Lesson 5.4.1

5.4.1 Point and spherical masses Quiz: OCR Physics, Unit 4

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson 5.4.1, Point and spherical masses: 20 multiple choice questions for the OCR Physics (H156), Unit 4: Newtonian world and astrophysics, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which property of an object causes it to produce a gravitational field?

    • Surface area
    • Mass
    • Velocity
    • Electric charge

  2. By definition, gravitational field strength is the gravitational force acting per unit what?

    • Area
    • Mass
    • Charge
    • Volume

  3. The unit of gravitational field strength is:

    • m s^-1
    • kg N^-1
    • N kg^-1
    • J kg

  4. In which direction do gravitational field lines always point?

    • Towards the mass
    • Perpendicular to mass
    • Away from mass
    • Clockwise around mass

  5. On a diagram of gravitational field lines, a region where the lines are close together indicates:

    • a weaker gravitational field
    • zero field strength
    • a repulsive force
    • a stronger gravitational field

  6. For field calculations outside a uniform sphere, where is its mass modelled as being?

    • Along the equator
    • At the centre
    • On the surface
    • At the pole

  7. A 2.0 kg mass experiences a gravitational force of 10 N. What is the field strength?

    • 0.2 N/kg
    • 5 N/kg
    • 10 N/kg
    • 20 N/kg

  8. The approximate gravitational field strength at the Earth's surface is:

    • 9.8 N/kg
    • 98 N/kg
    • 9.8 m/s
    • 0.98 N/kg

  9. A 3.0 kg mass sits in a gravitational field of 9.8 N/kg. What is the gravitational force on it?

    • 9.8 N
    • 29.4 N
    • 3.3 N
    • 0.31 N

  10. What field effect gives rise to an attractive force on a mass?

    • Magnetic field
    • Nuclear field
    • Gravitational field
    • Electric field

  11. How are field lines arranged in a uniform gravitational field?

    • Radial and converging
    • Random and crossing
    • Concentric circles
    • Parallel and equidistant

  12. How does gravitational field strength change as distance from a point mass increases?

    • Remains constant
    • Decreases
    • Increases
    • Doubles

  13. What property of a gravitational field is represented by the density of field lines?

    • Orbital speed
    • Total energy
    • Relative strength
    • Gravitational potential

  14. A mass of 5.0 kg is placed in a gravitational field of 2.0 N/kg. What force acts on it?

    • 7.0 N
    • 10 N
    • 0.4 N
    • 2.5 N

  15. How are individual gravitational field strengths combined to find the resultant field at a point?

    • Direct multiplication
    • Scalar addition
    • Vector addition
    • Scalar subtraction

  16. A planet of radius R has a surface field strength g. What is the field strength at a distance 2R from the centre?

    • twice g
    • one quarter of g
    • equal to g
    • one half of g

  17. What is the shape and direction of gravitational field lines around an isolated point mass?

    • Radially inwards
    • Parallel lines
    • Radially outwards
    • Concentric circles

  18. Where is all the mass of a uniform sphere modelled to act from for external points?

    • Across its volume
    • At its surface
    • At its centre
    • At infinity

  19. The weight of a 60 kg astronaut on the Moon, where g is about 1.6 N/kg, is:

    • 38 N
    • 96 N
    • 590 N
    • 1.6 N

  20. A 4.0 N/kg field acts on a 2.0 kg object. What is the force?

    • 0.5 N
    • 2.0 N
    • 8.0 N
    • 6.0 N

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