10. Fields (AHL) Flashcards Preview

IB Physics Definitions > 10. Fields (AHL) > Flashcards

Flashcards in 10. Fields (AHL) Deck (19)
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1
Q

Gravitational field

A

a region of space where a massive object experiences a force.

2
Q

Electrostatic field

A

a region of space where a charged object experiences a force.

3
Q

Electric potential

A

the work done per unit charge in moving a small unit positive test charge from infinity to that point.

4
Q

Gravitational potential

A

the work done per unit mass in moving a small test mass from infinity to that point.

5
Q

Newton’s law of graviation

A

the force of attraction between two massive objects is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of their separation.

6
Q

Coulomb’s law

A

the force between two charged objects is proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of their separation. A negative force is attractive, positive is repulsive.

7
Q

Field line

A

A line used to show the direction of a field. (for electric field it shows the direction a positive charge would move)

8
Q

Equipotential surface

A

A surface of constant potential. The work done to move a charge from any point on the equipotential surface to any other point on the equipotential surface is zero since they are at the same potential.

9
Q

Electric potential energy

A

Energy a charged object possesses because of its position in an electric field

10
Q

Gravitational potential energy

A

Energy a massive object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field

11
Q

Potential gradient

A

The change in potential divided by the distance over which the change happens.

12
Q

Potential difference

A

the difference of electrical potential between two points.

13
Q

Escape velocity

A

the lowest velocity which a body must have in order to escape the gravitational attraction of a particular planet or other object.

14
Q

Geosynchronous orbit

A

an orbit with a time period of 24 hours so the satellite appears to stay in the same region of the sky

15
Q

Polar orbit

A

an orbit close to the Earth’s surface that often goes over the poles

16
Q

Geostationary orbit

A

a special case of the geosynchronous orbit where the satellite orbits around the equator so will be stationary relative to the Earth.

17
Q

Orbital energy

A

The sum of the potential and kinetic energies of an object in orbit

18
Q

Uniform field

A

A field where the electric field strength is constant throughout the field.

19
Q

Radial field

A

A field that is drawn from a central point and becomes weaker as the distance from the point increases.