# Explain why the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Moon is weaker than the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth.

> AQA A-Level Physics (7408) — 3.7.1 Fields · Explain · 5 marks

> The Moon has a smaller mass and smaller radius than the Earth. Both objects produce gravitational fields.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A gravitational field is a region where a mass experiences a force (due to gravity)
2. Gravitational field strength depends on the mass of the object producing the field
3. The Moon has a smaller mass than the Earth
4. Gravitational field strength also depends on the distance from the centre of the body / the radius of the body
5. Because the Moon has a smaller mass (and its surface is closer to its centre), the gravitational field strength at its surface is weaker / the force on a mass at the Moon's surface is smaller

## Key terms

- [gravitational field](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/gravitational-field)
- [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)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-the-gravitational-field-strength-737bdbd2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.