H2 Physics 9478 · Topic 8
Gravitational fields: force, potential, escape and orbits
Use one centre-to-centre radial model to connect gravitational force and field strength to negative potential, energy changes, escape and circular orbits.
Before you begin
Study each reviewed objective cluster, then use the recorded diagnostic and repair plan. H2 practice evidence remains separate from H1 and H3.
Be comfortable with: Circular Motion objective chainEnergy & Fields objective chain
How the ideas connect
- Gravitational force and field strength
- Potential, potential energy and field gradient
- Escape speed through energy stores and transfers
- Circular and geostationary orbits
Learn in order
Lesson route
Objective clusters
- 01Gravitational force and field strength 8(a)–(d)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 02Potential, potential energy and field gradient 8(e)–(h)Learn and apply 4 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 03Escape speed through energy stores and transfers 8(i)Learn and apply 1 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
- 04Circular and geostationary orbits 8(j)–(k)Learn and apply 2 reviewed syllabus outcomes in one coherent cluster.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Gravitational fields: force, potential, escape and orbits checklist to locate the right objective cluster. Full definitions, derivations and worked examples stay in the linked lessons.
- Use one centre-to-centre radial model to connect gravitational force and field strength to negative potential, energy changes, escape and circular orbits.
- Gravitational force and field strength 8(a)–(d)
- Potential, potential energy and field gradient 8(e)–(h)
- Escape speed through energy stores and transfers 8(i)
- Circular and geostationary orbits 8(j)–(k)
Course coverage and review details
The official topic states no explicit exclusions. Models use centre-to-centre distance, zero potential at infinity, point masses or spherical bodies viewed externally, and ideal circular orbits unless a question states otherwise.
Coverage is reviewed against 9478 topic 8(a)–(k), PDF page 17. Selected-response progress does not by itself prove constructed, diagrammatic or practical performance.
Reviewed 2026-08-01