A Level Physics · Topic hub
Gravitational Fields
A Level Physics gravitation hub: Newton's Law, field strength, potential energy, and satellite orbits.
Before you begin
Follow the lesson route in order when the topic is new. If you are revising, begin with the topic check and return to the lesson it identifies.
How the ideas connect
- Gravitational field
- Potential
- Circular orbits
- Energy in orbits
Learn in order
Lesson route
Learning path
- 01Newton's Law of Universal GravitationApply Newton's law of gravitation to point and spherical masses.
- 02Gravitational Field Strength & Field LinesDerive and apply gravitational field strength, including the near-surface model.
- 03Gravitational Potential & Gravitational Potential EnergyRelate gravitational potential, potential energy and field gradient.
- 04Escape SpeedAnalyse escape speed using conservation of energy.
- 05Circular Orbits & Geostationary SatellitesAnalyse circular gravitational orbits and geostationary satellite conditions.
Prove your understanding
Practice and repair
Key ideas and reference
Use this concise Gravitational Fields checklist for orientation. Open a linked lesson for definitions, derivations, diagrams and worked examples.
- Apply Newton's law of gravitation to point and spherical masses.
- Analyse circular gravitational orbits and geostationary satellite conditions.
Course coverage and review details
This hub groups the reviewed Gravitation lesson route.
Use the course context above when choosing qualification-specific practice and evidence.
Reviewed Jul 19, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What should I understand first before gravitation?
You should already be fluent with circular-motion force balance and energy sign conventions, because orbit and escape questions combine both ideas.
What is the minimum prerequisite route for this gravitation hub?
Minimum route: A Level Kinematics and Forces/Dynamics, then Circular Motion, then this gravitation hub.
What method errors lose marks most often in gravitation?
Most losses come from using surface distance instead of centre-to-centre distance, dropping negative signs in potential work, and mixing force equations with potential equations.
What quiz should I take next and when should I move to structured work?
Take the A Level Gravitation quiz next. Move to the Gravitation structured set when you can switch cleanly between F, g, phi, and orbital equations in one problem.