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Topic questions Forces Newton's law of gravitation

Newton's law of gravitation

5 questions · 26 marks · about 35 minutes

Newton's law of gravitation questions

TopicNewton's law of gravitation

OCR H556 Newton's law of gravitation 5 questions

Unified Physics June 2025, Question 6 15 marks

Gravitational waves are disturbances in space-time that are produced by violent astrophysical events.

(a)
Figure for question 6
(a)(i)

Define strain.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

The maximum strain shown on the graph is approximately 10–21. (ii)

Calculate the force that would produce the same strain in a copper wire of diameter 2 mm.

Young modulus of copper = 130 GPa

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(ii)
(a)(iii)

By considering the answer to (ii), suggest why it is very difficult to detect the strain caused by gravitational waves.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(a)(iii)
(b)

In this part of the question you will use Newtonian physics to estimate the power output of the black hole collision.

The diagram shows two identical black holes, each of mass M, orbiting each other with period T.

Prior to colliding, the black holes move at speed V in identical circular orbits of diameter D about the central point C.

Figure for question 6
(b)(i)

Write down an expression for the gravitational force, F, acting between the black holes in terms of M, D and the universal gravitational constant, G.

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

The total orbital energy, E, of the black holes is the sum of their kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy. Show that E is given by the expression:

E = k (maths symbol2G2M5)1/3 (1/T2/3)

where k is a numerical constant.

[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)
Figure for question 6 Figure for question 6 Figure for question 6
[3]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(iii)
(b)(iv)

By considering times B and D, use your answer to (iii) to estimate the power radiated as gravitational waves in this time interval.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 6(b)(iv)

Modelling Physics June 2023, Question 7 1 mark

Two identical spheres, each of mass 8700 kg, have a space of 3.6 m between their centres.

What is the magnitude of the gravitational force they exert on each other?

2.0 × 10–3 N A

3.9 × 10–4 N B

7.5 × 10–4 N C

4.5 × 10–8 N D

Your answer

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 7

Modelling Physics November 2020, Question 5 1 mark

The gravitational force between two point-mass objects X and Y is F1.

The mass of X increases and the distance between X and Y is halved.

Which statement about the new gravitational force F2 between these two objects is correct?

A 0 < F2 < 0.25F1

B F2 > 4F1

C F2 = F1

D 2F1 < F2 < 4F1

Your answer

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 5

Modelling Physics June 2019, Question 24 8 marks

(a)
Figure for question 24
(a)(i)
Figure for question 24 Figure for question 24
[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 24(a)(i)
(a)(ii)

Use your answer in (i) to calculate the distance d of Proxima Centauri from the Earth in light-years (ly).

1 pc = 3.26 ly

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 24(a)(ii)
(b)
Figure for question 24
(b)(i)

Estimate the gravitational force between two neighbouring galaxies.

[2]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 24(b)(i)
(b)(ii)

Show that the mean density of the Universe is about 7 × 10–29 kg m–3. (ii)

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 24(b)(ii)
(b)(iii)

Suggest why the actual mean density of the Universe is different from the value calculated in (ii).

[1]
Reveal mark scheme Mark scheme for question 24(b)(iii)

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