iGCSE Physics (0625) 1.3 Mass and weight -Exam Style Questions Paper 2 - New Syllabus
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution:
A field in physics describes a region of space where an object experiences a non-contact force.
A gravitational field is specifically created by any object with mass, affecting the space around it.
The strength of this field, $g$, determines the magnitude of the force ($W$) per unit mass ($m$), expressed as $g = \frac{W}{m}$.
Because the description mentions both the “size and direction of the force,” it identifies a vector field.
Gravitational mass is a property of the object itself, not the space around it, and potential energy is a scalar quantity.
Thus, the definition provided perfectly matches the physical concept of a gravitational field.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution:
Statement 1 is incorrect because the “quantity of matter” defines mass, not weight. Weight is a force, calculated as $W = mg$, where $m$ is mass and $g$ is gravitational field strength.
Statement 2 is correct; weight is the result of a gravitational field acting upon a mass.
Statement 3 is also correct as it describes the specific gravitational pull between the Earth and the object.
Since weight is measured in Newtons (N) and depends on the local $g$, statements 2 and 3 accurately describe its nature.
Therefore, the correct combination is 2 and 3 only, which corresponds to option D.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution:
Weight is the gravitational force acting on an object with mass. It is calculated using the formula $W = m \times g$, where $m$ is the mass and $g$ is the acceleration of free fall (gravitational field strength).
Given: Mass $m = 600\text{ kg}$ and acceleration of free fall on Mars $g = 4.0\text{ m/s}^{2}$.
Substituting the values into the equation: $W = 600\text{ kg} \times 4.0\text{ m/s}^{2} = 2400\text{ N}$.
Thus, the weight of the space probe on the surface of Mars is $2400\text{ N}$, which corresponds to option C.