What is the definition of the gravitational field?

The gravitational field is defined as the force exerted per unit mass. This definition encapsulates the idea that a gravitational field represents how much gravitational force a mass would experience in a specific region of space. It is a way to describe the influence that a mass (like a planet) has on other masses around it.

By understanding that the gravitational field is the force felt by a unit mass, we can quantify how strong or weak the gravitational influence is in a given area. This can help in calculating the motion of objects under the influence of gravity.

For example, on Earth, the gravitational field strength is approximately 9.81 N/kg, meaning that any mass placed in this field would experience a force of 9.81 newtons for each kilogram of mass. This definition is fundamental in understanding concepts related to gravity, such as orbits and free-fall.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what a gravitational field is. For instance, the distance between two masses does not provide information about the force experienced per unit mass at a point in the field, and the area affected by gravitational attraction is too vague and does not reflect the quantitative aspect of a gravitational field. Similarly, while the measurement of gravitational force at a point is