# Explain why the gravitational field strength on the surface of Jupiter is greater than the gravitational field strength on the surface of the Earth.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.2 Gravitational Fields · Explain · 5 marks

> Jupiter has a much greater mass than the Earth. Jupiter also has a much larger radius than the Earth.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Gravitational field strength depends on the mass of the object producing the field
2. Jupiter has a much greater mass than the Earth
3. Greater mass means a stronger/larger gravitational field strength (so this acts to increase g on Jupiter)
4. Gravitational field strength also depends on the distance from the centre of the planet / the radius
5. Despite Jupiter's larger radius (which would reduce field strength), the effect of Jupiter's much greater mass is dominant, so the overall gravitational field strength at its surface is greater than Earth's

## Key terms

- [gravitational field strength](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gravitational-field-strength)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Physics (7408)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-gravitational-field-strength-3b69485c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.