another mass would experience a gravitational force. It can extend through empty space, so the objects do not need to touch.
Distinguish the gravitational field from the gravitational force: the field exists around an object; another mass placed in it experiences an attractive force.
Do not write that only planets and stars have gravitational fields. All matter has one, although the fields of everyday objects are extremely weak.
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