Question 1

Which of the following best describes Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Accepted Answer

It states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them: $$F = G \frac{m_1$ m_2$}{r^2$}$$

Question 2

Kepler's First Law states that planets move in which type of path around the Sun?

Accepted Answer

Elliptical orbits with the Sun at one focus

Question 3

A satellite orbits Earth at a constant altitude. If the mass of Earth is $$M$$ and the radius of the orbit is $$r$$, what is the speed $$v of $$the satellite?

Accepted Answer

$$v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$$

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation?

Accepted Answer

The acceleration due to gravity is the same everywhere in the universe.

Question 5

Which statement about gravitational potential energy is correct?

Accepted Answer

Gravitational potential energy increases as two masses move farther apart.

Question 6

A spacecraft escapes Earth's gravity and travels to deep space. What happens to its gravitational potential energy as it moves farther from Earth?

Accepted Answer

It becomes less negative and approaches zero.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes a simple harmonic oscillator?

Accepted Answer

An object that experiences a restoring force proportional to its displacement: $$F = -kx$$

Question 8

A mass $$m$$ attached to a spring with spring constant $$k$$ oscillates with period $$T. $$Which equation gives the period?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{m}{k}}$$

Question 9

Which of the following is true about the energy in a simple harmonic oscillator?

Accepted Answer

The total mechanical energy remains constant if there is no damping.

Question 10

A pendulum is displaced from equilibrium and released. Which statement is correct about its motion?

Accepted Answer

It undergoes simple harmonic motion for small angles.

Question 11

A block attached to a spring oscillates with amplitude $$A. At $$what position is its kinetic energy maximum?

Accepted Answer

At the equilibrium position ($$x = 0)$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of the phase relationship between displacement and velocity in simple harmonic motion?

Accepted Answer

Velocity is $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$ radians out of phase with displacement.

Question 13

A mass-spring system oscillates with frequency $$f. If $$the mass is doubled, what happens to the frequency?

Accepted Answer

It decreases by a factor of $$\sqrt{2}.$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a valid example of a real-world simple harmonic oscillator?

Accepted Answer

A car's suspension system oscillating after hitting a bump.

Question 15

A planet orbits the Sun in an elliptical path. At which point is its speed greatest?

Accepted Answer

At perihelion (closest approach to the Sun)

Question 16

Which of the following statements about gravitational force is correct?

Accepted Answer

It acts along the line joining the centers of mass of two objects.

Question 17

A simple pendulum has length $$L$$ and swings with small amplitude. What is its period?

Accepted Answer

$$T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{L}{g}}$$

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why astronauts in orbit feel 'weightless'?

Accepted Answer

They are in continuous free fall around Earth, experiencing no normal force.

Question 19

A spring-mass system is released from rest at its maximum displacement. What is the velocity of the mass at that instant?

Accepted Answer

Zero

Study Guide: Gravitation and Oscillatory Motion in Physics

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