May/June 2026 Paper 43

2026 · 10 questions · 45 parts · 100 marks

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1(a)Gravitational Fields OrbitsEasy2 marks
Define gravitational potential at a point.

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1(b)(i)Gravitational Fields OrbitsMedium2 marks
A uniform spherical planet has radius . The gravitational potential at its surface is . P is a point on a line that passes through the centre of the planet, at variable displacement from the centre, as shown in Figure 1.1.
Figure 1.1, a spherical planet of radius $R$ with point P on a line through its centre at variable displacement $x$ from the centre
Figure 1.2 shows the variation with of the gravitational potential due to the planet in the region outside the planet close to its surface.
Figure 1.2, a graph of gravitational potential $\phi$ against displacement $x$ outside a planet: two symmetric curves, each passing through $-\Phi$ at $x=\pm R$, through about $-\frac{1}{2}\Phi$ near $x=\pm 2R$, and levelling off towards zero by $x=\pm 3R$
Explain why is negative for all values of .

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1(b)(ii)Gravitational Fields OrbitsEasy2 marks
State an expression, in terms of and , for the mass of the planet. Identify any other symbols that you use.
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1(b)(iii)Gravitational Fields OrbitsEasy1 mark
Determine an expression, in terms of and , for the gravitational field strength at the surface of the planet.
1(b)(iv)Gravitational Fields OrbitsMedium3 marks
On Figure 1.3, sketch the variation of the gravitational field with between and . Do not include the region inside the sphere between and .
Diagram to annotate
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Draw with the mouse or a finger.