Gravitation Physics

About a thousand years after Aryabhat, the brilliant combination of Tycho Brahe (1546-1601) and
Johnaase Kepler (1571-1630) studied the planetary motion in great detail. Kepler formulated his
important findings in his three laws of planetary motion. First two laws were formulated in 1609
and the third law after 10 years i.e. in 1619.

Q) State and Explain Kepler’s First Law or Orbital law of planetary Motion. [2M]

Kepler’s First Law:

‘All planets move in elliptical orbits with the sun at one of the foci of ellipse’.
 Ellipse is having two axes known as major axis and minor
axis and two foci on major axis on either side of minor axis.
 Sun is lies on one the foci and planet revolves around the
sun in the elliptical orbit. Hence
 Planet comes closer to sun and goes away from the sun in a
one complete period.

Q) State and Explain Kepler’s Second Law or Areal law of planetary Motion. [2M]

Kepler’s Second Law:

‘Planet sweeps equal area in equal interval of time with sun at foci of ellipse’ or
‘The radius vector from the sun to the planet sweeps equal area in equal time’.

 Planet nearer to the sun having high speed than

that of planet far from the sun but sweeps equal
area in equal interval of time across the both
side of sun

In ΔSRO,
1
∆𝐴= ∙ 𝑆𝑂 ∙ 𝑅𝑂
2
1
∆𝐴= ∙ 𝑟 ∙ 𝑉∆𝑡 as x = v t
2

∆𝐴 1
= ∙ 𝑟 ∙𝑣
∆𝑡 2
∆𝐴 1 𝑝
= ∙ 𝑟 ∙ 𝑎𝑠 𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣
∆𝑡 2 𝑚
∆𝐴 1
= ∙ 𝑟 ∙𝑃
∆𝑡 2𝑚
∆𝐴 1
= ∙ 𝐿 𝑎𝑠 𝐿 = 𝑟 . 𝑝
∆𝑡 2𝑚
∆𝐴
= 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝐿𝑎𝑤 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑢𝑚
∆𝑡
Hence change in area in given interval of time is constant.

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) State and Explain Kepler’s Third Law or period law of planetary Motion. [2M]

Kepler’s Third Law:

‘The square of the time period of a planet is directly proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis
of the ellipse’
𝑇 2 ∝ 𝑎3
 Semi-major axis of mercury is less than that of Earth
Hence time period of mercury is less.
 Also Planet nearer to the sun revolves at faster speed
 Mars having large semi-major axis hence, higher period of revolution.

Q) State and Explain Newton’s Universal law of Gravitation. [2M]

Universal Law of Gravitation:

“Everybody having mass attract other body by some force called gravitational force. The magnitude
of this force is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of distance between them.”

When two body of mass 𝑚1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚2 are separated by a distance r then

𝐹 ∝ 𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
1
𝐹 ∝
𝑟2
𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
∴ 𝐹 ∝
𝑟2
𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
∴ 𝐹=𝐺
𝑟2
Where G is constant of Proportionality known as Gravitational Constant
𝐹 𝑟2
∴ 𝐺=
𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
Hence G is nothing but the Gravitational Force,
between two unit masses which is separated by unit distance.
𝐺 = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 /Kg 2
Dimension of G = [ L3 M −1 T −2 ]

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 Gravitation Physics

Newton’s Law of Gravitation in Vector Form:

When two body of mass 𝑚1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑚2 are separated by a distance r then
 The position vector of both the masses with respect to the origin ‘O’ is given by
𝑟1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟2 respectively as shown in figure.
 Position vector of mass-2 with respect to the mass-1 is given by ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑟21
 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟12 but magnitude are equal i.e. 𝑟 = |𝑟⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑟21 = − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 21 | = |𝑟 12 |
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
 |𝑟⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
21 | = | ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟1 |
𝑟2 − ⃗⃗⃗

Force acting of mass-1 due to mass-2 is given by

𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
𝐹12 = 𝐺 𝑟̂ 21
𝑟2

Force acting of mass-2 due to mass-1 is given by

𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
𝐹21 = 𝐺 𝑟̂ 12
𝑟2

N*) Find the gravitational force between the Sun and the Earth.
Given Mass of the Sun = 1.99×1030 kg Mass of the Earth = 5.98×1024 kg
The average distance between the Earth and the Sun = 1.5×1011 m
Solution:
𝑚1 ∙𝑚2
We know that 𝐹 = 𝐺 𝑟2
m2 1.99 × 1030 kg ×5.98 × 1024 𝑘𝑔
∴ 𝐹 = 6.67 × 10−11 N Kg2 (1.5 × 1011 )2 𝑚2

Solve using log antilog

F = 3.5 × 1022 N
Q) Derive an expression for acceleration due to gravity on earth surface. [2M]

Earth is an extended object and can be considered as sphere of mass ‘M’ having radius ‘R’
When an object of mass ‘m’ is on earth surface.
Then gravitational force of attraction is given by,
𝑀∙𝑚 𝐺𝑀
𝐹=𝐺 2
= ( 2) 𝑚 =𝑚∙𝑔
𝑅 𝑅
𝐺𝑀
Where 𝑔 = , known as acceleration due to gravity.
𝑅2
S.I. unit of g is m/s2
Dimension of g [ L1 M0 T-2 ]

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Derive an expression for acceleration due to gravity at an altitude of h [4M]

By Universal gravitational law, From [1] & [2]
𝐹=𝐺
𝑀∙𝑚 𝐺𝑀
𝑅2 𝑔ℎ (𝑅 + ℎ)2
=
Where 𝑔 𝐺𝑀
𝑅2
M = mass of earth
𝑅2
R = Radius of Earth ∴ 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 ((𝑅+ℎ)2 )

𝐺𝑀 𝑅 2
𝐹= ( )𝑚 ∴ 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 ( )
𝑅2 𝑅+ℎ
𝐹 =𝑔𝑚 2
1 1
𝐺𝑀 ∴ 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 ( 𝑅+ℎ ) = 𝑔 ℎ 2
(1+ )
∴ 𝑔= 2 . . . . . . . . . . .. [1] 𝑅 𝑅
𝑅
ℎ −2
∴ 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 (1 + )
𝑅
Similarly for an altitude of ‘h’
𝐺𝑀
𝑔ℎ = . . . . . . . . .. [2] Neglecting the term (h/R) in binomial theorem,
(𝑅 + ℎ)2
2ℎ
∴ 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅

Q) Derive an expression for acceleration due to gravity in depth ‘d’ [4M]

By Universal gravitational law, 4
∴ 𝑔 =𝐺 𝜋 𝑅 ∙ 𝜌 . . . . . . . . . . .. [1]
𝑀∙𝑚 3
𝐹=𝐺 𝑅2 Similarly for an depth of ‘d’
Where 𝐺𝑀
𝑔𝑑 =
R = Radius of Earth (𝑅 − 𝑑)2
M = mass of earth = Volume × Density 4
∴ 𝑔𝑑 = 𝐺 𝜋 (𝑅 − 𝑑) ∙ 𝜌 . . . . . . . . . . .. [2]
4 3
3
= 𝜋𝑅 × 𝜌
3 From [1] & [2]
𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀
𝐹= ( )𝑚 4
𝑅2 𝑔𝑑 (𝑅 − 𝑑)2 𝐺 3 𝜋 (𝑅 − 𝑑) ∙ 𝜌
= =
𝐹 =𝑔𝑚 𝑔 𝐺𝑀 4
2 𝐺 3 𝜋𝑅∙𝜌
𝑅
𝐺𝑀
∴ 𝑔= 𝑅−𝑑
𝑅2 ∴ 𝑔𝑑 = 𝑔 ( )
𝑅
4
𝐺× π R3 ∙ ρ
∴ 𝑔= 3
𝑅2 𝑑
∴ 𝑔𝑑 = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Derive an expression for gravitational acceleration of the Earth at with latitude [4M]
Latitude: It is defined as the angle made by the line joining center and point on earth surface
with equatorial plane.

 Earth Rotates about its polar axis with angular peed of

𝜔 from west to east. Hence any point in the surface of
earth performs the circular motion parallel to the
equatorial plane.
 Let us consider the Point P having latitude of 𝞱 and
performs the circular motion as shown in figure.
 In ΔOPO`
𝑟
cos 𝜃 ∴ 𝑟 = 𝑅 cos 𝜃
𝑅
 Centripetal Acceleration along the radius r is given by
𝑎𝑐 = 𝑟 𝜔 2
 Centripetal Acceleration along the radius R is given by
𝑎𝑐 = 𝑟 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
But 𝑟 = 𝑅 cos 𝜃
𝑎𝑐 = 𝑅 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
 Centripetal Acceleration along the radius R is given by
𝐹𝑐 = 𝑚 𝑎𝑐
𝐹𝑐 = 𝑚 𝑅 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
 Hence Total gravitational force at P is given by two component i.e.
 𝑚𝑔 = 𝑚𝑔′ + 𝑚 𝑅 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
∴ 𝑚𝑔′ = 𝑚𝑔 − 𝑚 𝑅 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
∴ 𝑔′ = 𝑔 − 𝑅 𝜔2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
The above expression represents the variation of gravitational acceleration with latitude 𝞱

Q) Compare the nature of variation in acceleration due to gravity in depth & Height
We know that,
𝐺𝑀 𝑑
𝑔ℎ = & 𝑔𝑑 = 𝑔 (1 − )
(𝑅 + ℎ )2 𝑅
1
𝑔ℎ ∝ & 𝑔𝑑 ∝ 𝑟
𝑟2

Hence 𝑔ℎ decreases quadratically with ‘h’

Also 𝑔𝑑 decreases linearly with ‘d’
For h = d 𝑔ℎ < 𝑔𝑑

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 Gravitation Physics

N*) At what distance below the surface of the Earth, the acceleration due to gravity
decreases by 10% of its value at the surface & decreases to 10% given RE = 6400 km.
Data : (1) gd = 0.9 g i.e. Decreases by 10%
(2) gd = 0.1 g i.e. Decreases to 10%
RE = 6400 km.
𝑑 𝑔𝑑 𝑑 𝑔𝑑
Solution : 𝑔𝑑 = 𝑔 (1 − 𝑅) = (1 − 𝑅) 𝑑 = (1 − )R
𝑔 𝑔

(1) 𝑑 = (1 − 0.9) × 6400

d = (0.1) × 6400
d = 640 km
(2) 𝑑 = (1 − 0.1) × 6400
d = (0.9) × 6400
d = 5760 km
N*) Calculate the acceleration due to gravity at a height of 300 km from the surface of the
Earth. (M = 5.98 ×1024 kg, R = 6400 km)
Data : M = 5.98 ×1024 kg, R = 6400 km
h = 300km r = R + h = 6700 km = 67 × 105 m
Solution:
2ℎ 2×300 600
𝑔ℎ = 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 (1 − ) = 9.8 × (1 − ) = 9.8 (1 − 6400) = 9.8 (0.91)
𝑅 6400

or
𝐺𝑀 6.67 × 10−11 ∙ 5.98 × 1024 6.67 × 5.98
𝑔ℎ = = = 10−11+24−12 = 0.88854 × 10
𝑟2 (6.7 × 106 )2 6.7 ×6.7

∴ 𝑔ℎ = 8.88 𝑚⁄𝑠 2

N*) Calculate the value of acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Mars if the radius
of Mars = 3.4×103 km and its mass is 6.4×1023 kg.
DATA : R = 3.4×103 km M = 6.4×1023 kg.
We know that
𝐺𝑀
𝑔=
𝑅2
6.67 × 10−11 × 6.4 ×1023 6.67 ×6.4
𝑔= = 10−11+23−12 = 3.6972 𝑚⁄𝑠 2
3.4 ×3.4 ×1012 3.4 ×3.4

∴ 𝑔 = 3.697 𝑚⁄𝑠 2 𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑠

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 Gravitation Physics

N*) Calculate the value of the universal gravitational constant from the given data. Mass of
the Earth = 6×1024 kg, Radius of the Earth = 6400 km and the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface = 9.8 m/s2
DATA : M = 6×1024 kg, R = 6400 km = 6.4 × 106, g = 9.8 m/s2
Solution :
We know that
𝐺𝑀
𝑔 =
𝑅2
𝑅2 9.8 ×6.4 ×6.4 × 1012 9.8 ×6.4 ×6.4
𝐺= 𝑔 × = = × 1012−24
𝑀 6× 1024 6

∴ 𝐺 = 6.67 × 10−11 𝑁 𝑚2⁄𝑘𝑔2

N*) A body weighs 5.6 kg-wt on the surface of the Earth. How much will be its weight on a
planet whose mass is 1/7th mass of the Earth and radius twice that of the RE
Data : WE = 5.6 kg-wt
𝑀𝑝 1 𝑅𝑝 2
=7 & =1
𝑀𝐸 𝑅𝐸

Solution :
We know that
𝐺𝑀 1
𝑔 = 𝑖. 𝑒. 𝑔 ∝ 𝑀 & 𝑔 ∝
𝑅2 𝑅
2
gp 𝑀𝑝 𝑅𝐸 1 1 2 1
= × ( ) = × () =
gE 𝑀𝐸 𝑅𝑝 7 2 28

gp = gE × (1/28)

m gp = m gE × (1/28)
Wp = WE (1/28) = 5.6 * (1/28) = 0.2 kg-wt

Q) Define Potential Energy [1M]

Potential Energy:
“It is defined as the work done against conservative forces in achieving a certain position”
 Potential Energy is energy due to height.
 Any body tries to minimize its potential energy; Minimum value is on the surface of Earth.
 Potential Energy Varies with Radius

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Derive an Expression for Gravitational Potential Energy [3M]

 While Work done against the Gravitational force ‘F’ in displacing an object by small
distance ‘dr’, increase the P.E. by some amount.
Hence change in Potential Energy is given by
dU = F dr
𝑀∙𝑚
𝐹=𝐺
𝑟2
Integrating both side under the limit of initial position to final position
𝑟𝑓
∫ 𝑑𝑈 = ∫ 𝐹 ∙ 𝑑𝑟
𝑟𝑖
𝑟𝑓
𝑚1 ∙ 𝑚2
∫ 𝑑𝑈 = ∫ 𝐺 ∙ 𝑑𝑟
𝑟𝑖 𝑟2

𝑓 𝑟 1 −1 𝑟𝑓 −1 −1 1 1
∫ 𝑑𝑈 = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 ∫𝑟 𝑟2
∙ 𝑑𝑟 = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 [ 𝑟 ] = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 [ 𝑟 − 𝑟𝑖
] = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 [𝑟 − 𝑟 ]
𝑖 𝑟𝑖 𝑓 𝑖 𝑓

1 1
∆𝑈 = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 [ − ]
𝑟𝑖 𝑟𝑓
Above expression represents the change in gravitational potential energy due the change in
position from initial position ′𝑟𝑖 ′ to final position ′𝑟𝑓 ′
 Gravitational Potential energy on surface of earth,
𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑖 = 0 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑟𝑓 = 𝑅
1 𝐺𝑀
𝑈 = 𝐺𝑀 𝑚 [− ] = (− )𝑚
𝑅 𝑅
𝐺𝑀
Where the term (− ) is known as Gravitational Potential
𝑅

Hence Potential Energy = Gravitational Potential × mass

S.I. Unit of Gravitational Potential is J/kg & Dimension is [ L2 M0 T-2 ]

N*) What is the gravitational potential due to the Earth at a point which is at a height of
2RE above the surface, M = 6×1024 kg, R = 6400 km & G = 6.67×10-11 N m2 kg-2
GM
Gravitational Potential = −
r
GM GM 6.67 × 10−11 × 6 × 1024
=− = =
(R E + 2R E ) 3R E 3 × 6400 × 10−3
= - 2.08 × 107 J Kg-1

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 Gravitation Physics

Earth Satellite
“The objects which revolve around the Earth are called Earth satellites.
 Moon is the only natural satellite of the Earth. It revolves in almost a circular orbit around
the Earth with period of revolution of nearly 27.3 days.
 Artificial satellites have been launched by several countries including India. These satellites
have different periods of revolution according to their use.

 Satellite revolving around the earth along the equatorial plane with sense of rotation as that
of the Earth and the same period of rotation as that of the Earth i.e. 24 hrs is known as
geostationary satellites or Communication Satellites.
 Satellite which revolves around the earth and across the poles is known as polar satellite.
 Communication Satellites are used for
o Television transmission,
o Telephones and navigation,
o Surveillance
o Radio wave signal transmission,
 Polar satellites are used for
o Weather forecasting,
o Meteorological purpose. also
o Used for astronomical observations and
o Study of Solar radiations.

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Define Escape speed & derive an expression for Escape speed of an object from the
earth surface of the earth [4M]

Escape Velocity: “The minimum velocity with which a body should be thrown vertically
upwards from the surface of the Earth so that it escapes the Earth’s gravitational field is
called the escape velocity (Ve) of the body.”

 Let us consider, an object is thrown vertically from the earth surface the velocity ‘Ve’ which
sufficient enough for body to escape from the earth gravitational field. Hence
 At the surface of Earth,
1
𝐾. 𝐸. = 𝑚 𝑉𝑒2
2
GM
P. E. = − ×𝑚
R
 As we go above from the surface of earth, velocity goes on decreasing. Hence K.E. goes on
decreasing and becomes Zero at the 𝑟 = ∞
K.E. = 0
𝐺𝑀
𝑃. 𝐸. = − ×𝑚 =0
∞
 The Total energy of the system remains conserved.
1 𝐺𝑀
𝑚 𝑉𝑒2 − ×𝑚 =0
2 𝑅
1 𝐺𝑀
𝑚 𝑉𝑒2 = ×𝑚
2 𝑅
2𝐺𝑀
𝑉𝑒2 =
𝑅

2GM
Ve = √ = √2gR
R

The above expression represents the Vertical Velocity from earth surface with which an
object should be projected to escape from the earth gravitational field.
Above expression is independent of mass of a satellite having all constant term, using
value of G, M & R, Ve = 11.2 km / sec

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Define Critical Velocity & derive an expression for Critical speed of an object from the
earth surface of the earth [4M]

Critical Velocity: “The exact horizontal velocity of projection that must be given to a
satellite at a certain height so that it can revolve in a circular orbit round the Earth is called
the critical velocity or orbital velocity (Vc)”

The centripetal force necessary for circular motion of satellite is provided by gravitational
force exerted by the satellite on the Earth.
∴ Centripetal force = Gravitational force
𝑚 𝑉𝑐2 𝐺𝑀𝑚
=
𝑟 𝑟2
𝐺𝑀
∴ 𝑉𝑐2 =
𝑟

𝐺𝑀
∴ 𝑉𝑐 = √ = √𝑔ℎ 𝑟
𝑟

Q) Why artificial satellite using two stage rocket in launching of a satellite?

 While launching of a satellite a vertical velocity is given to the body to reach certain height
known as escape velocity of the body which is independent of mass of a body.
 If this vertical velocity is less that the escape velocity (Ve), the satellite returns to the
Earth’s surface.
 If the vertical velocity is greater than or equal to the escape velocity, the satellite will escape
from Earth’s gravitational influence and go to infinity and never return back.
 Hence launching of a satellite in an orbit round the Earth cannot take place by use of single
stage rocket.
 With the help of first stage of rocket, satellite can be taken to a desired height above then the
launcher is rotated in horizontal direction i.e. through 900 using remote control and the first
stage of the rocket is detached. Then with the help of second stage of rocket, a specific
horizontal velocity (Vh) is given to satellite so that it can revolve in a circular path round the
Earth.
 Due to multistage weight of rocket goes on decreasing & fuel efficiency is achieved.

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 Gravitation Physics

Q) Draw different trajectories depending upon the tangential projection speed.

Trajectory: Path followed by an object
When
Vh > Vc Elliptical Trajectory
Vh = Vc Circular Trajectory
Vh < Vc Back to the Earth Surface
Vh > Ve Escape Hyperbolically
Vh = Ve Escape Parabolically

Q) Define Binding Energy and derive an expression for binding energy.

Binding Energy: “The minimum energy required by a satellite to escape from Earth’s
Influence is the binding energy of the satellite”

 Magnitude of binding energy is modulus of total energy

 Consider a satellite of mass m revolving at height ‘h’ above the surface of the Earth in a
circular orbit. It possesses potential energy as well as kinetic energy.
 Let,
o ‘M’ be the mass of the Earth,
o R be the Radius of the Earth,
o Vc be critical velocity
 when at height ‘h’ i.e. r = R + h
1 1 GMm
K. E. = m Vc2 =
2 2 r
GM
P. E. = − ×𝑚
r
Hence Total Energy = K.E. + P.E.
1 GMm GMm
= 2 r
− r
GMm
= − 2r
GMm GMm
Binding Energy = |T. E. | = |− | =
2r 2r

At rest on earth surface Vc = 0 K.E. = 0

GMm GMm
Binding Energy = |T. E. | = |− |=
R R

Prathmesh Sir’s Notes | M.Tech (Thermal Engineering) VJTI, MUMBAI Page 12

 Gravitation Physics

Q) Define Period Of Satellite and derive an expression for it.

Period Of Satellite:
“Time taken by the satellite to complete the one revolution around the earth is called as
time period of that satellite”

2πr
Vc =
T
2πr
T =
Vc

2
2𝜋𝑟 2 4 π2 r 2 4 π2 r 3 4 π2
T =( ) = = = ( ) 𝑟3
𝑉𝑐 GM GM GM
r

∴ T2 ∝ r3

r3
T = 2π √
GM

GM
gh = i.e. GM = r 2 g h
r2

r
T = 2π √
𝑔ℎ

N*) Calculate the speed of a satellite in an orbit at a height of h from the Earth’s surface.
Data: h = 1000 km, ME= 5.98×1024 kg, R = 6.4×106 m
Solution:

GM
Vc = √
r

GM
Vc = √
R+h

6.67 × 5.98 × 10−11+24

Vc = √
7.4 × 106

Vc = 7.343 × 103 𝑚/𝑠

Prathmesh Sir’s Notes | M.Tech (Thermal Engineering) VJTI, MUMBAI Page 13

 Gravitation Physics

N*) Two satellites A and B are revolving round a planet. Their periods of revolution
are 1 hour and 8 hour respectively. The radius of orbit of satellite B is 4×104
km. find radius of orbit of satellite A.
Solution :
We know that, T 2 ∝ r 3
∴ TA2 ∝ rA3 & TB2 ∝ rB3
∴ TA2 = k rA3 & TB2 = k rB3
T2A r3A
∴ =
T2B r3B

3 1
∴ rA = √ × 43 × 1012 = 1 × 104 km
64

N*) Calculate the kinetic energy, potential energy, total energy and binding energy of an
artificial satellite of mass 2000 kg orbiting at a height of 3600 km above the surface of
the Earth.
Solution : r = R+h = 6400 +3600 = 10000 km
1 1 GMm
K. E. = m Vc2 =
2 2 r
GM
P. E. = − × 𝑚 = −2 K. E.
r

T.E. = K.E. + P.E. = K.E. – 2K.E. = - K.E.

B.E. = | T.E. | = | - K.E. | = K.E.
1 GMm 1 6.67 × 6 × 2 × 10−11+24+3
K. E. = = 7
= 40.02 × 109 J
2 r 2 10
∴ P. E. = −2 K. E. = 80.04 × 109 J
∴ T. E. = − K. E. = − 40.02 × 109 J
∴ B. E. = |−T. E. | = 40.02 × 109 J

N*) A planet has mass 6.4 ×1024 kg and radius 3.4×106 m. Calculate energy required to
remove on object of mass 800 kg from the surface of the planet to infinity.
At rest on surface Vc = 0 K.E. = 0
GMm 6.67 ×6.4 ×8 × 10−11+24+2
Binding Energy = |T. E. | = |− |= = 1.004 × 1011 J
R 3.4 ×106

Prathmesh Sir’s Notes | M.Tech (Thermal Engineering) VJTI, MUMBAI Page 14