In one field, the force on a given object keeps the same strength and direction at every point. Is the field uniform?
The radial sketch is built. The other pattern you can build is the uniform one, and near Earth's surface you stand inside the standard example: the gravitational field in a room.
A correct uniform sketch comes from the same three decisions, with new answers.
Decision 1 is direction: near Earth's surface, the gravitational field points straight down, so every arrow points straight down.
Near Earth's surface, which way do gravitational field lines point?
Decision 2 is the lines: straight, parallel lines, each carrying an arrowhead.
Decision 3 is spacing: a uniform field has the same strength everywhere, so the gaps between lines stay equal.
Parallel keeps the direction the same everywhere; equal gaps keep the strength the same everywhere.
Idris builds a uniform sketch of the field in a school hallway. How should the gaps between his lines be?
Build the sketch of the gravitational field in a parking garage, decision by decision.
Decision 1, direction: near Earth's surface the field points straight down, so every arrow points straight down.
Decision 2, lines: straight, parallel lines, each with an arrowhead.
Decision 3, spacing: the field's strength is the same everywhere in the garage, so the gaps stay equal.
The sketch shows parallel lines, evenly spaced, arrows pointing straight down.
Check the sketch against the three decisions, and the sketch is done.
A correct sketch of the gravitational field in a kitchen has which set of features?
Idris and Polly each sketch the field in a basement. Idris spaces his lines evenly; Polly bunches hers near the floor. Whose spacing is correct?
The table lists the features of Casper's sketch of the field in a barn. Which change makes the sketch correct?
Polly sketches the gravitational field in a warehouse as a uniform field — the near-surface model. The table lists the features of her sketch. Which feature is wrong?