Gravitation

1. A solid cone is placed on a horizontal surface with height ‘h’ and radius ‘R’ and apex
angle is  . If gravitational potential energy of the cone does not change as position of
the cone is changed from fig. (A) to fig (B), then,

2  h h
a)   sin1   b)   c) 1 d)  2 2 key : D
3 4 R R

h
sol : Distance of cm is from the base,
4
 h  1 R
sin    4   1  tan    h 2 2
 3h  3 2 2 h R
 4 ,
A man does work W on a ball to throw it vertically up to a height h on earth, if man
2.
3W
does work on same ball to throw it vertically up to height 2h on another planet
k
1
having its radius of radius of earth and planet has same density as that of earth.
4
Find ‘k’? (h is very small in comparison to radius of earth) Key : 6

Sol : W=mgh, g 
GM
R
W2 g 2 h2
 
 R 4   2h  1 
3
k 6
R 2
, W1 g1h1 Rh 2 k
3. If the radius of earth suddenly shrinks to  R (  1) because of some internal force,
where R is the radius of earth, then the time period of rotation of earth about its axis
will become
24 24
A) 24 2 hour B) hour C) 24 hour D) hour Key : A,
 2
R2
Sol : L  Iw  T R 2 T 1  n 2T
T ,
4. A binary star consists of two stars A (mass 2.2M s) and B (mass 11 Ms), where Ms is
the mass of the sun. They are separated by distance d and are rotating about their
centre of mass, which is stationary. The ratio of the total angular momentum of the
binary star to the angular momentum of star B about the centre of mass is Key : 6
6
5. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet is g , where g is the
11
gravitational acceleration on the surface of the earth. The average mass density of the
2
planet is times that of the earth. If the escape speed on the surface of the earth is
3
Key : 3
6. Match the entries of Column-I with the entries of Column-II.
 COLUMN-II
COLUMN-I
A. Geostationary satellite P. Circular orbit
B. Total energy of earth-satellite Q. Elliptical orbit
system is constant in
C. Angular momentum of satellite R. Equatorial plane orbit
about centre of earth is
constant in
D. Orbital speed of satellite is/may S. Non-equatorial plane
be constant in orbit
Key : A-PR,B-PQRS,C-PQRS,D-PRS
7. Assume the earth’s orbit around the sun as circular and the distance between
their centres as ‘D’. Mass of the earth is ‘M’ and its radius is ‘R’. If earth has an
angular velocity of rotation  0 and angular velocity of revolution  with respect
to the centre of the sun, the total kinetic energy of the earth when observed
from sun is:
[Neglect rotation of sun and  0 ||  ]

MR 2 02     5  D   MR 2 02  5  D  
2 2 2

A) 1     B) 1  
5    0  2  R 0   5  2  R 0  
   

5  5  D  2  2     2 5  D  2 
C) MR  0 1  
2 2
  D) MR  0 1 2   
2 2

2  2  R 0   5    0  2  R 0  

1 1
Key : B, Sol : K= MVC2 + ICw02 , Where VC = Dw
2 2
8. Two rings having masses M and 2M, respectively, having the same radius R are
placed coaxially as shown in the figure.
3R

P
R

M 2M
If the mass distribution on both the rings is non-uniform, then the gravitational
potential at point P is
GM  1 2  GM  2 
a)     b)  1
R  2 5 R  2 
c) zero d) cannot be determined from the given information key : A
sol : As all the points on the periphery of either ring are at the same distance from
point P, the potential at point P, the potential at point P due to the whole ring can be

2
 calculated as V    GM  /  R2  x2  where x is the axial distance from the centre of
the ring. This expression is independent of the fact whether the distribution of mass is
uniform or non-uniform.
GM G  2M GM  1 2 
So, at P,V       
2R 5R R  2 5
9. The orbital period of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius r about a spherical
planet of
mass M and density  for a low altitude orbit r  r  rp  will be
3 
A) B) 3 G C) D) 2G
G G
Mm 4 3
Sol : mR  G R 2 , 2  G  , T 
2
Key : A, 3 G
10. The magnitudes of gravitational field at distances r1 and r2 from the center of a
uniform sphere of radius R and mass M are respectively I1 and I2. The ratio I1 /
I2 is given in the column II. Make correct matching
Column – I Column – II
A) r1 > R and r2 > R P) r1r22
R3
B) r1 < R and r2 < R Q) R3
r2 r12
C) r1 > R and r2 < R R) r1
r2
D) r1 <R and r2 > R S) r2 2
r12

Key : A-S, B-R, C-Q, D-P, Sol : Use law of gravitation

11. Intensity of gravitational field E at a point depends on co-ordinates  x, y, z  of the

 xi  y j
point as E  . If the total mass m inside an imaginary sphere of radius a
x2  y 2
a
with its centre at origin is n times [G univ gravi const] then n is
2G
Key : 2,Sol :  E.ds  4 G  men closed  ,

  xi  y j 
  2 2  . ds.

xi  y j  7k  
 4 G  Me ,  2
x 2  y 2  ds 1
 4 G  Me , .4 a 2  4 G Me
 x y  a x  y a 2
a

a na
Me   , n2
G 2G
12. Consider a narrow tunnel is along the diameter of a uniform solid sphere with its
3
 centre at O. DA is a straight line passing through tunnel of the sphere. ABC is
an equilateral triangle such that OD = OA = AC. A particle of mass m at point D
is slowly moved directly it B. via DOAB under gravity is this process is – 3J. The
work done by gravity in moving the same particle slowly from AB via C is – n J.
find value of ‘n’.
B

D O A

CKey :3
Sol : Since VD  VA , WD  A  0 , WA  B  3J ,Since field is conservative , WACB  3J
13. A satellite close to earth is in orbit above equator with a period of rotation of 1.5
hours. If it is above point P on equator at some time, it will be above P again after time
A) 1.5 hours B) 1.6 hours if it is rotating from west to east
24 24
C) hours if it is rotating from east to west D) hours if it is rotating from W to E
17 17
Key :BC
2 2
Sol : When rotating from west to east, Wrel   ,  T 1  1.6h ,
1.5 24
2 2 24
When rotating from east to west, Wrel   ,  T1  h
1.5 24 17
14. At an angle  with horizontal, a particle is projected from surface of the earth of
radius R with considerable velocity V0 to attain a maximum height ‘h’. Then
RVo cos 
A) The speed of the particle at the maximum height
 R  h
RV0 tan 
B) The speed of the particle at the maximum height is
2  R  h
C) For a particle projected from surface of the earth, angular momentum is
conserved about centre of earth
D) For a particle projected from surface of the earth, angular momentum cannot be
conserved about centre of earth due to the gravitational force of attract on acting on
the body due to the earth.Key :AC
Sol : Conservation of angular momentum at A and B,  mV0 cos  R  mV  R  h  ,
 R 
V   V0 cos 
 Rh
15. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius 4 units is located with its centre at the
origin O of coordinate system. Two spheres of equal radii 1 unit with their centres at
A(-2,0,0) and B(2,0,0) respectively are taken out of the solid leaving behind spherical
cavities as shown, then

4
 y

A
O
B
x

A) The gravitational field due to this object at the origin is zero

B) The gravitational field at the point B(2,0,0) is zero
C) The gravitational potential is same at all points of circle y 2  z 2  36
D) The gravitational potential is same at all points on the circle y 2  z 2  4
Key :ACD
Sol : The small spheres A and B may be considered as negative mass m located at A and B,
on a mass at O due to these masses, the gravitational force is equal and opposite. Thus
resultant force at the origin is zero. The plane of these circles is perpendicular to x-axis. Thus
potential at any point on these circles is equal [due to positive mass M and negative masses (-
m) and (-m)]
16. An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to
half the magnitude of the escape velocity from the earth. If the satellite is stopped suddenly
in its orbit and allowed to fall freely, on to the earth. Find the speed (in kmps) with which it
hits the surface of the earth  g  10m / sec2 and R  6400 km 
1 1
 GM  2 1  2GM  2
Key : 8 :Sol : Given V0  Ve ,      , On solving h = R
2  Rh 2 R 
From law of conservation of energy
GMm 1 2 GMm 1 2 GMm GMm GMm
  mv  , mv    ,
Rh 2 R 2 R 2R 2R

 gR  10   6.4 106  ,  8 103 m / sec  8 km / sec

1
GM
V
2

R
17. A geostationary satellite is orbiting in circular orbit. Due to internal forces
suppose rotating earth automatically shrinks to half the present radius.
Assuming mass of the earth remains constant. With respect to a point on
equator, now the satellite
A) Will be seen at rest
B) Will be seen moving eastward with a period of 8 hours
C) Will be seen moving westward with a period of 8 hours
D) Will be seen moving westward with a period of 6 hours Key : C
Sol : The angular momentum of earth will remain conserved. Since moment of inertia
will reduce to one fourth the new angular speed of the earth will become four times
the old angular speed while the angular speed of the satellite will not change. The
relative angular speed will become 3 and hence it will take three times less time
to complete the cycle w.r.t earth. Since earth moves from west to east, the satellite
will be seen to move in opposite direction i.e, westward with time period.
2 1  2  1
     24 hrs   8 hrs
3 3    3
18. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around earth at a distance r from centre .
5
 If the angular velocity of earth about its axis doubles, a satellite can now be in a
geostationary orbit around earth, if its distance from the centre is
r r r r
(A) (B) (C) (D) Key : A
(4)1/3 2 2 2 (2)1/3
19. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth at a perpendicular distance R/2 from the
earth’s centre. The wall of the tunnel may be assumed to be frictionless. A particle is
released from one end of the tunnel. The pressing force by the particle on the wall
and the acceleration of the particle varies with x (distance of the particle from the
centre of earth) according to
Pressing
force
Pressing Acceleration
force
Acceleration

x x x x
x = R/2 x = R x = R/2 x = R x = R/2 x = R x = R/2 x = R
A) B) C) D)
Key : BC
Sol : N  F cos 

A
x
N
F
 B
R/2
C

 GMm   R / 2  GMm
  3  x    ,= constant or independence of x.
 R   x  2 R
2

R
Between ABC motion of particle is SHM. At B, x 
2
Acceleration = 0, As, this the mean position of SHM
At A or C, x = R, acceleration = maximum., As, these are the extreme position of SHM
R
20. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth at a distance from its centre, where R = radius
2
of the earth. A particle is released from one end of the tunnel. Let x = distance of the particle
from the centre of the earth at any instant, F = pressing force by the particle on the wall of the
tunnel and a = acceleration of the particle. Assume that the wall of the tunnel is smooth. Then
the variation of F and a with x are best represented by the graph(s)
F a

B)
A)
x
R xR R xR
x x
2 2

6
 a
F

C) D)
R xR x
x
2 R xR
x
2
Key : BC
y
R  x
Fg F
2
x  x  R / 2 mg
Sol : Fg  mg   , F  Fg cos   mg      C
R R x 2
R 
a  2 y, x   y  0 and a  0  min  
2    B
x  R  y  max  and a max 


21. A system consists of two stars of equal masses that revolve in a circular orbit about
a centre of mass midway between them. Orbital speed of each star is v & period of
revolution is T. Find the mass M of each star.( G is gravitational constant)
2Gv 3 v 2T v3T 2Tv3
a) b) c) d) key : D
T G 2 G G
GM 2 MV 2 2 r Tv
sol :  , T ,r 
 2r  2
2
r v
22. A satellite revolves around the earth of mass M such that its nearest distance from
the centre of the earth is R and the farthest distance from the centre of earth is 3R.
The speed of satellite at perigee (closest point to the earth) is (neglect any
resistance)
GM GM GM 3 GM
A) B) C) D) Key : D
R 2R 6R 2 R
Sol : COAM  mvR = mv1 3R …(i)
v

3R E R

1 GMm 1 GMm v1 3 GM
COE  mv 2   mv '2  …(ii)  v
2 R 2 3R 2 R
23. A satellite is orbiting round the earths surface in a circular orbit very close to the
surface of the earth. Then ,

A)The total energy of earth plus satellite system is minimum

B)The total energy of earth plus satellite system is maximum

7
 C)The orbital speed of satellite is maximum

D)The time period of revolution of satellite is minimum

Key : ACD
2  R  h  2  R  h 
3/2
GM GMm
Sol : v0  ,T   , E
 R  h v0 GM 2  R  h
24. A student uses a simple pendulum of exactly 1 m length to determine g, the
acceleration due to gravity. He uses a stop watch with the least count of 1 sec for this
and records 40 seconds for 20 oscillations. For this observation, which of the
following statement(s) is (are) true?
(a) Error T in measuring T, the time period, is 0.05 seconds
(b) Error T in measuring T, the time period, is 1 second
(c) Percentage error in the determination of g is 5%
(d) Percentage error in the determination of g is 2.5%
Key : AC
 40 1 
Sol : Error for entire observation = 1sec. So time period =    sec
 20 20 
25. Imagine a hypothetical planet “flat earth” of thickness ‘t’ having same gravity on its
surface as “our Earth”. Assume “Flat earth” to be infinite plate of same uniform
4R
density as “our Earth”, which is a uniform solid sphere of Radius R. If t  ,
n
what is n?
key : 6
sol :

Equivalent Grauss law,  EdA  4Gm , 2Er 2  4G  r 2 t   E  2  Gt

,
GM G  4 3  4GR 4R
E earth   2  R  So t 
R2 R  3  3 , 6
26. A double star system consists of two stars having masses M and 2M. The distance
between their centres is equal to r. They revolve under their mutual gravitational
interaction. Then, which of the following statements are not correct.
A) Heavier star revolves in circular orbit of radius 2r/3
B) Both the stars revolve with same angular speed, period of which is equal to
2 3/2
r
3GM
C) Kinetic energy of the heavier star is twice that of the other star.
GM 2
D) Kinetic energy of the heavier star is
3r
Key : AC
Sol : The centre of mass of the double star system remains stationary and both the
stars revolve around in circular orbits which are concentric with the centre of mass
8
  Mr  2M.0  r
The distance of centre of mass from the heavier star is equal to  
 M  2M  3
Hence, the heavier star revolves in a circle of radius r/3 while the lighter star in a
circle of radius 2r/3. Hence option(a) is wrong.
1/2
 r r 2GM 2  3GM 
(2M)    2  2GM 2 (2M)  2   3 
 3 3 r 2
 r 
,
Where r is distance between two stars. Hence, option (b) is correct.
Kinetic energy of a star will be equal to 1/2 mv2 where v is speed of the star which is
equal to (radius of its circular orbit) x  .
Hence, K.E. of heavier star is
Mr 2 2 3GM GM 2
2 2
1 r  1  2r 
E1  (2M)      And that of lighter star, E 2  M   .
2 3  9 r 3
3r , 2  3 
It means, KE of the lighter star is twice that of the heavier star.
Hence, option (C ) is wrong.
27. An object of mass m lying at rest at depth of ‘R/2’ from the Earth’s surface ,is to be
made an Earth’s satellite at a height of ‘R/2’ from the Earth’s surface. The work
required to do this is... (M-mass of the Earth, R-radius of the Earth and neglect the
rotation of earth.)
GMm 25GMm 17GMm 15GMm
A) B) C) D)
R 24R 24R 2R
Key : B
Sol : The potential energy at depth is given by
GM  2 R2  11GMm
U1  V1m   3  3R  4  m   8R
2R  
GMm
The energy of satellite at a height R/2 is given by E2  
3R
25GMm
 The work required = E2  U1 =
24 R
28. A satellite is moving with a constant speed ‘V’ in a circular orbit about the
earth. An object of mass ‘m’ is ejected from the satellite such that it just
escapes from the gravitational pull of the earth. At the time of its ejection, the
kinetic energy of the object is
1 3
A) mV 2 B) mV 2 C) mV 2 D) 2mV2
2 2
Key : B
GM
Sol : V = , To just escape from gravitational pull of the earth
r
P.E = K.E
GMm
= K.E Þ K.E = mV 2
r
29. A particle is projected vertically upwards from the surface of the earth
(radius R e ) with a speed equal to one fourth of escape velocity. The maximum

9
 Re
height attained by it from the surface of the earth is . Then 'N' is
5N

Key :3
1 1 æ2GM ö÷ GMm GMm R
Sol : m. çç ÷ - = - , \ h =
2 4 çè R ÷ø R R+ h 15
30. A satellite of mass m orbits around the Earth in an elliptical path of semi-
major and semi-minor axis 2a and a respectively such that the Earth is
located at one of the foci of the elliptical path. At an instant when the
satellite is located at a distance of r , its velocity is u at an angle of 600 with
respect to the position vector of the satellite from the centre of the Earth.
Consider only the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth and
assume that the Earth is a perfect sphere.
(Assume that mass of the satellite is negligible as compared to mass of the Earth)
A) Orbital angular momentum of the satellite with respect to centre of the Earth is
3
mur
2
B) Areal velocity of position vector of the satellite with respect to centre of the Earth
3
is ur
4
8 a 2
C) Time period of orbital motion of the satellite around the Earth is
3 ur
D) Time period of satellite’s orbital motion is independent of mass of the Earth
Key : ABC
3 3 dA L 3 3
Sol : L  mur sin   mau ;   au ; Area of the ellipse   ab  2 a 2
4 dt 2m 8
Area 16 a
Time period  T  =
Areal velocity 3 3u
31. From a uniform solid spherical planet of radius R, density  , a solid spherical
2R
material of radius is scooped out to leave an eccentric hole as shown.
3
Acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the planet before scooping is g
and mass of the planet left after scooping is M. A particle of same mass M is
kept at the end of the eccentric hole as shown in the figure and the system is
released from rest. Assuming head-on elastic collision between particle and
planet and Newton’s law of gravitation to be valid,after what time will the
particle come back to the initial position for the first time?

10
 2R R 2R R
(a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 4 (d) 2
g g g g
Key : B
Sol : The particle and planet couide at the C.M and exchange their velocities. So time taken to
come back = twice the tone taken for collision. Also particle moves under constant gravitational
4
field of   00  where 0 and 0 are centres of original sphere and cavity respectively
3
PASSAGE
On a certain planet which is a uniform solid sphere of mass M and Radius R,
due to rotation about its polar axis, ratio of maximum to minimum values of
apparent acceleration due to gravity at the surface is 3 : 2


32. What is the length of a Geostationary satellite which is a vertical uniform rigid
rod with its one end very close to planet’s surface?
3R
(a) R (b) 2( 3  1)R (c) (2  2)R (d)
2
Key : A
Sol :

Gravitational force of attraction between planet (M) and satellite (m) can be depicted as in
GMm
diagram as F 
RR  l

Satellite is in pure rotation about centre of earth so F  macm can be applied for satellite

GM m  l
 m  R    2 ...................(1)
RR l  2

Further
g eq 2 g  R 2 2 g GM
   , 2  2  ......................(2)
g pole 3 g 3 3R 3R 3

 l
(1) and (2)  R  R  l   R    3R ,
3
Solving the quadratic in l , we get l =R
 2

33. Ignore the gravitational interaction between the elements of the satellite. If the
rod is suddenly stopped and released, then immediately after release (just
before collision with earth), what is the ratio of Tension in the rod at the points
of trisection (closerpoint to earth to farther point to earth)?
11
 3 2 5
(a) (b) (c) (d) indeterminate
2 3 4
Key : C
Sol :

C,D are points of transaction (C: near, D: far)

Tension at C  T1 , tension at D  T2 . Acceleration of all parts of Rod is same and from
 l  2 3R G M GM
previous question can be calculated as  R    
 2 2 3R3 2 R 2
So for F.B.D of AC,

GM m / 3 m  GM  GM m  3 1  GM m
 T1   2 ,  T1   2  2  , So for F.B.D of AD,
 l 3  2R  3  4R 2R  12 R 2
R R  
 3
GM  2m / 3  2m  GM  GM  2m   3 1  GMm T1 5
 T2    2  ,  T2    2 ,  
 2l   3  2 R  3  5R 2 R  15 R
2 2
T2 4
R R  
 3

34. A disc of radius R is made to roll without slipping on the inner surface of a
fixed ring of radius 2R in gravity free space. If the centre C of the disc moves
with constant speed u and A is the point of the disc at t  0 in contact with ring
then
y

Fixed ring

O x
A C
Disc

COLUMN-I COLUMN-II
R p) -1
A) x co-ordinate of A at t  in the
2u
units of R
B) x component of velocity of A at q) 1
R
t in the units of u
2u
C) y component of acceleration of C r) 0
2
R u
at t  in the units of
2u R
12
 D) Distance travelled by A in s) 2
R
t  sec from start in the units of R
2u
t) 8

Key : A- R, B-S, C-P, D-S

R
Sol : At time t  , C completes a quarter circle about ‘O’ and point A coincides with ‘O’
2u

A R
BS
 xA  0 and VA  2u , ,
CP
DS

( ˆj )
2
C moves in circular path of radius ‘R’ with a constant speed ‘u’. , aC  u
R

 
Point ‘A’ moves along positive x-direction S A  S AC  SC , distance travelled by A=2R

35. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit just above earth
surface is u. For satellite orbiting at an altitude of half the earth's
2
radius, the orbital velocity is u , find N
N
Key : 3
2GM
Sol : V 
R  H 
36. Two satellites s1 and s2 of equal masses revolve in the same sense around a
heavy planet in coplanar circular orbit of radii R and 4R :
a) the ratio of period of revolution s1 and s2 is 1 : 8
b) their velocities are in the ratio 2 : 1
c) their angular momentum about the planet are in the ratio 2 : 1
d) the ratio of angular velocities of s2 w.r.t. s1 when all three are in the same
line is 9 : 5
key : ABD
Paragraph for Questions
In our solar system, asteroids, small satellites, comets with diameters less than 600
km can be very irregular in shape, where as those with larger diameters are
spherical. Only if the rocks have sufficient strength to resists gravity then an object
can maintain a non-spherical shape. In solar system, there is a planetary object of
uniform density  and radius R.
37. Find the compressive stress S (defined as force per unit cross-sectional area) near
13
 the centre of the planetary object
2 1 4
(A) S   G 2 R 2 (B) S   G  2 R 2 (C) S   G  2 R 2 (D) S  G  2 R 2
3 3 3
Key : B
38. What is the largest possible size of a non-spherical self gravitating satellite made of
concrete? Assume that concrete has maximum compressive stress of 4.0  107 N/m 2
and a density   3000 kg / m3
(A) 250 km (B) 140 km (C) 180 km (D) 640 km
Key : C
Sol : First Method
Consider a layer of thickness dr at a distance r from the centre of the sphere. Now
mass of the layer of thickness dr = 4 r 2 drp
4 
G   r 3    4 r 2dr  
Force due to the layer dF   
3
r2
4 
G   r 3    4 r 2dr  
  dP  4 r 2   
3
r2
(Where  is the mean density of sphere)
4
Or , dP  G  2 rdr
3
2 2 2 2
R
 R  r 
4
 P  G   2 rdr  P  G
r
3 3
2 G 2 2
If r  0, Then P  G  R
3
Putting all the given values .
R  180km
Second Method :
4
G  X 3
Ep  3 2
X
4
dFp  E p  A dx   GA 2 Xdx d
3
R
4 2
Fp   GA 2  XdX   GA 2 R 2
3 0
3
F 3
PA  p   G  2 R 2
A 3
Third Method :
4 r 2
Area of xy part A  ( K is constant )
K

14
 4
G  x3 
E 3 2
x
4 4 r 2
 dF  G    d
3 K
4 4 r 2
G   d
So, dP  3 K
4 r 2
K
2 R
4 2 x  2
 P  G    G 2 R 2
3  2 0 3

39. At what absolute temperature T is the root mean square speed of a hydrogen
molecule equal to its escape velocity from the surface of the moon ? The radius
of moon is R, g is the acceleration due to gravity on moon’s surface, m is the
mass of hydrogen molecule and “k” is the Boltzmann constant
mgR 2mgR 3mgR 2mgR
A) B) C) D)
2k k 2k 3k
Key : D
3kT 3kJ 2mgR
Sol : vrms = , ve  2 gR ,  2 gR , T
m m 3k
40. Consider the following statements for a satellite S moving in an elliptical orbit
around the earth (Mass of satellite is small compared to earth)
I : The acceleration of S is always towards earth
II: The total mechanical energy of S varies periodically with time
III :The linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude
The correct sequence of True (T) and false (F) for the above statements is
A) TTF B) TFT C) TFF D) FTT
Key : C
Sol : acceleration is always towards earth. Mechanical Energy does not changes during
motion. But magnitude of linear momentum charges .
Passage :
The planet Venus has following characteristics
Time period of spin motion 220 days
Radius 6000 km
Mass 4 × 1024 kg
Orbital period 220 days
Orbital radius 108km

Venus Spin

Sun

Orbital Path

15
 The spin is in sense opposite to orbital motion as shown. The planet is spherical
in shape and uniformly dense. It’s orbit is essentially a circle.
41. If we assume spin angular velocity to be perpendicular to the plane of orbit,
A) It’s total angular momentum about centre of Sun has same direction as
orbital angular momentum but is lesser in magnitude
B) It’s total angular momentum about centre of Sun has same direction as
orbital angular momentum but is more in magnitude
C) It’s total angular momentum about centre of Sun has opposite direction as
orbital angular momentum but is lesser in magnitude
D) It’s total angular momentum about centre of Sun has opposite direction as
orbital angular momentum but is more in magnitude
Key : A
2 2
Sol : Orbital A.M = mR2  ,Spin A.M  I , mr 2  I , I  mR 2 ,as mr 2  mR 2
5 5
42.If the axis of rotation is nearly perpendicular to the plane of its orbit. (The angle
between axis and a line perpendicular to orbit is 4°). As venus moves to the
diametrically opposite point in it’s orbit the axis of rotation will be tilted in which
manner
4°

Sun

4° 4°

A) Sun B) Sun

4° 4°

C) Sun D) Sun

Key : C
43. A smooth tunnel is dug along the radius of the earth that ends at the centre of earth. A
ball is released from the surface of earth along the tunnel. If the coefficient of
restitution is 0.2 between the end of tunnel and ball then the total distance travelled by
the ball before second collision at the centre of earth is
6 7 9 3
(A) R (B) R (C) R (D) R
5 5 5 2
Key : B
Sol : In the tunnel, motion of the particle is simple harmonic with angular frequency
g g
 . Just before collision, V0  A  R  gR
R R
16
 Just after collision, v  eV0  gR / 5 , Let new amplitude be A | , then
v gR / 5 R 7R
A1    ,Net distance  R   R / 5    R / 5  
 g/R 5 5
44. If escape velocity is the minimum velocity with which any object be thrown
from any place so that it will not come back. Then mark the correct options
A) Escape velocity from the surface of any planet is maximum
B) Escape velocity decrease as the height of the point of projection increases
from the surface of the planet
C) Escape velocity increase as the depth of the point of projection from the
surface of the planet increases
D) Escape velocity decrease as the depth of the point of projection from the
surface of the planet increases.
Key : BC
45. The peripheral velocity of a particle located on the equator of a planet is V0 due
to rotation of the planet about its own axis. The apparent weight of the particle is
half its true weight. If escape velocity of a polar particle from this planet is kv0 , find
the value of k.
Key : 2
mV02 mg
Sol :  , Ve  2 gR
R 2
46. A spherical asteroid has an acceleration due to gravity g0 on its surface. As a
result of excavation, only a regular hemisphere remained. The excavated
material was carried away from the asteroid. What is the gravitational
acceleration at the centre of the circular face of the remaining hemisphere ?

g0 3g g
A) B) 0 C) g 0 D) 0
2 4 4
Key : B
Sol : Imagine the hemisphere to be divided into many concentric hemispherical shells
of identical thickness. What is the force exerted by these shells on a probe of unit mass
sitting in the centre of the sphere ? Since the mass of a shell is directly proportional to
the square of its radius and the force exerted by a given – mass shell on the prob is
inversely proportional to the square of its radius, the gravitation acceleration at the
centre due to the different hemispherical shells are all equal.

If there are n shells, then the mass of the outermost shell is 2 R2  R / n   , where R is
17
 the radius of the asteroid and  is its density. The total gravitational field due to the
hemisphere is n times that due to its outermost shell, i.e., it is the same as if the surface
of the hemisphere had mass M  2 R3  . This mass is, in fact, three times the actual
mass of the hemisphere. What force is exerted by this hemispherical shell of mass M
on the probe ? Considering only its magnitude, the force is the same as that exerted by
the unit – mass probe on the shell, i.e.,   G  M / 2 R 2 1/ R 2   G  / R per unit surface
area. To integrate this effect over the whole shell, the situation can be compared with
that of finding the force exerted by a liquid at pressure p on a similar hemispherical
shell see in the picture.

Since the result force of a liquid acting on a a complete hemisphere would be zero, the
total force acting on its curved surface would be the same in magnitude as the force
acting on its plane surface. Thus g   R2  G  R as shown in the figure.

Now consider the initial gravitational acceleration.

4 R3 1
g0  G  2, at the surface of the asteroid. The value calculated above is
3 R
therefore g = ¾ g0 = 7.36 cm/s2.
47. A small object is to be projected with escape velocity Ve from a point which is at
height R above the earth surface. M and R are mass and radius of earth. Then the
NGM
expression of Ve is given by . Find N
R
Key : 1 ,
2GM GM
Sol : Ve = =
2R R
48. A small satellite of known mass is revolving around sun in elliptical orbit.
Msatellite  Msun
A) Total Energy of satellite is constant at all points of trajectory
B) Time period   semi minor axis  , C) Time period   semi major axis 
3 3
2 2

D) Speed at perigee must be more than that of apogee.

Key : ACD
49. A small object of mass ‘m’ is projected from surface of earth with a speed V  gR in
vertical direction as shown. (g = acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth)

18
 C m V
R

A) The maximum height attained by object from surface of earth is R

mgR
B) The total energy of the object is 
2
C) While going upwards potential energy of system decreases
D) If the mass of the object made to half, the maximum height attained increases
Key : AB
51. An infinite collection of equal masses of 2kg are kept on x- axis at positions
x  1m, 2m, 4m,8m...... . The gravitational potential at x = 0 is nG . Find n .
Key : 4
Gm 1 1 1 1 
Sol : V   nG  2G    2  3  ....
r , 1 2 2 2 ,
 
 W 1 
nG  2G  2  S    2
 1 r 1 1 
 2 
50. Two satellites of mass ratio 1 : 2 are revolving around the earth in circular orbits such
that the distance of the second satellite is four times as compared to the distance of the
first satellite from the centre of earth. Find the ratio of their respective centripetal
forces. (Ignore gravitational interaction between satellites)
Key : 8
F2  m2  r2  F2 8
Sol : m1  m r1  r , m2  2m , r2  4r ,     F  mrw2  w  k   2  8 , 
F1  m1  r1  , F1 1
51. A binary star consists of two stars A (mass 2.2Ms) and B (mass 11 Ms), where Ms is
the mass of the sun. They are separated by distance d and are rotating about their
centre of mass, which is stationary. The ratio of the total angular momentum of the
binary star to the angular momentum of star B about the centre of mass is
Key : 6
52. On the surface of earth acceleration due to gravity is g and gravitational
potential is V. Match the following (V at infinity =0) (‘Increase by a factor 2’
means ‘doubling’)
Column-I Column-II
(P) At height h = R, value of g (1) Decreases by a factor 1/4
(Q) At depth h = R/2, value of g (2) Decreases by a factor 1/2
(R) At height h = R, value of V (3) Increase by a factor 2
(S) At depth h = R/2, value of V (4) None of the above options
(1),(2),(3)

P Q R S P Q R S
(A) 3 2 4 1 (B) 2 4 3 1
19
 (C) 1 2 3 4 (D) 3 1 4 2
Key : C
53. A satellite close to the earth is in orbit above the equator with a period of
rotation 1.5hours. If it is above a point P on the equator at some time, it will be
above P again after time
a) 1.5 hours b) 1.6 hours if it is rotating from west to east
c) 24/17 hours if it is rotating from east to west
d) 24/17 hours if it is rotating from west to east
Key : BC
Sol : When rotating west to east
2 2  15  2 24
rel    2   , T '    1.6hrs
1.5 24  24  1.5 15
When rotating east to west
2 2  17  2 24
rel    2   ,  T '   hrs
1.5 24  24  rel 17
54. Consider a hemispherical body of uniform mass density  and radius R as
shown. P and Q are two points such that OP = OQ = 2R as shown. Choose
the correct statement(s).

a) Magnitude of gravitational field intensity at P and Q are same

b) Gravitational field intensity at P and Q are unlike parallel
 G R
c) Magnitude of gravitational field intensity at Q is
6
d) If E0 is the magnitude of gravitational field intensity at Q then at P
 G R
magnitude of gravitational field intensity is
3
key : BD
sol : Let us assume the complete sphere. The upper hemisphere is denoted by 4 and
GM G 4  G R
the lower by B. Combined field intensity at P or Q is , E    R3  
 2R  4R 3
2 2
3

It is obvious that intensity at P and Q will be unlike parallel.

It is clear that is magnitude of intensity at Q due to only the hemisphere B is E0 then

20
 
at P it will be G  R  E0
3
r
55. The gravitational field in a region is given by E = (5iˆ + 12 ˆj ) N If the potential at the
kg
origin is taken to be zero. Then the ratio of potential at the points (12m, 0) and (0,
5m) is ….
- dv
Key : 1,Sol : E =
dr
56. Inside a uniform sphere of mass M (M is mass of complete sphere) and radius R, a
R
cavity of radius is made in the sphere as shown. Then
3

A) Gravitational field inside the cavity is uniform.

B) Gravitational field inside the cavity is non-uniform
88GM
C) The escape velocity of a particle projected from point A is
45R
D) Escape velocity is defined for earth and particle system only.
Key : AC
M 3 M
Sol : Mcavity = ´ 4 p R3 ) =
4 pR 3 3( 27
3
M
G
GM 27 9
At ' A ' Vtotal = Vcavity + Vremaining , - = - + Vremaing ,
R 5R
3
1 44GMm
mv2 =
GM GM 44GM 2 45R
VR = - + = - ,For escape velocity
R 45R 45R 88 GM
V=
45 R
Paragraph for Questions
The phenomenon in which one side of an astronomical body always face another
body, an effect of synchronous rotation, is known as gravitational-locking. For
example, the same side of moon always faces the earth. A gravitationally locked
body takes just as long to rotate around it’s own axis as it does to revolve around it’s
partner. This causes one hemisphere constantly to face the partner body. Usually
satellites are gravitationally locked around the larger body, but if the difference in
mass between the two bodies and their physical separation is small, each may be
locked to the other as in case between Pluto and Charon.
57. Mass of earth Me>> mass of moon M m and moon is gravitationally locked to earth.
21
 Spin angular speed of moon about it’s own axis is (assume separation between earth
and moon is a and Earth is at rest)
2
GM m 2GM m GM e G( Me + M m)
A) B) C) D)
a3 a3 a3 a3M m
Key : C
Sol : Angular velocity of moon for orbital motion and spinning motion about its axis
should be same
58. When North Pole of Pluto and Charon is seen from an axis passing through Centre of
Mass of the system, they rotate in the anticlockwise sense. If we could stand in space
and look down upon the North poles of Pluto and Charon from above, spin angular
speed of Pluto and Charon wp and wc respectively will be
A) wp in clockwise, wc in anticlockwise B) wp in anticlockwise , wc in clockwise
C) wp and wc both in anticlockwise D) wp and wc both in clockwise
Key : C
Sol : Angular velocity of moon for orbital motion and spinning motion about its axis
should be same

59. A particle of mass ‘m’ is taken with a constant speed V0 along the circumference of
an elliptical orbit with a semi major axis of length ‘a’ and semi minor axis of length
‘b’ as shown in fig. then which of the following statements are correct :
Y

B  0,b

C A
 a,0  0,0  a,0 X

D  0, b

b2
A) Radius of curvature of the elliptical orbit at (-a, 0) is
a
a 2  b2
B) Radius of curvature of the elliptical orbit at (0, -b) is
2
C) The magnitude of angular momentum of the particle when it crosses the (0, b)
about the origin is mV0b
V02b
D) The magnitude of acceleration of the particle when it crosses point (0, -b) is
a2
Key : ACD
3
  dy  2  2

1    
 dx 
Sol : The radius of curvature : R 
 d2y
 dx 2 

Radius of curvature at  0, b is a b

2

22
 Radius of curvature at   a,0 is b a
2

V02b
Acceleration of the particle  0, b  is 2
a
Angular momentum about the origin when the particle (0,b) is mV0 b .
60. A space vehicle moving in a circular orbit of radius r1 transfer to a larger
circular orbit of radius r2 by means of an elliptical path between A and B. The
transfer is accomplished by a burst of speed ΔVA at A and a second burst of
speed VB at B. Then match the following : (R is the radius of the earth, g is
the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth, neglect the spin
rotation of the earth)

Column I Column II
p) Velocity at A in a circular orbit 1) 2g r2
R
of radius r1 r1  r1  r2 
q) Velocity at A of elliptical orbit 2) 2g r1
(perihelion (near point) of the R
r2  r1  r2 
transferred orbit)
r) Velocity at B of elliptical orbit 3) g 2r1 
(aphelion (far point) of the R 1  
r2  r1  r2 
transferred orbit)
s) Velocity increment at B from 4) g
R
elliptical path to circular orbit r1
A) p-4, q-1, r-2, s-3 B) p-4, q-2, r-1, s-3
C) p-4, q-1, r-3, s-2 D) p-4, q-3, r-2, s-1
Key : A
gR 2
Sol : Velocity at A in a circular orbit VA 
GM
r1

r1
R
g
r1
 as GM  gR2 
Velocity in elliptical orbit is given by the expression, v 2  2 gR 2  
1 1 

r 2a 
r1  r2
Where a 
2
1 1 
Velocity at Perihelion of the transfer orbit, vAP
2
 2 gR 2   
 r1 2a 

23
 1 1 
v   R
'
2g   R
2 gr2
r1  r1  r2 
, r1vAP  r2 vBa
 r1 r1  r2 
AP

2 gr1
Velocity at aphelion of the transfer orbit,  vBa   R
r2  r1  r2 

g  2r1 
Velocity increment, va  R 1  
r2  r1  r2 
61. A spherical glass vessel filled with liquid is kept in uniform gravity. Horizontal surface
represents meniscus of liquid. Now complete system is kept in a gravity free space.
Select correct statement(s)
A) Liquid wets the inner surface of the vessel
B) Liquid does not wet the inner surface of the vessel
C) finally liquid forms a drop and touches at the lowest point of vessel
D) finally liquid spreads over the inner surface of vessel
Key :AD
62. The distances of two satellites from the surface of earth are R and 3R. Their
time periods of revolution are in ratio (R is the radius of earth)
A) 1: 2 2 B) 1: 2 C) 1:3 3 D) 1: 3
Key : A
3
T12 R13 ( R + R) 1 T 1 1
Sol : 2 = 3 = 3
= 3 , 1 = 3/ 2 =
T2 R2 ( R + 3R) 2 T2 2 2 2
63. The speed of a point on the equator of a spherical planet is u due to rotation
about its own axis. The effect of rotation makes the apparent weight of the
body to be 50% of its real weight. For which of the following speeds given to a
particle at pole of the planet will the particle not escape the planets gravity.
A) u B) 2u C) 3u D) 4u
Key : A
g gR
Sol : R 2  and R  u .  u  uescape  2 gR  2u
2 2 ,

24