A Gravitational Field is an example of a Field of Force.
It is a region of space where a mass experiences a force.
Representing Gravitational Fields
Gravitational Field Lines
A gravitational field can be represented by using Gravitational Field Lines.
A Gravitational Field Line is an arrow showing the direction of gravitational force acting on a test mass.
Strength of a Gravitational Field
The strength of a magnetic field is represented by the density of gravitational field lines (number of field lines per unit area).
The closer the field lines, the higher the density and the stronger the field.
Relative strength comparison
Types of Gravitational Fields
Radial Field
Field lines point towards the centre of a point mass or uniform sphere.
Gravitational field around the Earth
Spacing of Field Lines
As the distance from the centre of the point mass increases, the separation of the field lines increases, and line density decreases, indicating that the strength of the gravitational field decreases.
Uniform Field
Field lines are parallel to each other and equally spaced
Gravitational field near the Earth's surface
Spacing of Field Lines
Since separation of field lines is constant, the gravitational field strength remains constant.
