Theme D: Fields

IB Physics D.1 Gravitational fields: practice questions and video explanations

Kepler’s laws, Newton’s law of gravitation and the gravitational field strength around planets and stars.

SL and HL (with HL extension)

What you need to know for D.1 Gravitational fields

  • Apply Kepler’s three laws of orbital motion
  • Use Newton’s universal law of gravitation
  • Calculate gravitational field strength and draw field lines
  • Relate orbital speed and period to the mass of the central body

HL extension: HL adds gravitational potential and potential energy, equipotentials, escape speed and orbital energy.

D.1 Gravitational fields questions in the question bank

Exam-style questions
36
Multiple choice (Paper 1A style)
26
Structured (Paper 1B and 2 style)
10
Free to try
2

Every question has a mark scheme. Multiple-choice answers are marked instantly, and for structured questions you open the mark scheme part by part and award yourself the marks you earned. Most questions also have a step-by-step video explanation presented by an IB teacher or a former IB student.

Practising D.1 Gravitational fields needs Premium. Topic A (Space, time and motion) and uncertainties are free with a free account.

Practise D.1 (SL)Practise D.1 (HL)

More from theme D: Fields

Full practice papers

When you have practised by topic, sit a full SL or HL mock exam with Paper 1A, Paper 1B and Paper 2, or see every IB Physics topic.