Chapter-8

Gravitation
Universal law of Gravitation
Every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force which is
directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them.
According to universal law of gravitation
F 𝛼 m1 m2 ………….(1)
1
F𝛼 …..……..(2)
r2

from (1) and (2)

m1 m2
F𝛼 r2
m1 m2
F=G r2

where G = universal gravitational constant

Fr2
G= m1 m2

Dimension of G =[M-1L3T-2]
G = 6.673 x 10−11 N m2 /kg 2
Characteristics of Gravitational force:
• Always attractive in nature.
• They form an action-reaction pair.( the forces exerted by two bodies on each
other are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction).
• These are central forces( act along the line joining the centre of two bodies).
• Completely independent of the presence of other bodies.
• They obey inverse square law.
Acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth
The acceleration produced in a body when it falls freely under the effect of gravity
alone is called acceleration due to gravity.
Suppose M be the mass of the earth and R is the radius. Let a body of mass m be
situated at the surface of the earth or at a small height.
 According to the universal law of gravitation.
𝑀𝑚
F =G …………………..(1)
R2

The acceleration due to gravity g in the body arises due to

the Force F.
According to Newton’s Second law
F= mg ……………………(2)
From (1) and (2)
𝑀𝑚
mg = G R2
𝑀
g=G
R2

NOTE
• Value of g is independent of mass of the object.
Acceleration due to gravity in terms of density of earth
Suppose M be the mass of the earth and R is the radius. The acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the earth is given by ;
M
g=G …………………(1)
R2
M
density, ρ = V

Mass of the earth, M = ρ V

4
=ρ π R3 ………………(2)
3

sub (2) in (1)

4
ρ π R3
g=G 3
R2
4
g= π G ρR
3

Q.NO-Acceleration due to gravity on moon’s surface is 1.67 m/s 2 . If radius of moon

is 1.74 × 10 m. Calculate the mass of moon.
6

Rm = 1.74 × 10 6 m
𝐺𝑀𝑚
g= r2

𝑔r2
Mm = 𝐺
 2
1.67 ×(1⋅74×106 )
Mm = = 7.36 × 1022 kg
6.673 𝑥 10−11

Variation of g with altitude

The acceleration due to gravity for a body of mass m
placed on the surface of earth at A,
𝐺M
g= …………..(1)
R2

Let the body m be raised to a height h above the

surface of earth. The acceleration due to gravity at a
height h from the surface of the earth at B is
GM
g' = …………………(2)
(R+h)2

GM
g′ (R+h)2
(2)÷ (1) = 𝐺M
g
R2

g′ M R2
= x
g (R+h)2 𝑀

g′ R2
= …………….(3)
g (R+h)2

g′ R2
= 𝑅ℎ 2
g (R+ )
𝑅

g′ R2
= ℎ
g R2 (1+ )2
𝑅

g′ 1
= ℎ
g (1+ )2
𝑅

g′ ℎ −2
= (1 + )
g 𝑅

Expanding the above equation with binominal theorem and neglecting higher
power
g′ 2ℎ
=1-
g 𝑅

2ℎ
g’ = g (1- ) when h<<R, g’< g
𝑅

NOTE:
As we go above the surface of the earth, acceleration due to gravity goes on
decreasing .
Variation of g with depth
The acceleration due to gravity on the surface
4
of earth at A, g= 3 π G ρR ……………………..(1)

The acceleration due to gravity at radius (R-d)

(At B)
4
g’ = π G ρ(R-d) …………………(2)
3
4
g′ π G ρ(R-d)
(2)÷ (1) = 3
4
g π G ρR
3

g′ (R-d)
=
g R

g′ d
= 1-
g R

𝑑
g’ = g ( 1- )
𝑅

When depth↑ value of g↓

Weight of the object at the centre of the earth
𝑑
g’ = g ( 1- )
𝑅

d=R
𝑅
g’ = g ( 1- )
𝑅

g’ = 0
w’ = mg’
w’=0
Graph showing the g with distance from the centre of the earth
Gravitational Field
It is the region around the body in which any other mass experience a force
of attraction.
Gravitational Field Intensity or Gravitational field strength
• Intensity of gravitational field at a point in a gravitational field is defined as
the force per unit mass acting on a test mass placed at that point .
• Vector quantity.
𝐹
• I= 𝑚

• SI unit :– N/kg
𝑀𝑚
G 𝑀𝑚
R2
• I= where F= G
𝑚 R2
GM
I= R2

I=g
Gravitational Potential
• It is the work done to move a unit mass from infinity to a point in the
gravitational field.
𝑊
• Vp = 𝑚

• SI unit – J/kg
Let P be a point at a distance r from the
centre of earth. Let m be the mass of
the object placed at A at a distance x
from centre of the earth. The force of
attraction between M and m is
𝑀𝑚
F=G ……………..(1)
x2

The small work is done in moving the

object from A to B through a small
distance dx is
dw = Fdx …………..….(2)
Sub (1) in (2)
𝑀𝑚
dw = G dx
x2
 The total work done in bringing the mass of the object from infinity to that
point(P)
𝑟 𝑀𝑚
∫ 𝑑𝑤 = ∫∞ G x2
dx
𝑟 1
W = GMm ∫∞ dx
x2
𝑟
W = GMm ∫∞ 𝑥 −2 dx
𝑟 𝑥 −2+1
w = GMm ∫∞ dx
−2+1

𝑥 −1
w = GMm [ ]𝑟∞
−1
1
w = -GMm [ ]𝑟∞
𝑥
1 1
w = -GMm [ 𝑟 - ∞]
GMm
w=- 𝑟
W
Gravitational Potential is Vp = - 𝑚
GM
Vp = - 𝑟

Note:-
• Vp is always negative
• Vp is maximum at infinity.
GM
• Vp on surface of earth = - 𝑟

Gravitational Potential Energy(u):-

• The energy required to move a body from infinity to a point on the
gravitational field .
• SI unit – joule
W
• Gravitational Potential is Vp = - 𝑚

• work done is stored as gravitational potential energy.

• gravitational potential energy= gravitational potential x mass
• U= Vp x mass
GM
• u=- xm
𝑟
GMm
o U=- 𝑟
 Gravitational Potential Energy(u):-
• Let P is a point at a distance r from the centre of earth. Let m be the mass
of the object placed at A at a distance x from centre of the earth. The force
of attraction between M and m is
𝑀𝑚
• F=G ……………..(1)
x2

• The small work is done in moving the object from A to B through a small
distance dx is
• dw = Fdx …………..….(2)
• Sub (1) in (2)
𝑀𝑚
• dw = G dx
x2

• The total work done in bringing the mass of the object from infinity to that
point(P)
𝑟 𝑀𝑚
• ∫ 𝑑𝑤 = ∫∞ G x2
dx
𝑟 1
• W = GMm ∫∞ dx
x2
𝑟
• W = GMm ∫∞ 𝑥 −2 dx
𝑥 −2+1
• w = GMm [ ]𝑟∞
−2+1

𝑥 −1
• w = GMm [ ]𝑟∞
−1
1
• w = -GMm [ ]𝑟∞
𝑥
1 1
• w = -GMm [ 𝑟 - ∞]
GMm
• w=- 𝑟
GMm
• Gravitational Potential energy , u = - 𝑟

• This work done is stored as gravitational potential energy.

Q.N At what height from surface of earth will be value of acceleration due to
gravity reduces by 36% from the value on surface of earth?
g’ =64% of g ( 36% reduced)
𝑔′ 64
=
𝑔 100
 𝑔′ 𝑅2
=
𝑔 (𝑅 + ℎ)2
64 (6400)2
=
100 (6400 + ℎ)2
6400=51200 +8h
8h = 64000 – 51200 = 12800
12800
h= = 1600 km
8

Q.N Calculate the height above the earth at which value of acceleration due
to gravity reduces ½ of its value on the surface of earth.(Radius of the
earth = 6400km)
g′ 1
= ℎ
g (1+ )2
𝑅
g′ 1
=
g 2
1 1
= ℎ
2 (1+ )2
𝑅
ℎ
2= (1 + 𝑅)2
Take square root
ℎ
√2 = (1 + 𝑅
)
ℎ
= √2 - 1
𝑅
h = (√2 - 1)R
= (1.414-1)x 6400
= 2649.6 km
Q.N A body of mass 60 kg is taken to a depth ¼ th of radius . What will be
the weight of the body if R is radius of earth .
Given , mass = 60 kg
1
d = 4R
w’ = ?
𝑑
g’ = g ( 1- )
𝑅
1
R
g’ = 9.8 ( 1- 4
)
𝑅
1
g’ = 9.8 ( 1- )
4
4−1
g’ = 9.8 ( )
4
3
g’ = 9.8 ( 4)
= 7.35 m/s2
w’ = mg’
= 60 x 7.35
= 441N
Q.N How far from the surface of earth the acceleration due to gravity is 4%
of its value on the surface of the earth?
g′ R2
=
g (R+h)2
g’ = 4%g
g′ 4
= 100
g
4 64002
=
100 (6400+h)2
Take square root
2 6400
= 6400+h
10
2 ( 6400+h) = 64000
6400+h = 32000
h = 32000-6400
= 25,600km
Satellite
A satellite is a body which is continuously revolving around a bigger body.
Natural satellite :- A heavenly body that revolves around a planet in a stable
orbit is called a natural satellite. eg:- moon.
Artificial Satellite :-A man-made satellite that orbits around a heavenly body is
called an artificial satellite. eg:- communication satellite
Geostationary Satellite/ Geosynchronous Satellite
• A satellite that appears to be at a fixed position in the sky to an observer on
earth is called a geostationary satellite or stationary satellite.
• These satellites revolve around the earth in a circular orbit with the same
angular speed in the same direction (west to east) on the equatorial plane
with T= 24 hours.
Polar orbiting Satellite
• A satellites orbiting closely parallel to the earth’s meridian lines. They pass
over the north and south poles in each revolution.
Orbital Speed
The minimum speed required to
put a satellite into an orbit is
orbital speed.
• The necessary centripetal force
required by the satellite to move in
the circular orbit is provided by
the gravitational pull of earth on
the satellite.
• Force between M and m is
𝑀𝑚
F =G ………………………(1)
r2
Centripetal force puts the satellite
in the orbit.
𝑚𝑣𝑜 2
Fc = …………………..(2)
𝑟
 F= Fc
𝑚𝑣𝑜 2 𝑀𝑚
=G
𝑟 r2
GM
v02 = r

GM
v0 = √ r

But GM = g r 2

g r2
v0 = √ r

v0 = = √gr

But r= R+h

v0 = √g(R + h)

Orbital velocity is independent of the mass of satellite.

Orbital speed decreases with increase in height.
NOTE:
If the satellite is revolving close to the surface of the earth.
Then, h<<R ie, R+ h <<R
h=0,Radius(R) = 6.37 x 106 m

v0 = √gr

v0 = √g(R + h)

= √9.8 x6.4 × 106 = 7.92 km/s ≈ 8km/s

Time period of satellite
Time taken for the satellite to complete one revolution.
𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑚𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑡
Time period = 𝑜𝑟𝑏𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑

2𝜋 𝑟
T= 𝑣𝑜

2𝜋 𝑟 𝑟
T= =2𝜋√𝑔
√𝑔𝑟

Put r = R+h
 𝑅+ℎ
T= 2𝜋√ 𝑔

If the satellite is very close to the surface of earth,

R+ h ≈ R

𝑅
T= 2𝜋√𝑔

NOTE
• Period of revolution depends only on height from the surface of the earth
• Greater is the height of the satellite greater is the period of revolution
If the satellite is revolving close to the surface of the earth.
Then, h<<R ie, R+ h <<R
h=0,Radius(R) = 6.37 x 106m

𝑅
T= 2𝜋√𝑔

6.37 x 106
T= 2𝑥3.14√ = 5063𝑠 ≈ 84minutes
9.8

NOTE
• Period of revolution depends only on height from the surface of the earth
• Greater is the height of the satellite greater is the period of revolution
If the satellite is revolving close to the surface of the earth.
Then, h<<R ie, R+ h <<R
h=0,Radius(R) = 6.37 x 106m
𝑅
T= 2𝜋√𝑔

6.37 x 106
T= 2𝑥3.14√ = 5063𝑠 ≈ 84minutes
9.8

Total energy of satellite

T.E = P.E + K.E ……………….(1)
GMm
P.E = - 𝑟
……………….(2)
1
K.E = 2 𝑚𝑣02 …………….(3)
 𝐺𝑀
𝑣02 = ……………. (4)
𝑟

sub (4) in (3)

1 𝐺𝑀 1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
K.E = 2 𝑚 = ……………(5)
𝑟 2 𝑟

sub (2) and (5) in (1)

GMm 1 𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚 1
T.E = - + = [-1+ ]
𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑟 2
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
=- 2 𝑟

NOTE
• Total energy of a satellite is negative.
• When height increases P.E increases K.E decreases.
• Binding energy of a satellite is the energy that has to be given to the
satellite so that it may escape from the gravitational field of earth/planet.
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
Binding energy of the satellite= 2 𝑟

Relation between T.E, P.E and K.E of satellite.

1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
T.E = - ………….(1)
2 𝑟
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
T.E = P.E ………(2) where P.E =-
2 𝑟
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
T.E = - K.E ………. (3) where K.E = 2 𝑟

From (2) and (3)

1
- K.E = P.E
2
1
K.E = - P.E
2

or
P.E= -2 K.E

Escape Velocity
It is the minimum velocity with which a body is to be projected so that it just
overcome the gravitational pull of the earth. Let m be the mass of the object
placed at A at the distance 𝑥 from the centre of the earth.
The force of attraction behind M and m is
𝑀𝑚
F =G x2

The small work done in launching the object

From A to B through the small distance dx is
dw = F.dx
𝑀𝑚
=G dx
x2

The total work done in launching the

object from the surface of earth to infinity
∞ 𝑀𝑚
W= ∫ 𝑑𝑤 = ∫𝑅 G dx
x2
∞ 𝑀𝑚
W= ∫ 𝑑𝑤 = ∫𝑅 G dx
x2
∞ 1
W = G Mm∫𝑅 dx
x2
∞
W = G Mm ∫𝑅 𝑥 −2 dx
𝑥 −2+1
w = G Mm [ −2+1 ]∞
𝑅

𝑥 −1
w = G Mm [ ]∞
𝑅
−1
1
w = - G Mm [ 𝑥]∞
𝑅

1 1 1
w = - G Mm [∞ − 𝑅] = - G Mm [0 − 𝑅]
G Mm
w= 𝑅

The work done is at the cost of K.E

W = K.E
1 GMm
K.E = 2 𝑚𝑣𝑒2 = 𝑅
2 GM
𝑣𝑒2 = 𝑅

2𝐺𝑀
𝑣𝑒 = √ 𝑅

2g R2
ve = √ = √2gR
R

ve = √2x 9.8 x 6.4 ×106 = 11.2 km/s

Note:- Independent of mass of object
Doesn’t depend on angle of projection
Depends on the mass and radius of the planet from the surface of which
the body is projected.
Escape velocity in terms of density

2𝐺𝑀
𝑣𝑒 = √ 𝑅

𝑀
𝜌= 𝑉
4
M = 𝜌V= 3 𝜋R3𝜌

4
2𝐺 𝜋R3𝜌
𝑣𝑒 = √ 3
𝑅

8
𝑣𝑒 = √3 𝜋𝐺𝑅2𝜌

Denser planets have greater escape velocities.

Kepler’s Law of planetary Motion
1. Kepler’s first law (Law of orbit)
It states that all planets revolve around
the sum in fixed elliptical orbits with sun
as one of its foci.
A- It is the farthest point from the sun
(aphelion)
P- it is the closest point from the sun
(perihelion)
PA – major axis
PO, OA – semi major axis.
2. Kepler’s second law(Law of area)
It states that the line joining the sun and the planet sweeps equal intervals
of time, i.e aerial velocity is constant.
Small area= ½ bh
∆A= ½ r x BC ……………………….1
From the diagram
𝐵𝐶
∆𝜃 = 𝑟
BC = r ∆𝜃 ………………………… 2
Put 2 in 1
 1
∆𝐴 = 2 𝑥 𝑟 𝑥 ∆𝜃
1
∆𝐴 = 2 𝑟 2 ∆𝜃
Dividing both sides by ∆𝑡
∆𝐴 1
= 2 𝑟 2 ∆𝜃/∆𝑡
∆𝑡

∆𝐴 1
= 2 𝑟 2𝜔
∆𝑡
Multiply and divide by m
∆𝐴 1 𝑟 2 𝜔𝑚
=2
∆𝑡 𝑚
∆𝐴 1 𝐼𝜔
=
∆𝑡 2𝑚
∆𝐴 1 𝐿
= 2𝑚
∆𝑡

If there is no external torque acting on it, L= a constant.

From the above equation ½, L,m are constants.
∆𝐴
= 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
∆𝑡
3. Kepler’s third law (law of period)
The square of the time period of any planet is directly proportional to the
cube of the planet’s average distance from the sun.
i.e, T2 ∝ r3
𝑇2
= 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡
𝑟3

Proof:
2𝜋𝑟
Time period of the planet = 𝑉
0

𝐺𝑀
𝑉0 = √ 𝑟
2𝜋𝑟
T = 𝐺𝑀
√
𝑟

Squaring on both sides

𝑟3
𝑇 2 = 4 𝜋 2 𝐺𝑀
𝑇2 = 𝑘 𝑟3
𝑇2 ∝ 𝑟3
8.12. A rocket is fired from the earth towards the sun. At what distance
from the earth’s centre is the gravitational force on the rocket zero?
Mass of the sun = 2×1030 kg, mass of the earth = 6×1024 kg. Neglect the
effect of other planets etc. (orbital radius = 1.5 × 1011 m).
 Suppose the gravitational forces on the rocket due to the sun and the earth
become equal at a distance x from the centre of earth . If m is the mass of the
rocket, then
𝐺𝑀𝐸 𝑚 𝐺𝑀 𝑚
𝑠
= (𝑟−𝑥)
𝑥2 2

(𝑟−𝑥)2 𝑀 2×1030 1030 106

= 𝑀𝑠 = = =
𝑥2 𝐸 6 ×1024 3 𝑥 1024 3

𝑟−𝑥 106 103

= √ =
𝑥 3 √3

𝑟 106
-1= √
𝑥 3

𝑟 103 103
= +1 ≈
𝑥 √3 √3

√3 1.73 𝑥1.5 × 1011

𝑥= xr= = 2.6 x 108 m
103 103

8.15: A body weighs 63 N on the surface of the earth. What is the

gravitational force on it due to the earth at a height equal to half the radius
of the earth?
g’ - acceleration due to gravity at a height h
R
h= 2

g′ R2
=
g (R+h)2

g′ R2 R2 R2 4R2 4
= R = 2R+R 2 = 3R = =
g (R+ )2 ( ) ( )2 9R2 9
2 2 2

w′ mg′ 4
= =
w mg 9

4 4
w’ = w= x 63 = 28 N
9 9

8.16: Assuming the earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density, how much
would a body weigh halfway down to the centre of the earth if it weighed
250 N on the surface?
g’ - acceleration due to gravity at a depth d
R
d= , w= 250 N
2
𝑅/2 1
g’ = g ( 1- 𝑅
) =g (1- 2
)= ½ g

w’ = mg’
w’ = m ½ g
 = ½ mg
=½ w
= ½ x 250 = 125 N
8. 17:A rocket is fired vertically with a speed of 5 km s-1 from the earth’s
surface. How far from the earth does the rocket go before returning to the
earth ? Mass of the earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg; mean radius of the earth = 6.4 ×
106 m;
G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2
According to principle of conservation of energy
T.E = K.E + P.E
(K.E +P.E) at earth = (K.E +P.E) at height h
GMm GMm
½ mv2 − =0-
R R+h
GM GM
0.5 v2 − =0-
R R+h
GM GM
- 0.5 v2 =
R R+h
GM GM - 0.5 Rv2
=
R+h R
1 GM - 0.5 Rv2
=
R+h 𝐺𝑀R
GMR
R+ h = GM - 0.5 Rv2
6.67 × 10–11 x6.0 × 1024x 6.4 × 106
= 6.67 × 10–11 x6.0 × 1024 - 0.5 x6.4 × 106 x50002

256.13 × 1019
= 40 x 1013 - 80 × 1012

R+ h = 8 x 106 m( from earths centre)

h = 8 x 106 - 6.4 x 106
= 1.6 x 106m( from surface)
8.19: A satellite orbits the earth at a height of 400 km above the surface. How
much energy must be expended to rocket the satellite out of the earth’s
gravitational influence? Mass of the satellite = 200 kg; mass of the earth =
6.0×1024 kg; radius of the earth = 6.4 × 106 m. G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2
r = 6.4 × 106 m
h= 4 x 105m
 M = 6.0×1024 kg
m=200kg
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
Total Energy = - 2 (𝑟+ℎ)

1 6.67 × 10–11 𝑥 6.0 × 1024 𝑥 200

=- 2 (6.4 × 106 +4 x 105)

8004 × 1013 8004 × 10–13

=- =-
2 𝑥 6.8 × 106 13.6 × 106

= - 588.529 x 107 = -5.8 x 109J

Energy required for the satellite to leave its orbit around the earth and escape to
infinity is E = 5.8x109J(binding energy of the satellite)
Q.A satellite of mass 500 kg is revolving around earth with radius
𝟕.6×𝟏𝟎𝟔 𝒎. 𝑭𝒊𝒏𝒅 (i) T.E (ii)K.E (iii) P.E if mass of earth 6×𝟏𝟎𝟐𝟒 kg.