Question

How are gravitational field lines oriented?

Away from the object exerting the force

Answer 1

Gravitational field lines are oriented toward the object exerting the gravitational force. This is because gravitational force is always attractive. The lines represent the direction of the gravitational field: they point toward the mass creating the field, indicating that any mass placed in that field would experience a force pulling it toward the mass. The density of the lines indicates the strength of the gravitational field—closer lines signify a stronger field, while more spaced-out lines indicate a weaker field.