Скачать или смотреть 31. P and S are two points on a gravitational equipotential surface around a planet. Q and R are

Question: P and S are two points on a gravitational equipotential surface around a planet. Q and R are two points on a different gravitational equipotential surface at a greater distance from the planet. The greatest work done by the gravitational force is when moving a mass from:

A. P to S
B. Q to R
C. R to P
D. S to R
This question, from the IBDP Paper-1, TZ1 PHYSICS HL, October 2020 exam, examines students’ understanding of gravitational fields and equipotential surfaces. The challenge lies in identifying where the most work is done by the gravitational force as a mass moves between points on different equipotential surfaces.

The problem is complex because it requires students to connect gravitational potential, potential energy, and the behavior of masses in gravitational fields. It highlights the concept that work done by gravity depends on the change in potential energy, not the path taken between points, as gravitational forces are conservative.

Enrichment of Key Concepts:

In gravitational physics, equipotential surfaces are surfaces where gravitational potential energy remains constant for a mass placed anywhere on that surface. Thus, moving a mass along a single equipotential surface requires no work by the gravitational force, as the potential energy does not change. However, moving a mass between two different equipotential surfaces involves a change in gravitational potential energy, resulting in work done by the gravitational force.

For this question:

Work Done by Gravitational Force: Gravitational force does work when there’s movement between surfaces with different potentials, where the amount of work done depends on the potential energy difference.
Gravitational Potential Difference: Moving closer to the planet increases gravitational potential energy, while moving farther decreases it. Therefore, the direction and magnitude of work depend on whether the movement is toward or away from the planet.
Solution Insight: Moving the mass from R to P involves moving it from a farther equipotential surface to a closer one, meaning gravity does work on the mass as it “falls” closer to the planet. Since R is farther from the planet, moving toward P maximizes the work done by gravity, as it decreases the gravitational potential energy the most in this scenario.

Answer Key: The correct answer is C. R to P.

IBDP Learner Profiles, Skills, and Aims:

Learner Profiles: This question engages the "Thinker" and "Inquirer" profiles, encouraging students to explore gravitational properties in depth.
Skills Enhanced: This problem enhances analytical and conceptual skills, as students need to interpret gravitational potential and energy changes.
Aims: It addresses the IBDP Physics aims of deepening knowledge of physical principles and fostering critical thinking about force fields and potential differences in gravitational contexts.
Keywords: IBDP Physics, HL Physics, gravitational potential energy, work done by gravity, equipotential surfaces, conservative forces, IB exam preparation, TZ1 Physics, gravitational field, October 2020.

#Hashtags: #IBPhysics #PhysicsHL #GravitationalPotential #WorkDoneByGravity #EquipotentialSurface #IBDP #PastPaperSolutions #PhysicsChallenge #ConservativeForces #IBPhysics2020

Inquiry Questions for Teachers:

Why does gravitational force do no work along an equipotential surface?
How does gravitational potential energy change as we move closer to or farther from a planet?
What makes gravitational forces conservative, and how does that affect work done in such fields?
How can we visualize equipotential surfaces around a planet or another large mass? Links

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