Do gravitational field lines always need to be straight? Example?

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SUMMARY

Gravitational field lines do not always need to be straight; they can be curved when multiple bodies are involved. For instance, the gravitational field around a single spherical body, such as a planet, produces straight lines. However, the presence of additional bodies, like moons or other planets, results in curved gravitational field lines due to the combined gravitational influences.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational fields and forces
  • Familiarity with Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
  • Basic knowledge of vector fields
  • Concept of superposition in physics
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  • Study the concept of gravitational field lines in detail
  • Explore Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation and its applications
  • Learn about vector fields and their representation
  • Investigate the effects of multiple gravitational bodies on field lines
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Students of physics, educators teaching gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of gravitational fields in multi-body systems.

sadhu
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do gravitational field lines always need to be straight, can't they be just curves
if yes then please tell an example..?
 
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sadhu said:
do gravitational field lines always need to be straight, can't they be just curves
if yes then please tell an example..?


Straight lines would be from a single spherical body. More than one body would lead to curved lines.
 
thanks
 

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