# Explain why the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Moon is less than the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth, and explain what effect this difference has on the mass and weight of a rock brought from the Moon to the Earth.

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

> The Moon has a much smaller radius and a much smaller mass than the Earth.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Gravitational field strength depends on the mass of the object creating the field
2. The Earth has a greater mass than the Moon, so its gravitational field strength is greater
3. The mass of the rock does not change when moved from the Moon to the Earth
4. The weight of the rock increases when moved to the Earth
5. Because weight = mass × gravitational field strength, and gravitational field strength is greater on Earth

## Key terms

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

## 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-f2b87a66) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.