8 Gravitation

NEWTON'S UNIVERSAL LAW OF GRAVITATION

GM e G(4 / 3pRe3r) 4
Gravitational force is an attractive force between any two point g= = = prGRe ……(iv)
2 2 3
Re Re
masses M1 and M2 separated by any distance r.
where r is the density of earth.
æM M ö This is the relation between universal gravitational constant
It is given by F = G ç 1 2 2 ÷ 'G' and acceleration due to gravity 'g'.
è r ø
Change in the Value of Acceleration due to Gravity (g)
where G is the universal gravitational constant. (i) Due to rotation or latitude of earth : Let us consider a
Its value, G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2 kg–2 particle P at rest on the surface of earth at a latitude f.
Dimensions of G are [M–1 L3 T–2]
g ( f ) = g - Re w 2 cos 2 f
(a) The gravitational force is the central force and follows
inverse square law. It acts along the line joining the particles. w
(b) Since the work done by the gravitational force is
independent of the path followed and hence it is a r
conservative force. f
(c) It is the weakest force in nature. It is 1038 times smaller R g¢
than nuclear force and 1036 times smaller than electric force.
Strongest force being nuclear force (for small range)
followed by electric force.
(d) Gravitation is independent of the presence of other bodies
At poles f = 90º, so g(f) = g ...(v)
around it.
At equator f = 0º so g(f) = g –w2Re ...(vi)
ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY (g) (ii) Due to shape of earth : The shape of the earth is not
The force of attraction exerted by earth on a body of mass m is perfectly spherical. It is flattened at poles. The polar radius
the force of gravity. is 21 km less than the equatorial radius. Hence acceleration
due to gravity at poles is greater than at the equator.
So the force of gravity from Newton’s gravitational law is gp = 9.83 ms–2 = value of g at poles
GM e m ge = 9.78 ms–2 = values of g at equator
F= ……(i) i.e. gp > ge
r2 (iii) At a depth 'd' below the earth surface : The acceleration
where Me = mass of earth due to gravity at the surface of earth.
r = distance of the body from the centre of earth. GM e éæ 4 ö ù
g= = êç ÷pR e rú G (from eqn. iv) ...(vii)
The force of gravity can be written as F = mg ……(ii) Re 2
ë è 3 ø û
where g is called the acceleration due to gravity.
From the expression (i) and (ii), we get d
P
GM e R-d
g= ……(iii)
r2 O R
If body is located at the surface of earth i.e., r = Re (radius of
earth) then Earth
Surface of earth
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212 PHYSICS

If a body is taken at a depth d below the earth surface, then

the body is attracted by inner core of mass M' of earth (Mi )1 a 2
=
radius (Re– d). Then acceleration due to gravity at point P (M i )2 a1
is
(ff applied force on (Mi)1 and (Mi)2 is same.)
GM ¢ G é (4 / 3) p(R e - d)3 r ù (b) Gravitational mass Mg defined by Newton's law of
g¢ = = ë û
gravitation
(R e - d) 2 (R e - d) 2
= G ((4 / 3)p(R e - d)r) ...(viii) Fg W Weight of body
Mg = g = g = Accelerati on due to gravity
From eqns. (vii) and (viii) we have
æ R -d ö æ d ö 8. If two spheres of same material, mass and radius are put in
g¢ = g ç e ÷ = g ç1 - ÷ ...(ix) contact, the gravitational attraction between them is directly
è Re ø è Re ø proportional to the fourth power of the radius.
The value of acceleration due to gravity at the centre of the
earth is zero.
(iv) At a height 'h' above the earth surface : The acceleration R
2 B A
due to gravity at the surface of earth from expression (iv) 1 æ4 ö 4 R
is defined as F= Gç ps ÷ R
4 è3 ø
GM e m ¬ 2R ® m
g= 2
Re
This system may be considered to be made up of two mass
At a height h above the earth surface, the acceleration due each separated by 2R distance.
to gravity is
9. If the earth stops rotating about its axis, the value of g at
GM e GM e the equator will increase by about 0.35%, but that at the
g¢ = = ...(x)
(R e + h ) 2 r2 poles will remain unchanged.
-2
If the earth starts rotating at the angular speed of about 17
æR +hö times the present value, there will be weightlessness on
Þ Þ g ¢ = gç e ÷ [from eqs. (ix) & (x)]
ç R ÷ equator, but g at the poles will remain unchanged. In such a
è e ø
case, the duration of the day will be about 84 min.
If h << Re
10. If the radius of planet decreases by n%, keeping the mass
æ 2h ö unchanged, the acceleration due to gravity on its surface
g ¢ » g ç1 -
è R ÷ø
...(xi)
e
Dg - 2 DR
increases by 2n%. i.e., =
Keep in Memory g R
11. If the mass of the planet increases by m% keeping the
1. The value of the acceleration due to gravity on the moon radius constant, the acceleration due to gravity on its
is about one sixth of that on the earth and on the sun is
Dg DM
about 27 times that on the earth. surface increases by m% i.e., = where R = constant.
g M
æ gE ö 12. If the density of planet decreases by r % keeping the radius
çè gs = 27g E and g M = ÷
6ø constant, the acceleration due to gravity decreases by r%.
2. The value of g is minimum on the mercury, among all 13. If the radius of the planet decreases by r% keeping the
planets. density constant, the acceleration due to gravity decreases
3. For h<<R, the rate of decrease of the acceleration due to by r%.
gravity with height is twice as compared to that with depth.
Example 1.
4. The value of g increases with the increase in latitude. Its
value at latitude q is given by : gq= g – Rw2 cos2q. What will be the acceleration due to gravity on the surface
of the moon with its radius as 1/4th the radius of the earth
5. Rotation of the earth about its own axis is responsible for
and its mass as 1/80th the mass of earth?
decrease in the value of g with latitude.
Solution :
6. The weight of the body varies along with the value of g (i.e.
W = mg) GM e GM m
g= and g' = ;
7. Inertial mass and gravitational mass- Re 2
R m2
(a) Inertial mass (Mi) defined by Newton's law of motion
2 2
External force applied on the body g' M m æ R e ö 1 æ4ö 1
Mi = F/a = \ = ç ÷÷ = ´ ç ÷ = ; \ g' = g / 5
Acceleration produced in it g M e çè R m ø 80 è 1 ø 5
 Gravitation 213

Example 2.
A mass M splits into two parts m and (M–m), which are R m
then separated by a certain distance. What will be the x
Center of earth
ratio m/M which maximizes the gravitational force
between the two parts?
Solution :
æ 4 px 3 ö
Gm (M - m) Gç d ÷m
F= ; For maxima, ç 3 ÷
x2 \F = è ø
2
dF G m 1 x
= 2 (M - 2m) = 0 or = 3M
dm x M 2 where d = density of earth = ;
Example 3. 4p R 3
Identical point masses each equal to m are placed at GMm
\F = .x [M is total mass of earth]
x = 0, x = 1, x = 2, x = 4, ... The total gravitational force R3
on mass m at x = 0 due to all other masses is Example 6.
(a) infinite (b) (4/3) Gm2 If the radius of the earth were to shrink by two per cent,
(c) (4/3 GM2) (d) zero its mass remaining the same, the acceleration due to
Solution : (c) gravity on the earth’s surface would
o m m m (a) decrease by 2% (b) increase by 2%
(c) increase by 4% (d) decrease by 4%
x=0 x=1 x=2 x=4 Solution : (c)
2 2 2
Gm Gm Gm
F0 = + + + .... GM
12
2 2
42 As g = 2 ; So, if R decreases then g increases.
R
é1 1 1 ù Taking logarithm of both the sides;
F0 = Gm 2 ê + + + ...ú
2 2 2 log g = log G + log M – 2 log R
ë1 2 4 û
It is a G.P. with common ratio 1/4. dg 2 dR
Differentiating it, we get =0+0– ;
é 1 ù
F0 = Gm 2 ê 4Gm 2 g R
\ ú F0 =
ë1 - 1 / 4 û 3 dg æ -2 ö 4
Example 4. \ = -2ç ÷=
g è 100 ø 100
Four identical point masses each equal to m are placed
dg 4
at the corners of a square of side a. The force on a point \ % increase in g = ´100 = ´ 100 = 4%
mass m’ placed at the point of intersection of the two g 100
diagonals is Example 7.
(a) (4Gmm¢)/a2 (b) (2Gmm¢)/a2 An apple of mass 0.25 kg falls from a tree. What is the
(c) (Gmm¢)/a2 (d) zero acceleration of the apple towards the earth? Also calculate
Solution : (d) the acceleration of the earth towards the apple.
The forces acting on the mass m¢ placed at the point of Given : Mass of earth = 5.983 × 1024 kg,
intersection of diagonals are balanced by each other as Radius of earth = 6.378 × 106 metre,
shown in figure. Therefore net force is zero. G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2kg–2.
Solution :
m m Mass of apple, m = 0.25 kg,
Mass of earth, M = 5.983 × 1024 kg,
F
F m¢ Radius of earth, R = 6.378 × 106 metre
Gravitational constant, G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2kg–2
F Let F be the gravitational force of attraction between the
F apple and earth.
m m GmM
Then, F=
Example 5. R2
A tunnel is dug along the diameter of the earth. Determine Let a be the acceleration of apple towards the earth.
the force on a particle of mass m placed in the tunnel at a
distance x from the centre. F GmM GM
a= = = 2
Solution : m mR 2 R
Force on a mass m placed at a distance x from the centre is
equal to the force of gravity due to a mass of spherical 6.67 ´ 10 -11 ´ 5.983 ´ 1024
volume of earth of radius x. Þa= ms-2 = 9.810 ms-2
(6.378 ´ 10 )6 2
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Let a¢ be the acceleration of the earth towards the apple. (i) |Eg|= 0 at points inside the spherical shell (i.e. r < R)

F Gm -GM
a¢ = = (ii) | E g |= at the surface of shell (i.e. r = R)
M R2 R2
-GM
6.67 ´ 10-11 ´ 0.25 -2 (iii) | E g |= for outside the spherical shell (r >R).
= ms r2
(6.378 ´ 106 ) 2
It is clear that as r increases, E g decreases.
= 4.099 ´ 10 -25 ms -2 .
Gravitational intensity for solid sphere :
Example 8.
The acceleration due to gravity at the moon’s surface is Eg Solid
1.67 ms–2. If the radius of the moon is 1.74 × 106 m, calculate sphere
the mass of the moon. Use the known value of G. R
Solution :
GM gR 2 |Eg|
g= or M = r
R2 G
This relation is true not only for earth but for any heavenly
body which is assumed to be spherical. GM .r
(i) | E g |= - for points inside the solid sphere (r<R)
R3
Here, g = 1.67ms -2 , R = 1.74 ´ 106 m and
GM
G = 6.67 ´10-11 Nm 2 kg -2 (ii) At the surface of solid sphere (r = R) | E g |= -
R2
\ Mass of moon,
GM
1.67 ´ (1.74 ´ 106 ) 2 (iii) Outside the solid sphere | E g |= - (r > R)
M= kg = 7.58 ´ 1022 kg r2
6.67 ´ 10-11 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
GRAVITATIONAL FIELD Gravitational potential at any point is the work done by
(or Gravitational Field Intensity) gravitational force in carrying a body of unit mass from infinity
The region or space around a body in which its gravitational to that point in gravitational influence of source.
influence is experienced by other bodies is the gravitational W -GM
field of that body. i.e., VA = =
mo r
The gravitational field strength Eg, produced by a mass M at
any point P is defined as the force exerted on the unit mass where r is the distance of point from source mass M.
placed at that point P. Then The S.I. unit of V is joule/kg. Its dimensions are [M0L2T–2]. It is
a scalar quantity.
F æ G Mm ö GM Gravitational potential at the earth surface is
Eg = = m= 2 ...(i)
m çè r 2 ÷ø r -GM e
where m = test mass VA = = - gRe
Re
r = distance between M and m
Gravitational potential due to a uniform ring at a point on its
(i) The direction of E g always points towards the mass axis
producing it.
(ii) The gravitational field can be represented by gravitational
lines of force. a
(iii) The S.I unit of E g is newton/kg. Its dimensions are
q
[M0LT–2]. GM O r P
Vg = -
Gravitational intensity (Eg) for spherical shell a2 + r 2

Radius of
R spherical shell Gravitational potential due to a uniform thin spherical shell
Vg
GM
|Eg| | Eg |= 2 r
r O
|Eg|=0
r
O
GM
-
R
 Gravitation 215

Relation between gravitational potential energy and

-GM
(i) at a point outside the shell, Vg = (r > R) gravitational potential.
r
Gravitational potential energy = gravitational potential × mass
GM
(ii) at a point inside the shell, Vg = - (r < R) Keep in Memory
R
where R = radius of spherical shell. 1. The gravitational potential energy of a mass m at a point
Potential due to a uniform spheral shell is constant throughout above the surface of the earth at a height h is given by
the cavity of the shell. -GMm
Gravitational potential due to a uniform solid sphere Ug = . The –ve sign shows that if h increases,
R+h
GM the gravitational PE decreases and becomes zero at infinity.
(i) at an external point Vg = - (r ³ R)
r 2. (a) If we take reference level to be at the surface of earth
(not at infinity) i.e., we assume that the gravitational
P.E of a mass m is zero at the surface of earth, then the
solid gravitational potential energy at a height h above the
R state surface of earth is (mgh), where h << Re (radius of
earth)
(b) The gravitational P.E of mass m on the earth’s surface
is
-GMe m
Ug = = -mgR
V Re
If we assume that gravitational P.E of mass m is zero
at infinity i.e., we take reference level at infinity then
P.E.of any mass m at a height h above the earth surface
GM -GM e m
(ii) at an internal point Vg = - (3R2 - r 2 ) (r < R) Uh =
3
2R (R e + h )
So work done against the gravitational force, when
the particle is taken from surface of earth to a height
h above the earth surface
Work done = change in potential energy
O r -GM e m GM e m @ GM e m ´ h
Þ Uh–Ug = +
Re + h Re R e (R e + h )

GM e m æ h ö
R » ç ÷ (if h<<R)
R e çè R e ÷
ø
æ GMe ö
-3GM = mç ÷h
(iii) Potential at the centre of solid sphere is V = ç R 2 ÷
2R è e ø
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY So, work done = mgh is stored in the particle as
Let Vg be the gravitational potential at a point. If we place a mass particle potenital energy, when kept at height ‘h’.
m at that point, then we say that the gravitational potential energy Example 9.
possessed by the mass is Four particles each of mass 1 kg are at the four corners of
a square of side 1m. Find the work done to remove one of
GM é GM ù
êë\ Vg = - r úû
U g = Vg ´ m Þ U g = - ´m the particles to infinity.
r Solution :
We can also therefore say that the gravitational potential energy The gravitational potential energy associated with any pair
of particle of mass m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is
of a system containing two masses m1 and m2 placed such that
the centre to centre distance between them is r then -Gm1m 2
U=
Gm1m2 r
Ug = - G ´ 1 ´ 1 2 G ´ 1´ 1
r Initial P.E. of system, – U1 = 4. +
This formula is valid taking into consideration the fact that we 1 2
have taken the gravitational potential of few at infinity. Please é4 2 + 2ù
remember that unless otherwise stated it is understood that the or U1 = -G ê ú
gravitational potential is taken to be zero at infinity. êë 2 úû
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216 PHYSICS

1 Kg 1m 1 Kg Example 11.
Find the gravitational potential energy of a system of four
particles, each having mass m, placed at the vertices of a

2m
1m 1m square of side l. Also obtain the gravitational potential at
2m the centre of the square.
Solution :
1 Kg 1m 1 Kg The system has four pairs with distance l and two diagonal
When one mass is removed, then pairs with distance 2l.
é G ´ 1´1 G ´ 1´1 ù m m
P.E. = U2 = - ê2. + ú
ë 1 2 û
é 2 2 + 1ù
U 2 = -ê úG ; 2l l
ëê 2 ûú

é 4 2 + 2 - 2 2 -1ù é 2 2 + 1ù
\ Work done = G ê ú = Gê ú m m
êë 2 úû êë 2 úû
[Q Work done = change in P.E. = –U2–[–U1] = U1–U2] Gm2 Gm2 2Gm 2 æ 1 ö Gm 2
\ U = -4 -2 =- 2 + = - 5.41
Example 10. l 2l l çè ÷
2ø l
A solid sphere of uniform density and mass M has a radius The gravitational potential at the centre of the square is
of 4m. Its centre is at the origin of coordinate system. Two
spheres of radii 1m are taken out so that their centres are (r = 2l / 2 )
at P(0, –2, 0) and Q(0, 2, 0) respectively. This leaves two
V = Algebraic sum of potential due to each particle
spherical cavities. What is the gravitational field at the
centre of each cavity? 4 2Gm
z Þ V=-
l
Example 12.
The radius of earth is R. Find the work done in raising a
P Q body of mass m from the surface of earth to a height R/2.
y
O Solution :
If a body of mass m is placed at a distance x from the centre
of earth, the gravitational force of attraction F between the
R
GM m
body and the earth is F =
Solution : x2
If the cavities are not made, then the intensity at the point
P (or Q), due to whole sphere Small amount of work done in raising a body through a
small distance dx is given by
GM GM GM r r r r
I = 3 .x = ´2 = where I = IP + IQ + IR
R 64 32 GM m
r r r r dW = F dx = dx
\ IR = I - IP - IQ …… (i) x2
Where IR is the intensity of gravitational field at a point, Total work done in raising the body from the surface of
distance x from O due to remainder sphere (exclude cavity) earth to a height R/2 is given by
4p ´ (4) 3 d R +R / 2
GM m
Mass of big sphere M =
3 W= ò x2
dx
R
4π ´ (1)3 d M
Mass of small sphere P or Q, m = \m= 3 R/2 3 R/2
3 64 æ 1ö
Gm G æMö
= GMm ò x -2 dx = -GMm ç ÷
è xøR
R
At P, Ip = 0, I Q = 2
= .ç ÷
r 4 2 è 64 ø é 2 1ù GM m g R 2m
GM GM = - GMm ê - ú = =
\ IR = - [From eq (i)] ë 3R R û 3R 3R
32 1024
31GM 1
= mg R [\ GM = gR2]
\ IR = 3
1024
 Gravitation 217

SATELLITES Energy of a satellite

A satellite is any body revolving around a large body under Total energy of satellite revolving in an orbit of radius r around
the gravitational influence of the latter. the earth can be calculated as follows :
The period of motion T of an artificial satellite of earth at a (i) The gravitational potential energy of a satellite of mass m
distance h above the surface of the earth is given by, GMm
is U g = – , where r is the radius of the orbit.
r
(Re + h)3
T = 2p 1 GMm
gRe 2 (ii) Kinetic energy of the satellite is Ek = mv0 =
2

2 2r
where, Re = radius of the earth GMm
where, g = acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. (iii) So, total energy of the satellite E = U g + Ek = -
2r
Re The negative sign shows that satellite cannot leave the
If Re > > h, then T = 2p ; Re = 6.4 × 106 m ;
g GMm
g = 9.8 ms–2 orbit itself. It requires an energy equal to , which is
2R
i.e. T ; 84.58 minutes » 5075sec called Binding Energy (B.E.) of satellite.
Assuming Re + h = r, the distance of the satellite from the centre (iv) Total energy of a satellite at a height equal to the radius of
the earth
of the earth, T µ (r) 3 / 2
GMm GMm 1
=– =– = mgR
Orbital velocity (v0 ) 2( R + R ) 4R 4
Let a satellite of mass m revolve around the earth in circular orbit GEO-STATIONARY SATELLITE
of radius r with speed v0. The gravitational pull between satellite
A satelite which appears to be stationary for a person on the
and earth provides the necessary centripetal force.
surface of the earth is called geostationary satellite.
mv 20 It is also known as parking satellite or synchronous satellite.
Centripetal force required for the motion =
r (i) The orbit of the satellite must be circular and in the equatorial
plane of the earth.
GMm
Gravitational force = (ii) The angular velocity of the satellite must be in the same
r² direction as the angular velocity of rotation of the earth i.e.,
mv02 GMm from west to east.
GM
= 2 or v 02 = (iii) The period of revolution of the satellite must be equal to the
r r r
period of rotation of earth about its axis.
GM i.e. 24 hours = 24 × 60 × 60 = 86400 sec.
or v0 = .......... (1)
r 1 1
4p² æ GMT 2 ö 3 æ GM R 2T 2 ö 3
g GM T2 = r³ or r=ç ÷ =ç 2 ´ ÷
or v0 = R [Q g = and r = (R + h)] GM è 4p 2 ø èR 4p 2 ø
R+h R2
1
GM e
Orbital velocity, Vo = = gRe = éê9.8 ´ (6.38 ´ 106 ) 2 ´
(86400)² ù 3
Re
ë 4p ² úû
(i) Value of orbital velocity does not depend on the mass of the = 42237 × 103 m = 42,237 km. » 42000 km.
satellite. h = r – R = 42000 – 6400 = 35600 km.
(ii) Around the earth the value of orbital velocity is
(a) Height of geostationary satellite from the surface of
7.92 km/sec. the earth is nearly 35600 km.
(iii) Greater is the height of the satellite, smaller is the orbital
(b) The orbital velocity of this satellite is nearly
velocity.
3.08 km/sec.
(iv) The direction of orbital velocity is along the tangent to the
(c) The relative velocity of geostationary satellite with
path.
respect to earth is zero.
(v) The work done by the satellite in a complete orbit is zero.
This type of satellite is used for communication
Angular momentum (L) : For satellite motion, angular momentum
purposes. The orbit of a geostationary satellite is called
will be given by
‘Parking Orbit’.
GM Polar Satellite :
L = mvr = mr i.e., L = [m2GMr]1/2
r Polar satellites travel around the earth in an orbit that travels
Angular momentum of a satellite depends on both, the mass of around the earth over the poles. The earth rotates on its axis as
orbiting and central body. It also depends on the radius of the the satellite goes around the earth. Thus over a period of many
orbits it looks down on every part of the earth.
orbit.
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Different orbital shapes corresponding to different velocities of so v will be minimum when v¢ ® 0,

a satellite :
2GM é GM ù
[1] When v < v0 i.e. ve = vmin = = 2 gR ê as g = 2 ú
(i) The path is spiral. The satellite finally falls on the earth R ë R û
(ii) Kinetic energy is less then potential energy • The value of escape velocity does not depend upon the mass
(iii) Total energy is negative of the projected body, instead it depends on the mass and
radius of the planet from which it is being projected.
[2] When v = v0
• The value of escape velocity does not depend on the angle
(i) The path is circular
and direction of projection.
(ii) Eccentricity is zero • The value of escape velocity from the surface of the earth is
(iii) Kinetic energy is less than potential energy 11.2 km/sec.
(iv) Total energy is negative • The minimum energy needed for escape is = GMm/R.
[3] When v0 < v < ve • If the velocity of a satellite orbiting near the surface of the
(i) The path is elliptical earth is increased by 41.4%, then it will escape away from
(ii) Eccentricity < 1 the gravitational field of the earth.
(iii) Kinetic energy is less than potential energy • If a body falls freely from infinite distance, then it will reach
(iv) Total energy is negative the surface of earth with a velocity of 11.2 km/sec.
[4] When v = ve Relation between orbital velocity (V0) and escape speed (Ve)
(i) The path is a parabola Ve = 2 gR = 2 V0
(ii) Eccentricity = 1
(iii) Kinetic energy is equal to potential energy Keep in Memory
(iv) Total energy is zero
[5] When v > ve æ g ö
(i) The path is a hyperbola 1. The escape velocity on moon is low ç as gm = E ÷ hence
è 6ø
(ii) Eccentricity > 1
(iii) Kinetic energy is greater than potential energy there is no atmosphere on moon.
(iv) Total energy is positive 2. If the orbital radius of the earth around the sun be one
If the orbit of a satellite is elliptical fourth of the present value, then the duration of the year
will be one eighth of the present value.
GMm 3. The satellites revolve around the earth in a plane that
(1) The energy E = - = const. with ‘a’ as semi-major axis;
2a coincides with the great circle around the earth.
(2) KE will be maximum when the satellite is closest to the central
body (at perigee) and minimum when it is farthest from the KEPLER'S LAWS OF PLANETARY MOTION
central body (at apogee) [as for a given orbit L = const.,
i.e., mvr = const., i.e., v µ 1/r] 1. The law of orbits : Each planet revolves about the sun in
(3) PE = (E – KE) will be minimum when KE = max, i.e., the an elliptical orbit with the sun at one of the foci of the
satellite is closest to the central body (at perigee) and ellipse.
y
maximum when KE = min, i.e., the satellite is farthest from
the central body (at apogee). P
ESCAPE SPEED (Ve) Perihelion Sun Aphelion
It is the minimum speed with which a body should be projected
from the surface of a planet so as to reach at infinity i.e., beyond x
S¢ S
the gravitational field of the planet.
If a body of mass m is projected with speed v from the surface of ea ea
a planet of mass M and radius R, then
1 2 GMm 1 GMm a a
as K = mv and U = - , ES = mv 2 –
2 R 2 R a = Semi-major axis
Now if v' is the speed of body at ¥, then A planet of mass m moving in an elliptical orbit around the
sun. The sun of mass M, is at one focus S¢ of the ellipse.
1 1 The other focus is S, which is located in empty space. Each
E¥ = m(v ¢) 2 + 0 = m(v ¢ ) 2 [as U ¥ = 0 ]
2 2 focus is at distance ‘ea’ from the ellipse’s centre, with ‘e’
So by conservation of energy being the eccentricity of the ellipse and ‘a’ semimajor axis
1 2 GMm 1 of the ellipse, the perihelion (nearest to the sun) distance
= mv - = m (v ¢ ) 2 rmin., and the aphelion (farthest from the sun) distance r max.
2 R 2 are also shown.
1 2 GMm 1 rmax = a + e a = (1 + e) a
i.e. mv = + m (v ¢ ) 2
2 R 2 rmin = a – e a = (1 – e) a
 Gravitation 219

The distance of each focus from the centre of ellipse is ea, so that it travels in a ballistic trajectory. A ballistic trajectory is
where e is the dimensionless number between 0 to 1 called the common type of trajectory you get by throwing a rock or a
the eccentricity. If e = 0, the ellipse is a circle. baseball, neglecting air friction. At every point on the trajectory,
For earth e = 0.017. the acceleration is equal to g downward since there is no support.
2. Law of areas : An imaginary line that connects a planet to A considerable amount of experimentation has been done with
the sun sweeps out equal areas in the plane of the planet's such ballistic trajectories to practice for orbital missions where
orbit in equal times; you experience weightlessness all the time.
i.e., the rate dA/dt at which it sweeps out area A is constant. The satellite is moving in a circular orbit, it has a radial acceleration
P2 é
P3 v20 GM æ GM ö ù
a= = 2 êas v0 = ç ú
A1 P1 r è r ÷ø ú
P4 A2 r ëê û

S i.e., it is falling towards earth's centre with acceleration a,

so apparent weight of the body in it Wap = m(g´ – a)
where g´ is the acceleration due to gravity of earth at the position
If t P1P 2 = t P3P4 then A1 = A2 (height) of satellite, i.e. g´ = (GM/r2), so that
é GM GM ù
Wap = m ê 2 - 2 ú = 0
dA 1 (r)(v dt) 1 ë r r û
= = rv and as L = mvr
dt 2 dt 2 i.e., the apparent weight of a body in a satellite is zero and is
independent of the radius of the orbit.

dA
Keep in Memory
vdt
r 1. The moon takes 27.3 days to revolve around the earth. The
radius of its orbit is 3.85 × 105 km.
2. Kepler's second law is based on conservation of angular
dA L
so = ....(1) momentum.
dt 2m
3. Perihelion distance is the shortest distance between the
But as L = constt., (force is central, so torque = 0 and hence sun and the planet.
angular momentum of the planet is conserved) 4. Aphelion distance is the largest distance between the Sun
areal velocity (dA/dt) = constant which is Kepler's IInd law, and the planet.
i.e., Kepler's IInd law or constancy of areal velocity is a
consequence of conservation of angular momentum. Vaphelion rperihelion
=
3. Law of periods : The square of the period of revolution of Vperihelion raphelion
any planet is proportional to the cube of the semi-major
axis of the orbit, 5. If e is the eccentricity of the orbit
i.e., T2 µ r3. raphelion
1+ e
then =
T12 r13 1 - e rperihelion
or, =
T22 r23 raphelion + rperihelion = 2r
6. If e > 1 and total energy (KE + PE) > 0, the path of the
Satellite satellite is hyperbolic and it escapes from its orbit.
r 7. If e < 1 and total energy is negative it moves in elliptical
path.
Perigee Sun a Apogee 8. If e = 0 and total energy is negative it moves in circular
KE = Max KE = Min path.
PE = Min Focus Semi major
PE = Max 9. If e = 0 and total energy is zero it will take parabolic path.
axis b
b = Semi 10. The path of the projectiles thrown to lower heights is
minor axis parabolic and thrown to greater heights is elliptical.
rmin rmax 11. Kepler’s laws may be applied to natural and artificial
satellites as well.
WEIGHTLESSNESS 12. Gravitational force does not depend upon medium so no
The “weightlessness” you may feel in an aircraft occurs any time medium can shield it or block it.
the aircraft is accelerating downward with acceleration g. It is 13. The escape velocity and the orbital velocity are independent
possible to experience weightlessness for a considerable length of the mass of the body being escaped or put into the orbit.
of time by turning the nose of the craft upward and cutting power
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Example 13. Example 15.

If the earth is at 1/4 of its present distance from the sun, A spaceship is launched into a circular orbit close to earth’s
what would be the duration of the year? surface. What additional velocity has now to be imparted
Solution : to the spaceship in the orbit to overcome the gravitational
pull? Radius of earth = 6400 km and g = 9.8 m/s2.
T12 R13 Solution :
We know that, =
T22 R 32 The orbital velocity of spaceship in circular orbit
Substituting the given values, we get GM GM
v0 = =
(1) 2
R 3
1 r R
= or = (4)3 = 64 (Q spaceship is very close to earth, r = R)
T22 æRö
3
T22
ç ÷
è4ø GM
As g = hence G M = g R2
R2
1 1
T22 = or T2 = year .
64 8 \ v0 = (R g) = (6.4 ´106 ) ´ (9.8) = 7.9195 km/s
Example 14.
Two satellites A and B go round a planet P in a circular Further, v e = 2Rg = ( 2 ´ 7.9195) = 11.2 km/s
orbits having radii 4R and R respectively. If the speed of (where ve is escape velocity)
satellite A is 3v, what will be the speed of satellite B? Additional velocity required = 11.2000 – 7.0195
Solution : = 3.2805 km/s
We know that v = (G M / r) So the velocity 3.2805 km/s must be added to orbital velocity
of spaceship.
æGMö æ GMö
Here 3v = ç ÷ and v' = ç ÷;
è 4R ø è R ø

v' æ GM ö æ 4R ö
\ = ç ÷´ ç ÷ = 2 ; v' = 6v
3v è R ø è GM ø
Gravitation 221
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1. A satellite is orbiting around the earth near its surface. If its 7. Due to rotation of the earth the acceleration due to gravity
kinetic energy is doubled, then g is
(a) it will remain in the same orbit. (a) maximum at the equator and minimum at the poles
(b) it will fall on the earth. (b) minimum at the equator and maximum at the poles
(c) it will revolve with greater speed. (c) same at both places
(d) it will escape out of the gravitational field of the earth. (d) None of these
2. There is no atmosphere on the moon because 8. A planet moves around the sun. At a point P it is closest
(a) it is closer to the earth and also it has the inactive inert from the sun at a distance d1 and has a speed v1. At another
gases in it. point Q, when it is farthest from the sun at a distnace d 2 its
(b) it is too for from the sun and has very low pressure in speed will be
its outer surface.
(c) escape velocity of gas molecules is greater than their (a) d12 v1 / d 22 (b) d 2 v1 / d1
root mean square velocity.
(d) escape velocity of gas molecules is less than their
(c) d1 v1 / d 2 (d) d 22 v1 / d12
root mean square velocity. 9. The weight of an object in the coal mine, sea level and at
3. The maximum kinetic energy of a planet moving around the the top of the mountain, are respectively W1, W2 and W3
sun is at a position then
B (a) W1< W2 > W3 (b) W1= W2 = W3
(c) W1< W2 < W3 (d) W1> W2 > W3
10. Two planets of radii r1 and r2 are made from the same
A Sun C material. The ratio of the acceleration due to gravity g1/g2
at the surfaces of the two planets is
D (a) r1/r2 (b) r2/r1
(a) A (b) B (c) (r1/r2)2 (d) (r2/r1)2
(c) C (d) D 11. What would be the length of a sec. pendulum at a planet
4. A man waves his arms while walking. This is to (where acc. due to gravity is g/4) if it’s length on earth is l
(a) keep constant velocity (a) l/2 (b) 2 l
(b) ease the tension (c) l/4 (d) 4 l
(c) increase the velocity 12. Time period of a simple pendulum inside a satellite orbiting
(d) balance the effect of earth’s gravity earth is
5. A missile is launched with a velocity less than escape (a) zero (b) ¥
velocity. The sum of its kinetic and potential energies is (c) T (d) 2 T
(a) zero 13. The ratio of the radii of the planets R1 and R2 is k. The ratio
(b) negative of the acceleration due to gravity is r. The ratio of the escape
(c) positive velocities from them will be
(d) may be positive, negative or zero.
(a) k r (b) kr
6. Which of the following graphs represents the motion of a
planet moving about the sun ?
(c) (k / r) (d) (r / k)
(a) (b)
14. If v e and v 0 represent the escape velocity and orbital
T2 T2 velocity of a satellite corresponding to a circular orbit of
radius R, then

R3 R3 (a) ve = vo (b) ve = 2 vo

(c) (d) (c) ve = (1/ 2) vo (d) ve and vo are not related

15. The kinetic energy needed to project a body of mass m from
T2 T2
the earth surface (radius R) to infinity is
(a) mgR/2 (b) 2mgR
R3 R3 (c) mgR (d) mgR/4.
 Gravitation 223

16. The escape velocity of a body depends upon mass as

T T2
(a) m0 (b) m1 (a) (b)
2 R R
(c) m (d) m3.
17. The radius of a planet is 1/4th of Re and its acc. due to T2 T2
gravity is 2g. What would be the value of escape velocity (b) (d)
on the planet, if escape velocity on earth is ve. R2 R3
ve 22. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit
(a) (b) v e 2 very close to Earth is v. The velocity of a geosynchronous
2 satellite orbiting in a circular orbit at an altitude of 6R from
ve Earth's surface will be
(c) 2 ve (d)
2 v v
18. If the gravitational force had varied as r–5/2 instead of r –2; (a) (b)
7 6
the potential energy of a particle at a distance ‘r’ from the
centre of the earth would be proportional to (c) v (d) 6v
23. Escape velocity when a body of mass m is thrown vertically
(a) r -1 (b) r -2
from the surface of the earth is v, what will be the escape
(c) r -3 / 2 (d) r -5 / 2 velocity of another body of mass 4 m is thrown vertically
19. Two satellites revolve round the earth with orbital radii 4R (a) v (b) 2v
and 16R, if the time period of first satellite is T then that of (c) 4v (d) None of these
the other is 24. The potential energy of a satellite of mass m and revolving
(a) 4 T (b) 42/3 T at a height Re above the surface of earth where Re = radius
(c) 8 T (d) None of these of earth, is
20. A planet revolves in an elliptical orbit around the sun. The
-m g R e
semi-major and semi-minor axes are a and b. Then the square (a) – m g Re (b)
of time period, T is directly proportional to 2
-m g R e -m g R e
(a) a3 (b) b3 (c) (d)
3 4
3 3
æa+bö æa-bö 25. Energy required to move a body of mass m from an orbit of
(c) ç ÷ (d) ç ÷
è 2 ø è 2 ø radius 2R to 3R is
21. Which of the following quantities do not depend upon the (a) GMm/12R2 (b) GMm/3R2
orbital radius of the satellite ? (c) GMm/8R (d) GMm/6R

1. The escape velocity from the earth's surface is 11 km/s. The (a) – 5 unit (b) + 5 unit
escape velocity from a planet having twice the radius and (c) + 10 unit (d) + 15 unit
same mean density as that of earth is 5. A planet of mass 3 × 1029 gm moves around a star with a
(a) 5.5 km/s (b) 11 km/s constant speed of 2 × 106 ms–1 in a circle of radii 1.5 × 1014
(c) 22 km/s (d) None of these cm. The gravitational force exerted on the planet by the star is
2. Two point masses each equal to 1 kg attract one another (a) 6.67 × 1022 dyne (d) 8 × 1027 Newton
with a force of 10–10 N. The distance between the two 26
(c) 8 × 10 N (d) 6.67 × 1019 dyne
point masses is (G = 6.6 × 10–11 MKS units)
(a) 8 cm (b) 0.8 cm 6. The mass of the moon is 1/81 of earth’s mass and its radius
(c) 80 cm (d) 0.08 cm 1/4 that of the earth. If the escape velocity from the earth’s
3. There are two bodies of masses 103 kg and 105 kg separated surface is 11.2 km/sec, its value from the surface of the
by a distance of 1 km. At what distance from the smaller moon will be
body, the intensity of gravitational field will be zero (a) 0.14 kms–1 (b) 0.5 kms–1
(c) 2.5 kms –1 (d) 5.0 kms–1
(a) 1/9 km (b) 1/10 km
(c) 1/11 km (d) 10/11 km 7. If the mass of earth is eighty times the mass of a planet and
4. Taking the gravitational potential at a point infinte distance diameter of the planet is one fourth that of earth, then
away as zero, the gravitational potential at a point A is –5 acceleration due to gravity on the planet would be
unit. If the gravitational potential at point infinite distance (a) 7.8 m/s2 (b) 9.8 m/s2
away is taken as + 10 units, the potential at point A is (c) 6.8 m/s 2 (d) 2.0 m/s2
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8. Two bodies of masses 10 kg and 100 kg are separated by a 18. A satellite of mass m revolves around the earth of radius R
distance of 2m ( G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm 2 kg–2 ). The at a height ‘x’ from its surface. If g is the acceleration due to
gravitational potential at the mid point on the line joining gravity on the surface of the earth, the orbital speed of the
the two is satellite is
(a) 7.3 × 10–7 J/kg (b) 7.3 × 10–9 J/kg
–9
(c) –7.3 × 10 J/kg (d) 7.3 × 10–6 J/kg gR 2 gR
(a) (b)
9. The time period of a satellite of earth is 5 hours. If the R+x R-x
separation between the earth and the satellite is increased
to 4 times the previous value, the new time period will become æ gR 2 ö 1/ 2
(a) 10 hours (b) 80 hours (c) gx (d) ç ÷
çR+x÷
(c) 40 hours (d) 20 hours è ø
10. At sea level, a body will have minimum weight at
19. The time period of an earth satellite in circular orbit is
(a) pole (b) equator
independent of
(c) 42° south latitude (d) 37° north latitude
(a) both the mass and radius of the orbit
11. The distance of neptune and saturn from the sun is nearly
1013 and 1012 meter respectively. Assuming that they move (b) radius of its orbit
in circular orbits, their periodic times will be in the ratio (c) the mass of the satellite
(a) 10 (b) 100 (d) neither the mass of the satellite nor the radius of its orbit.
(c) 10 10 (d) 1000 20. Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the nth
power of distance. Then the time period of a planet in circular
12. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a height of orbit of radius ‘R’ around the sun will be proportional to
5R above that surface of the earth, R being the radius of the
earth. The time period of another satellite in hours at a æ n -1 ö
ç ÷
height of 2R from the surface of the earth is (a) Rn (b) Rè 2 ø
(a) 5 (b) 10 æ n -2 ö
æ n +1 ö ç ÷
6 ç ÷
(c) 6 2 (d) (c) Rè 2 ø (d) Rè 2 ø
2
13. The escape velocity for a body projected vertically upwards 21. An earth satellite of mass m revolves in a circular orbit at a
from the surface of earth is 11 km/s. If the body is projected height h from the surface of the earth. R is the radius of the
at an angle of 45º with the vertical, the escape velocity will be earth and g is acceleration due to gravity at the surface of
the earth. The velocity of the satellite in the orbit is given
(a) 22 km/s (b) 11 km/s
by
11 (a) g R2/(R + h)
(c) km/s (d) 11 2 km/s
2 (b) g R
14. If the length of a simple pendulum is increased by 2%, then (c) g R/(R – h)
the time period
(a) increases by 2% (b) decreases by 2% (d) ég R 2 / (R + h) ù
ë û
(c) increases by 1% (d) decreases by 1%
22. Mass of the Earth has been determined through
15. The kinetic energy of a satellite in its orbit around the earth
is E. What should be the kinetic energy of the satellite so as T2
(a) use of Kepler's constancy law and Moon's period
to enable it to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth? R3
(a) 4 E (b) 2 E (b) sampling the density of Earth's crust and using Earth's
radius
(c) 2E (d) E
(c) Cavendish's determination of G and using Earth radius
16. The time period of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius R is and g at its surface
T, the period of another satellite in a circular orbit of radius
(d) use of periods of satellites at different heights above
4 R is
Earth's surface and known radius of Earth
(a) 4 T (b) T/4
(c) 8 T (d) T/8 23. Consider Earth to be a homogeneous sphere. Scientist A
goes deep down in a mine and scientist B goes high up in a
17. If the change in the value of g at the height h above the
balloon. The gravitational field measured by
surface of the earth is the same as at a depth ‘x’ below it,
then (both x and h being much smaller than the radius of the (a) A goes on decreasing and that by B goes on increasing
earth) (b) B goes on decreasing and that by A goes on increasing
(a) x = h (b) x = 2 h (c) each decreases at the same rate
(c) x = h/2 (d) x = h2 (d) each decreases at different rates
 Gravitation 225

24. There are _______ gravitational lines of force inside a 30. If value of acceleration due to gravity changes from one
spherically symmetric shell. place to another, which of the following forces will undergo
(a) infinitely many a change ?
(b) zero (a) Viscous force (b) Buoyant force
(c) Magnetic force (d) All of the above
(c) varying number depending upon surface area
31. The amount of work done in lifting a mass ‘m’ from the
(d) varying number depending upon volume surface of the earth to a height 2R is
25. A uniform ring of mass m and radius r is placed directly (a) 2mgR (b) 3mgR
above a uniform sphere of mass M and of equal radius. The
centre of the ring is directly above the centre of the sphere 3 2
(c) mgR (d) mgR
2 3
at a distance r 3 as shown in the figure.
32. The radius of the earth is 4 times that of the moon and its
The gravitational force exerted by the sphere on the ring mass is 80 times that of the moon. If the acceleration due to
will be gravity on the surface of the earth is 10 m/s2, then on the
surface of the moon its value will be
GMm r
(a) 1 ms–2 (b) 2 ms–2
(a)
8r 2 (c) 3 ms–2 (d) 4 ms–2
3r 33. A satellite of mass ‘m’, moving around the earth in a circular
GMm 2r
(b) orbit of radius R, has angular momentum L. The areal velocity
2
4r of satellite is (Me = mass of earth)
(a) L /2m (b) L /m
GMm
(c) 3 (c) 2L /m (d) 2L /Me
8r 2 34. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R applies a
gravitational force of attraction equal to F1 on a particle
GMm
(d) placed at A, distance 2R from the centre of the sphere.
8r 3 3
26. The gravitational potential difference between the surface
of a planet and a point 20 m above the surface is 2 joule/kg. A
If the gravitational field is uniform, then the work done in
carrying a 5 kg body to a height of 4 m above the surface is
(a) 2 J (b) 20 J
(c) 40 J (d) 10 J R R
27. The ratio of the kinetic energy required to be given to a A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now made in the sphere
satellite so that it escapes the gravitational field of Earth to as shown in the figure. The sphere with cavity now applies
the kinetic energy required to put the satellite in a circular a gravitational force F2 on the same particle placed at A.
orbit just above the free surface of Earth is The ratio F2/F1 will be
(a) 1 (b) 2 (a) 1/2 (b) 3
(c) 3 (d) 9 (c) 7 (d) 1/9
35. A body starts from rest from a point distance R0 from the
28. The radii of two planets are respectively R1 and R2 and
centre of the earth. The velocity acquired by the body when
their densities are respectively r1 and r2. The ratio of the
it reaches the surface of the earth will be (R represents
accelerations due to gravity at their surfaces is
radius of the earth).
r1 r2
(a) g1 : g 2 = : æ1 1 ö æ 1 1ö
R12 R 22 (a) 2 G M çç - ÷ (b) 2 G M çç - ÷÷
÷ R R
è R R0 ø è 0 ø
(b) g1 : g 2 = R1R 2 : r1r 2
æ1 1 ö æ1 1 ö
(c) G M çç - ÷ (d) 2 G M çç - ÷
÷
(c) g1 : g 2 = R1r 2 : R 2r1 ÷
è R R0 ø è R R0 ø

(d) g1 : g 2 = R1r1 : R 2r 2 36. The largest and the shortest distance of the earth from the
sun are r1 and r2. Its distance from the sun when it is at
29. An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit around the perpendicular to the major-axis of the orbit drawn from the sun
earth has a total (K.E. + P.E.) is E0. Its potential energy is –
(a) (r1 + r2 ) / 4 (b) (r1 + r2 ) /(r1 - r2 )
(a) –E0 (b) 1.5 E0
(c) 2E0 (d) E0 (c) 2 r1 r2 /(r1 + r2 ) (d) (r1 + r2 ) / 3
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37. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit 44. If there were a small gravitational effect, then which of the
just above the centre’s surface is u. For a satellite orbiting following forces will undergo a change?
at an altitude of half of the earth’s radius, the orbital velocity is (a) Viscous force (b) Electrostatic force
(c) Magnetic force (d) Archimedes' uplift
æ æ 2öö 2 45. The gravitational force of attraction between a uniform
(a) ç ç ÷ ÷v (b) v0
ç è 3ø÷ 0 3 sphere of mass M and a uniform rod of length l and mass m
è ø
oriented as shown is
3 æ 3ö
(c) v0 (d) ç ÷v0
2 è 2ø
M m
38. A planet is revolving around the sun in an elliptical orbit.
Its closests distance from the sun is rmin. The farthest
distance from the sun is rmax. If the orbital angular velocity r l
of the planet when it is nearest to the sun is w, then the
orbital angular velocity at the point when it is at the farthest GMm GM
distance from the sun is (a) (b)
r(r + l ) r2
(a) ( rmin / rmax ) w (b) ( rmax / rmin ) w
(c) Mmr 2 + l (d) (r 2 + l )mM
2 2 2 2
(c) (rmax / rmin ) w (d) (rmin / rmax ) w
39. Two spherical bodies of mass M and 5M and radii R and 2R 46. Explorer 38, a radio-astronomy satellite of mass
respectively are released in free space with initial separation 3R
between their centres equal to 12 R. If they attract each 200 kg, circles the Earth in an orbit of average radius
2
other due to gravitational force only, then the distance
where R is the radius of the Earth. Assuming the gravitational
covered by the smaller body just before collision is
pull on a mass of 1 kg at the earth's surface to be 10 N,
(a) 2.5 R (b) 4.5 R calculate the pull on the satellite
(c) 7.5 R (d) 1.5 R (a) 889 N (b) 89 N
40. If the radius of the earth were to shrink by one per cent, its (c) 8889 N (d) 8.9 N
mass remaining the same, the acceleration due to gravity 47. Suppose, the acceleration due to gravity at the Earth's
on the earth’s surface would surface is 10 m s–2 and at the surface of Mars it is
(a) decrease (b) remain unchanged 4.0 m s–2. A 60 kg pasenger goes from the Earth to the Mars
(c) increase (d) None of these in a spaceship moving with a constant velocity. Neglect all
41. If earth is supposed to be a sphere of radius R, if g 30 is other objects in the sky. Which part of figure best represents
the weight (net gravitational force) of the passenger as a
value of acceleration due to gravity at lattitude of 30° and g
function of time?
at the equator, the value of g – g30 is
Weight
1 2 3 2
(a) w R (b) w R
4 4 600 N A

1 2
(c) w2R (d) w R B
2
200 N
42. A ball is dropped from a satellite revolving around the earth
at height of 120 km. The ball will C
(a) continue to move with same speed along a straight D t0 time
line tangentially to the satellite at that time
(b) continue to move with same speed along the original (a) A (b) B
orbit of satellite. (c) C (d) D
(c) fall down to earth gradually 48. A projectile is fired vertically from the Earth with a velocity
kve where ve is the escape velocity and k is a constant less
(d) go far away in space
than unity. The maximum height to which projectile rises,
43. Two identical geostationary satellites are moving with equal
as measured from the centre of Earth, is
speeds in the same orbit but their sense of rotation brings
them on a collision course. The debris will R R
(a) (b)
(a) fall down k k -1
(b) move up
R R
(c) begin to move from east to west in the same orbit (c) 2 (d)
(d) begin to move from west to east in the same orbit 1- k 1+ k2
 Gravitation 227

49. A diametrical tunnel is dug across the Earth. A ball is 53. The percentage change in the acceleration of the earth
dropped into the tunnel from one side. The velocity of the towards the sun from a total eclipse of the sun to the point
ball when it reaches the centre of the Earth is .... (Given : where the moon is on a side of earth directly opposite to
3 GM the sun is
gravitational potential at the centre of Earth = – )
2 R
2
(a) R (b) gR Ms r2 Ms æ r2 ö
(a) ´ 100 (b) ´ 100
M m r1 M m çè r1 ÷ø
(c) 2.5gR (d) 7.1gR
50. A man of mass m starts falling towards a planet of mass M
2 2
and radius R. As he reaches near to the surface, he realizes æ r ö Mm æ r1 ö M s
that he will pass through a small hole in the planet. As he (c) 2ç 1 ÷ ´ 100 (d) ç ÷ ´ 100
è r2 ø Ms è r2 ø M m
enters the hole, he sees that the planet is really made of two
pieces a spherical shell of negligible thickness of mass 2M/
54. A satellite is revolving round the earth in an orbit of radius
3 and a point mass M/3 at the centre. Change in the force of
r with time period T. If the satellite is revolving round the
gravity experienced by the man is
earth in an orbit of radius r + D r (Dr << r) with time period T
2 GMm
(a) (b) 0 + D T then,
3 R2
DT 3 Dr DT 2 Dr
1 GMm 4 GMm (a) = (b) =
(c) 2 (d) T 2 r T 3 r
3 R 3 R2
51. In a region of only gravitational field of mass 'M' a particle
DT Dr DT Dr
is shifted from A to B via three different paths in the figure. (c) = (d) =-
The work done in different paths are W1 , W2 , W 3 T r T r
respectively then 55. A cavity of radius R/2 is made inside a solid sphere of
3
radius R. The centre of the cavity is located at a distance R/
B C 2 from the centre of the sphere. The gravitational force on a
M particle of mass ‘m’ at a distance R/2 from the centre of the
2 sphere on the line joining both the centres of sphere and
1 cavity is – (opposite to the centre of gravity)
[Here g = GM/R², where M is the mass of the sphere]
A
mg 3mg
(a) W1 = W2 = W3 (b) W1 > W2 > W3 (a) (b)
2 8
(c) W1 = W2 > W3 (d) W1 < W2 < W3
52. Four similar particles of mass m are orbiting in a circle of mg
radius r in the same angular direction because of their mutual (c) (d) None of these
16
gravitational attractive force. Velocity of a particle is given by
56. A spherical uniform planet is rotating about its axis. The
m
velocity of a point on its equator is V. Due to the rotation of
planet about its axis the acceleration due to gravity g at
equator is 1/2 of g at poles. The escape velocity of a particle
m r on the pole of planet in terms of V is
m
(a) Ve = 2V (b) Ve = V

(c) Ve = V/2 (d) Ve = 3V

m
57. The escape velocity from a planet is ve. A tunnel is dug
1/ 2
along a diameter of the planet and a small body is dropped
é GM æ 1 + 2 2 ö ù GM into it at the surface. When the body reaches the centre of
(a) ê ç ÷ú (b) 3
êë r è 4 ø úû r the planet, its speed will be

1/ 2 (a) v e (b) ve / 2
é 1 GM æ 1 + 2 ö ù
(c)
GM
r
(
1+ 2 2 ) (d) ê ç
ëê 2 r è 2 ø úû
÷ú (c) ve/2 (d) zero
 EBD_7751
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58. A (nonrotating) star collapses onto itself from an initial 63. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R around
radius Ri with its mass remaining unchanged. Which curve the earth. A second satellite is launched into an orbit of
in figure best gives the gravitational acceleration ag on the radius 1.01 R. The period of second satellite is larger than
surface of the star as a function of the radius of the star the first one by approximately
during the collapse (a) 0.5% (b) 1.0%
ag (c) 1.5% (d) 3.0%
64. If gE and gM are the accelerations due to gravity on the
surfaces of the earth and the moon respectively and if
d
Millikan’s oil drop experiment could be performed on the
b two surfaces, one will find the ratio
a electronic charge on the moon
c to be
electronic charge on the earth
R
Ri (a) gM / gE (b) 1
(a) a (b) b
(c) 0 (d) gE / gM
(c) c (d) d
59. The earth is assumed to be sphere of radius R. A platform is 65. The density of a newly discovered planet is twice that of
arranged at a height R from the surface of Earth. The escape earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the
velocity of a body from this platform is kv, where v is its planet is equal to that at the surface of the earth. If the
escape velocity from the surface of the earth. The value of radius of the earth is R, the radius of the planet would be
k is
(a) ½ R (b) 2 R
1 1
(a) (b) (c) 4 R (d) 1/4 R
2 3
66. Imagine a new planet having the same density as that of
1 earth but it is 3 times bigger than the earth in size. If the
(c) (d) 2 acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth is g and
2
that on the surface of the new planet is g’, then
60. Four equal masses (each of mass M) are placed at the corners
of a square of side a. The escape velocity of a body from (a) g’ = g/9 (b) g’ = 27g
the centre O of the square is (c) g’=9g (d) g’=3g
67. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the ratio
2GM 8 2 GM of kinetic energy to potential energy is
(a) 4 (b)
a a
1 1
(a) (b)
2 2
4GM 4 2 GM
(c) (d)
a a (c) 2 (d) 2
68. The figure shows elliptical orbit of a planet m about the
61. A planet of mass m moves around the sun of mass M in an
sun S. The shaded area SCD is twice the shaded area SAB.
elliptical orbit. The maximum and minimum distance of the
If t1 is the time for the planet to move from C to D and t 2 is
planet from the sun are r 1 and r2 respectively. The time
the time to move from A to B then :
period of planet is proportional to
3/ 2 v
æ ö m
(a) r12 / 5 (b) çr + r ÷
è 1 2ø B C
3/ 2
æ ö
(c) ç r1 – r2 ÷ (d) r 3/ 2 S
è ø D
62. The change in potential energy, when a body of mass m is A
raised to a height nR from the earth’s surface is (R = radius
of earth)
(a) t1 = 4t2 (b) t1 = 2t2
æ n ö
(c) t1 = t2 (d) t1 > t2
(a) mgRç ÷ (b) nmgR
ç n – 1÷ 69. The radii of circular orbits of two satellites A and B of the
è ø
earth, are 4R and R, respectively. If the speed of satellite A
æ n2 ö is 3 V, then the speed of satellite B will be
æ n ö
(c) mgR ç ÷ (d) mgR ç ÷ (a) 3 V/4 (b) 6 V
ç n 2 +1 ÷ è n +1 ø
è ø (c) 12 V (d) 3 V/2
 Gravitation 229

70. A particle of mass M is situated at the centre of a spherical

(a) I (b) I
shell of same mass and radius a. The gravitational potential
a
at a point situated at distance from the centre, will be
2
3GM 2 GM r=a r r=a r
(a) - (b) -
a a
(c) I (d) I
GM 4 GM
(c) - (d) -
a a
71. A planet moving along an elliptical orbit is closest to the
sun at a distance r 1 and farthest away at a distance of r2. If r=a r
r=a r
v1 and v 2 are the linear velocities at these points
v1 Directions for Qs. (74 to 75) : Each question contains
respectively, then the ratio v is STATEMENT-1 and STATEMENT-2. Choose the correct answer
2
(a) (r1/r2)2 (b) r2/r1 (ONLY ONE option is correct ) from the following
(c) (r2/r1)2 (d) r1/r2 (a) Statement -1 is false, Statement-2 is true
72. A particle of mass m is thrown upwards from the surface of (b) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is a
the earth, with a velocity u. The mass and the radius of the correct explanation for Statement-1
earth are, respectively, M and R. G is gravitational constant (c) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is true; Statement -2 is not
and g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the a correct explanation for Statement-1
earth. The minimum value of u so that the particle does not
return back to earth, is (d) Statement -1 is true, Statement-2 is false
74. Statement -1 : For the planets orbiting around the sun,
2GM 2GM angular speed, linear speed and K.E. changes with time,
(a) (b)
R R2 but angular momentum remains constant.
Statement -2 : No torque is acting on the rotating planet.
2GM
(c) 2gR 2 (d) So its angular momentum is constant.
R2
75. Statement -1 : Gravitational potential is maximum at infinity.
73. Which one of the following graphs represents correctly
the variation of the gravitational field intensity (I) with the Statement -2 : Gravitational potential is the amount of work
distance (r) from the centre of a spherical shell of mass M done to shift a unit mass from infinity to a given point in
and radius a ? gravitational attraction force field.

Exemplar Questions
1. The earth is an approximate sphere. If the interior contained
matter which is not of the same density everywhere, then
on the surface of the earth, the acceleration due to gravity
(a) will be directed towards the centre but not the same
everywhere
(b) will have the same value everywhere but not directed
towards the centre
(c) will be same everywhere in magnitude directed towards
the centre
(d) cannot be zero at any point
2. As observed from the earth, the sun appears to move in an
approximate circular orbit. For the motion of another planet
like mercury as observed from the earth, this would
(a) be similarly true
(b) not be true because the force between the earth and
mercury is not inverse square law
(c) not be true because the major gravitational force on
mercury is due to the sun
(d) not be true because mercury is influenced by forces
other than gravitational force
3. Different points in the earth are at slightly different
distances from the sun and hence experience different
forces due to gravitation. For a rigid body, we know that if
various forces act at various points in it, the resultant motion
is as if a net force acts on the CM (centre of mass) causing
translation and a net torque at the CM causing rotation
around an axis through the CM. For the earth-sun system
(approximating the earth as a uniform density sphere).
(a) the torque is zero
(b) the torque causes the earth to spin
(c) the rigid body result is not applicable since the earth
is not even approximately a rigid body
(d) the torque causes the earth to move around the sun
 EBD_7751
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4. Satellites orbitting the earth have finite life and sometimes NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions
debris of satellites fall to the earth. This is because 9. A body of mass ‘m’ is taken from the earth’s surface to the
(a) the solar cells and batteries in satellites run out height equal to twice the radius (R) of the earth. The change
(b) the laws of gravitation predict a trajectory spiralling in potential energy of body will be [2013]
inwards 2
(c) of viscous forces causing the speed of satellite and (a) mgR (b) 3 mgR
3
hence height to gradually decrease
1
(d) of collisions with other satellites (c) mgR (d) mg2R
3
5. Both the earth and the moon are subject to the gravitational
force of the sun. As observed from the sun, the orbit of the 10. Infinite number of bodies, each of mass 2 kg are situated on
moon x-axis at distances 1m, 2m, 4m, 8m, ..... respectively, from the
origin. The resulting gravitational potential due to this
(a) will be elliptical
system at the origin will be [2013]
(b) will not be strictly elliptical because the total
8 4
gravitational force on it is not central (a) - G (b) - G
3 3
(c) is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve
(c) – 4 G (d) – G
(d) deviates considerably from being elliptical due to 11. The radius of a planet is twice the radius of earth. Both
influence of planets other than the earth have almost equal average mass-densities. If VP and VE are
6. In our solar system, the inter-planetary region has chunks escape velocities of the planet and the earth, respectively,
of matter (much smaller in size compared to planets) called then [NEET Kar. 2013]
asteroids. They (a) VE = 1.5VP (b) VP = 1.5VE
(a) will not move around the sun, since they have very (c) VP = 2VE (d) VE = 3VP
small masses compared to the sun 12. A particle of mass ‘m’ is kept at rest at a height 3R from the
(b) will move in an irregular way because of their small surface of earth, where ‘R’ is radius of earth and ‘M’ is mass
masses and will drift away into outer space of earth. The minimum speed with which it should be
projected, so that it does not return back, is (g is acceleration
(c) will move around the sun in closed orbits but not obey
due to gravity on the surface of earth) [NEET Kar. 2013]
Kepler's laws
1 1
(d) will move in orbits like planets and obey Kepler's laws æ GM ö 2 æ GM ö 2
(a) ç ÷ (b) ç ÷
7. Choose the wrong option. è R ø è 2R ø
(a) Inertial mass is a measure of difficulty of accelerating 1 1
a body by an external force whereas the gravitational æ gR ö 2 æ 2g ö 2
(c) ç ÷ (d) ç ÷
mass is relevant in determining the gravitational force è 4 ø è 4 ø
on it by an external mass
13. Dependence of intensity of gravitational field (E) of earth
(b) That the gravitational mass and inertial mass are equal with distance (r) from centre of earth is correctly represented
is an experimental result by: [2014]
(c) That the acceleration due to gravity on the earth is the
same for all bodies is due to the equality of gravitational E E
mass and inertial mass O R
(a) (b) O
r R r
(d) Gravitational mass of a particle like proton can depend
on the presence of neighbouring heavy objects but
the inertial mass cannot
E E
8. Particles of masses 2M, m and M are respectively at points A,
R
1 (c) O (d) O
B and C with AB = ( BC ) × m is much-much smaller than r R r
2
M and at time t = 0, they are all at rest as given in figure.
At subsequent times before any collision takes place. 14. A black hole is an object whose gravitational field is so
strong that even light cannot escape from it. To what
A r B C
approximate radius would earth (mass = 5.98 × 1024 kg)
2M m M have to be compressed to be a black hole? [2014]
(a) m will remain at rest (a) 10– 9 m (b) 10– 6 m
(b) m will move towards M
(c) 10– 2 m (d) 100 m
(c) m will move towards 2M
(d) m will have oscillatory motion
 Gravitation 231

15. Two spherical bodies of mass M and 5 M and radii R and 2 (b) the linear momentum of S remains constant in
R released in free space with initial separation between their magnitude.
centres equal to 12 R. If they attract each other due to (c) the acceleration of S is always directed towards the
gravitational force only, then the distance covered by the centre of the earth.
smaller body before collision is [2015]
(d) the angular momentum of S about the centre of the
(a) 4.5 R (b) 7.5 R earth changes in direction, but its magnitude remains
(c) 1.5 R (d) 2.5 R constant.
16. Kepler's third law states that square of period of revolution 19. The ratio of escape velocity at earth (ve) to the escape
(T) of a planet around the sun, is proportional to third power velocity at a planet (vp) whose radius and mean density are
of average distance r between sun and planet i.e. T 2 = Kr3 twice as that of earth is :
here K is constant. If the masses of sun and planet are M
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 2 2 [2016]
and m respectively then as per Newton's law of gravitation
(c) 1 : 4 (d) 1 : 2
GMm 20. At what height from the surface of earth the gravitational
force of attraction between them is F = 2 , here G is
r potential and the value of g are –5.4 × 107 J kg–1 and 6.0 ms–2
gravitational constant. The relation between G and K is
respectively ?
described as [2015]
Take the radius of earth as 6400 km : [2016]
(a) GMK = 4p2 (b) K = G
(a) 2600 km (b) 1600 km
1 (c) 1400 km (d) 2000 km
(c) K = (d) GK = 4p2
G 21. Two astronauts are floating in gravitation free space after
17. A remote - sensing satellite of earth revolves in a circular having lost contact with their spaceship. The two will
orbit at a height of 0.25 × 106 m above the surface of earth. (a) move towards each other. [2017]
If earth's radius is 6.38 × 106 m and g = 9.8 ms–2, then the (b) move away from each other.
orbital speed of the satellite is: [2015 RS] (c) become stationary
(a) 8.56 km s–1 (b) 9.13 km s–1 (d) keep floating at the same distance between them.
22. The acceleration due to gravity at a height 1 km above the
(c) 6.67 km s–1 (d) 7.76 km s–1 earth is the same as at a depth d below the surface of earth.
18. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. Then [2017]
The mass of the satellite is very small compared to the mass 3
(a) d = 1 km (b) d = km
of the earth. Then, [2015 RS] 2
(a) the total mechanical energy of S varies periodically 1
(c) d = 2 km (d) d = km
with time. 2
 EBD_7751
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Hints & Solutions

EXERCISE - 1 l
1. (d) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (d) 12. (b) Since T = 2π
g
5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (b)
r r but inside the satellite g = 0
8. (c) In planetary motion τ ext. = 0 Þ L = constant So T = ¥
r r r r
L = r ´ p (= mv ) = mrv (Q q = 90º) 13. (b) We know that, ve = (2 g R)
So m1d1v1 = m2d2v2 (here r = d)
(ve ) P1 (2 g1 R 1 )æg ö æR ö
vd \ = = ç 1 ÷´ ç 1 ÷ = kr
Þ v2 = 1 1 (v e ) P2 (2 g 2 R 2 ) g
è 2ø è R2 ø
d2
14. (b) v e = 2vo where ve and vo are the escape velocity
d1 d2 v2 and orbital velocity respectively.
v1
sun 1 2 1 2
15. (c) KE = mvesc = m ( 2gR ) = mgR .
2 2
9. (a) At the surface of earth, the value of g = 9.8m/sec2. If
16. (a) vesc = 2 gR , where R is radius of the planet.
we go towards the centre of earth or we go above the
surface of earth, then in both the cases the value of g Hence escape velocity is independent of m.
decreases. 17. (a) The escape velocity on the earth is defined as
Hence W1=mgmine, W2=mgsea level, W3=mgmoun ve = 2g e R e
So W1< W2 > W3 (g at the sea level = g at the
Where Re & ge are the radius & acceleration due to
suface of earth)
gravity of earth.
10. (a) According to Gravitational Law
Now for planet gP=2ge, RP=Re/4
GM1M 2 ve
F= 2 …… (i) So vP = 2g P R P = 2 ´ 2ge ´ R e / 4 =
r 2
Where M1 is mass of planet & m2 is the mass of any 18. (c) The potential energy for a conservative force is defined
body. Now according to Newton’s second law, body of as
mass m2 feels gravitational acceleration g which is - dU
r r r
F = m2g ……(ii) F= or U = - ò F.dr …… (i)
dr
¥
GM1
So from (i) & (ii), we get g = r
r2 GM1M 2 -GM1M 2
So the ratio of gravitational acceleration due to two
or U r = ò r 2
dr =
r
…… (ii)
¥
planets is (Q U¥ = 0)
If we bring the mass from the infinity to the centre of
g1 M1 r22 (4 / 3)πr13 ´ρ r22
= 2 ´ = ´ earth, then we obtain work, ‘so it has negative
g2 r1 M2 r12 (4 / 3)πr23 ´ ρ (gravitational force do work on the object) sign &
potential energy decreases. But if we bring the mass
g1 æ r1 ö from the surface of earth to infinite, then we must do
= ç ÷ (both planet have same material, so work against gravitational force & potential energy of
g 2 è r2 ø
the mass increases.
density is same)
GM1M 2
Now in equation (i) if F = instead of
l r5 / 2
11. (c) Since T(time period) = 2π
g GM1M 2
F= then
for second pendulum T=2sec r2
Now on the planet the value of acceleration due to gravity is r
g/4. GM1M 2 -2 GM1M 2
So for the planet, the length of sec. pendulam l' is
Ur = ò r 5/2
dr =
3 r 3/2
¥
2 sec l g/4 1
= ´ Þ l' = l / 4 Þ Ur µ
2 sec g l' +3/ 2
r
 Gravitation 233

3/ 2 3/ 2 1 10 2
T1 æ R1 ö T æ 4R ö =
19. (c) =ç ÷ Þ =ç ÷ r 2 (1 - r) 2
T2 çè R 2 ÷ø T2 è 16R ø
1 10
= Þ 10 r = 1 - r
Þ T2 = 8T r 1- r
1
20. (a) 3 2
T 2 µ (major axis) Þ T a a
3 \ r = km
11
21. (d) According to 3rd law of Kepler 4. (b) The gravitational potential V at a point distant ‘r’ from
a body of mass m is equal to the amount of work done
T2 µ R3 in moving a unit mass from infinity to that point.
Þ T 2 = KR 3 r ur r
Vr - Vµ = - ò E.dr = -GM (1/ r - 1/ µ )
where K is a constant
µ
2
T -GM æ r -dV ö
Thus 3 does not depends on radius. = çè As E = ÷
R r dr ø
(i) In the first case
1 1
22. (a) v1 µ , v2 µ 7R
R 7R - GM
when Vµ = 0, Vr = = -5 unit
r
v2 1 v v
= Þ v2 = 1 = R (ii) In the second case Vµ = + 10 unit
v1 7 7 7 Vr – 10 = – 5
23. (a) Escape velocity does not depend upon the mass of or Vr = + 5 unit
the body. 5. (c) Gravitational force supplies centripetal force
24. (b) At a height h above the surface of earth the
gravitational potential energy of the particle of mass mv 2 3 ´ 10 29 ´ (2 ´ 108 ) 2
\ F= = dynes
m is r 1.5 ´ 1014
GM e m = 8 × 1031 dyne = 8 × 1026 N (Q 1N = 105 dyne.)
Uh = -
Re + h
Me
Where Me & Re are the mass & radius of earth 2G
2GM e 81 = 2 v
respectively. 6. (c) ve = ; vm = e
Re Re 9
In this question, since h = Re
4
GM e m - mgRe
So U h = Re = - = = 2/9 × 11.2 kms–1 = 2.5 kms–1
2 Re 2
7. (d) Since gravitational acceleration on earth is defined as
25. (d) Energy required to move a body of mass m from an
orbit of radius 2R to 3R is GM e
ge = …… (i)
GMm -GMm GMm GMm GMm R e2
DU = - - = - =
3R 2R 2R 3R 6R
Me R
mass of planet is MP = & radius R P = e
EXERCISE - 2 80 4
1. (c) GM P
2. (c) According to Newton’s Gravitation Law So g P = …… (ii)
R 2P
GM1M 2
Fg = here Fg = 10–10 Newton, From (i) & (ii), we get
r2
m1= m2= 1kg, MP R e2 g e
G = 6.6 × 10–11 g P = ge ´ = =2m/sec2
R 2P M e 5
2 GM1 M 2 6.6 ´ 10 - 11 ´ 1 ´ 1
So r = = = 0.66 (as g=10m/sec2)
Fg 10 - 10
or r = 0.8125 metre = 81.25 cm » 80cm – 6. 67 ´ 10 - 11 ´ 10 6 .67 ´ 10 - 11 ´ 100
8. (c) Vg = -
G ´ 10 3 G ´ 10 5 1 1
3. (c) = –10
= –6.67 × 10 – 6.67 × 10 –9
(r ) 2 (1 - r ) 2 = – 6.67 × 10–10 × 11 = –7.3 × 10–9 J/kg
 EBD_7751
234 PHYSICS

9. (c) T2 µ R3 1/ 2
2 π é (R + h)3 ù
2 3 16. (c) T= ê ú
æ T1 ö æ R1 ö R êë g úû
Þ çç ÷÷ = çç ÷÷
è T2 ø è R2 ø Here (R + h) changes from R to 4 R. Hence period of
3/ 2 revolution changes from T to (43)1/2 T = 8 T.
3/ 2
æ T1 ö æ R1 ö æ 1ö
Þ çç ÷÷ = çç ÷÷ =ç ÷ æ 2h ö
g h = g ç1 -
è T2 ø è R2 ø è 4ø 17. (b) ÷
è R ø
T2 æ xö
Þ = ( 4) 3 / 2 = 8 g x = g ç1 - ÷
T1
è Rø
Þ T2 = 8 ´ T1 = 8 ´ 5 = 40 hours Given that, g h = g x
10. (b) At poles, the effect of rotation is zero and also the \x=2h
distance from the centre of earth is least.
mv 2 GmM GM
18. (d) = also g= 2
11. (c) T 2 µ R 3 (According to Kepler’s law) (R + x ) (R + x ) 2
R

T12 µ (1013 )3 and T2 2 µ (1012 )3 mv 2 æ GM ö R 2

\ = mç
(R + x) è R 2 ÷ø (R + x) 2
T12 T1
\ = (10)3 or = 10 10 .
T2 2 T2 mv 2 R2
\ = mg
(R + x ) (R + x ) 2
12. (c) According to Kepler’s law of period T2 µ R3
1/ 2
T12 R13 (6 R )3 gR 2 æ gR 2 ö
Þ v = çç ÷
2
= = =8 \v =
T22 R23 (3 R )3 R+x R + x ÷
è ø
24 ´ 24 mv 2 GmM
=8 =
T22 19. (c)
R + x (R + x ) 2
24 ´ 24 x = height of satellite from earth surface
T22 = = 72 = 36 × 2
8 m = mass of satellite

T2 = 6 2 GM GM
Þ v2 = or v =
(R + x) R+x
13. (
(b) Since escape velocity v e = 2g R e is independent ) 2p(R + x) 2p(R + x)
of angle of projection, so it will not change. T= =
14. (c) Given that 2 = 1.02 1 v GM
R+x
æ ö which is independent of mass of satellite
We know that T = 2π ç ÷ or T µ
ègø 20. (c) F = KR - n = MRw 2 Þ w 2 = KR - (n +1)
-( n +1)
T2 æ 2ö (1.02 1 )
\ = ç 2 [where K' = K1/2, a constant]
è ÷ = = 101 or w = K' R
T1 1ø 1
-(n +1)
Thus time period increases by 1%. 2p
aR 2
15. (b) We know that v e = 2 v0 , where v0 is orbital T
velocity. (n +1)
\T a R 2
1
K.E. in the orbit, E = M v 02 21. (d) According to Newton gravitational force
2
GM e m GM e m
1 2 1 2 = mg & = mg¢
K.E. to escape E = M v e = M (2 v 0 ) R e2 (R e + h )2
2 2
1 1 gR e2
= M v 02 ´ 2 = 2 E Þ g' = g 2
=
2 (1 + h / R e ) (R e + h) 2
 Gravitation 235

where Me is mass of earth, G is gravitational constant,

R GMm é1 1 ù
Re is radius & earth, h is height of satellite above the 35. (b) P.E. = ò dr = -GMm ê - ú
R0 2 R R
surface of earth, g is value at the surface of earth, g' is r ë 0û
value at height h above the surface of earth.
1
mv 2 mgR 2e gR 2e The K.E. acquired by the body at the surface = m v2
so ( R + h ) = = mg ¢ Þ v = 2
e (R e + h ) 2 Re + h
1 2 é1 1 ù
earth \ mv = -GMm ê - ú
h+Re 2 ë R R0 û
surface

Re æ 1 1ö
O v v = 2G M ç - ÷
R
è 0 R ø
Earth satellite
orbit 36. (c) Applying the properties of ellipse, we have
22. (c) 2 1 1 r1 + r2
23. (d) Both decreases but variation are different. = + =
R r1 r2 r1 r2
24. (b) There is no gravitational field in the shell.
25. (c) The gravitational field due to the ring at a distance 3r Instant position
is given by of satellite
Sun
Gm( 3r ) 3Gm
E= ÞE= R
[r 2 + ( 3r) 2 ]3 / 2 8r 2 major axis
3GmM r1 r2
Attractive force =
8r 2
26. (a) For uniform gravitational field 2 r1 r2
R=
V -2 1 r1 + r2
Eg = - =- = ms - 2
r 20 10
æ GM ö
1 37. (a) v= ç ÷ where r is radius of the orbit of the
Now, W = mgh = 5 ´ ´ 4 = 2J è r ø
10
satellite.
1 1
27. (b) E1 = mve2 , E 2 = mv20 Re 3
2 2 herer = Re + h = R e + = Re
2 2
2
E1 æ v e ö
\ =ç ÷ =2 Q ve = 2v0 2GM 2
E 2 çè v 0 ÷ø So, v = = v0
3R e 3,
28. (d) g µ rR
where v0 is the orbital velocity of the satellite, which
29. (c) is moving in circular orbit of radius, r = Re
30. (b) As buoyant force involves ‘g’ in it.
31. (d) Work done = Uf – Ui 38. (d) v1 r1 = v 2 r2 or r12 ω1 = r2 2 ω 2
GMm æ Gmm ö 2 GmM 2 (Q L=mrv = constant)
=- -ç- ÷= = mgR
2R + R è R ø 3 R 3
or rmin 2 ω = rmax 2 ω¢
32. (b) 33. (a)
34. (d) The gravitational force due to the whole sphere at A \ ω¢ = (rmin 2 / rmax 2 ) ω
point is
39. (c) Distance between the surface of the spherical bodies
GM e m o , where m is the assumed rest mass at = 12R – R – 2R = 9R
F1 = 0
(2R ) 2 Force µ Mass
point A.
Acceleration µ Mass
In the second case, when we made a cavity of radius
(R/2), then gravitational force at point A is Distance µ Acceleration
GM e m o S 1
F2 =
2 \ F2/F1= 1/9 Þ a1 = M = 1 Þ 1 = Þ S 2 = 5S1
( R + R / 2) a 2 5M 5 S 2 5
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S1 + S2 = 9
æ 2h ö 4 g æ 3R ö
46. (a) g = g ç1 - ÷ = çè since h = R + ÷ø
9 h è R ø h 2
Þ 6S1 = 9 Þ S1 = = 1 . 5
6
4
S2 = 1.5 × 5 = 7.5 Force on the satellite = mg h = mg
9
Note: Maximum distance will be travelled by smaller
bodies due to the greater acceleration caused by the 4
= ´ 200 ´ 10 » 889 N
same gravitational force 9
GM GM 1
40. (c) g= ; g' = 47. (c) gµ so we will not get a straight line.
2 2
R (0.99R ) R2
Also F = 0 at a point where Force due to Earth = Force
g' æ R 2 ö due to mars
\ =ç ÷ Þ g' > g 48. (c) Applying conservation of energy principle, we get
g è 0.99R2 ø
1 GMm GMm
41. (b) Acceleration due to gravity at lattitude’ l ’ is given by mk 2 v e2 - =-
2 R r
g l = g e - R e w 2 cos 2 l 1 2GM GMm GMm
Þ mk 2 - =-
At equator, l = 90° Þ cos l = cos 90° = 0 2 R R r
or g l = g e = g (as given in question) k2 1 1 1 1 k2
Þ - =- Þ = -
R R r r R R
2 2 3
At 30°, g 30 = g - Rw cos 30 = g - Rw 2 1 1 R
4 Þ = (1 - k 2 ) Þ r =
r R 1- k 2
3
or, g - g 30 = Rw 2 49. (b) Loss in potential energy = Gain in kinetic energy
4
42. (b) The orbital speed of satellite is independent of mass GMm æ 3 GMm ö 1 2
- -ç- ÷ = mv
of satellite, so ball will behave as a satellite & will R è 2 R ø 2
continue to move with same speed in original orbit.
GMm 1 GM
43. (a) The total momentum will be zero and hence velocity Þ = mv 2 Þ v = = gR
will be zero just after collisiion. The pull of earth will 2R 2 R
make it fall down. 50. (a) Change in force of gravity
44. (d) Weight of liquid displaced = mg. M
45. (a) The force of attraction between sphere and shaded G m
GMm
= - 32 (only due to mass M/3 due to shell
æm ö R2 R
ç dx ÷ gravitational field is zero (inside the shell))
l
position dF = GM è ø
2 2GMm
x =
3R 2
r l 51. (a)
52. (a) Centripetal force = net gravitational force

m mv20 2GM 2 1 Gm 2
M = 2Fcos 45° + F1 = +
r ( 2r) 2 2 4r 2
45° 2r
x V0
F
r+l F1 F

r +l r +l r
GMm GMm 1
F= òr
lx 2
dx =
l òr
x2
dx

r +l r +l
GMm GMm é x -2+1 ù
=
l ò
r
x -2 dx =
l êë -2 + 1úû r
r+l
GMm -1 r + l GMm é 1 ù GMm 1/2
=- éx ù = - = mv20 Gm 2 æ GM(2 2 + 1ö
l ë ûr l êë x úû r r (r + l ) = 2
[2 2 + 1] Þ ç ÷
r 4r è 4r ø
 Gravitation 237

53. (c) During total eclipse : 56. (a) V = wR

Total attraction due to sun and moon, g = g 0 - w 2 R [g = at equator, g0 = at poles]
GM s M e GM m M e g0 g g R
F1 = + = g0 - w 2 R ; w 2 R = 0 ; V 2 = 0
r12 r22 2 2 2
When moon goes on the opposite side of earth. Ve = 2g 0 R = 4V 2 = 2V
Effective force of attraction,
1 GMm GMm
GM s M e GM m M e 57. (b) mv e2 = ; ve = = 2gR
F2 = - 2 R R
r12 r22 In tunnel body will perform SHM at centre
Change in force, Vmax = Aw (see chapter on SHM)
2GM m M e R2p ve
DF = F1 - F2 = = = gR =
r22 2p R / g 2
Change in acceleration of earth
1
DF 2GM m 58. (b) gµ
Da = M = R2
e r22
R decreasing g increase hence, curve b represents
Fav GMs correct variation.
Average force on earth, Fav = M = 2
e r1 2GM 2GM
%age change in acceleration 59. (a) Here, v = and kv = .
R R+R
Da 2GM m r12 1
= ´100 = ´ ´100 Solving k =
a av r22 GM s 2
2 60. (b) Potential energy of particle at the centre of square
æ r ö Mm
=2ç 1 ÷ ´ 100 æ ö
è r2 ø M s
ç GMm ÷
= -4 ç
54. (a) Since, T 2 = kr 3 a ÷
ç ÷
Differentiating the above equation è 2 ø
DT Dr DT 3 Dr
Þ2 =3 Þ = æ ö
T r T 2 r GMm ÷ 1 8 2 GM
\ -4 ç + mv 2 = 0 Þ v 2 =
55. (b) Gravitational field at mass m due to full solid sphere ç a ÷ 2 a
r r è 2ø
rr rR é 1 ù
E1 = = ........ ê e0 =
3e 0 6e 0 ë 4 p G úû r1 + r2
61. (b) T2 a r3, where r = mean radius =
Gravitational field at mass m due to cavity (–r) 2
r é GMm æ GMm ö
r (-r) (R / 2)3 r ra 3 ù 62. (d) DU = U f - U i = - -ç- ÷
E2 = ........ ê using E = ú nR + h è R ø
3e 0 R 2 êë 3e 0 r 2 úû
n GMm n
= . = mgR
(-r)R 3 -rR n +1 R n +1
= - 2
=-
24e 0
24e 0 R
(R + h) 3
Net gravitational field 63. (c) T = 2p
m GM
r r r rR rR CM
E = E1 + E 2 = - R R3 (1.01R ) 3
6e0 24e 0 R/2 T1 = 2 p , T2 = 2p
GM GM
rR T2 - T1
= ´ 100 = 1.5%
8e 0 T1
r mrR 64. (b) Electronic charge does not depend on acceleration
Net force on m ® F = mE =
8e 0 due to gravity as it is a universal constant.
So, electronic charge on earth
M 1 3mg = electronic charge on moon
Here, r = & e0 = then F =
(4 / 3) pR 3 4 pG 8 \ Required ratio = 1.
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238 PHYSICS

GM 4 GM
65. (a) g= also M = d ´ pR 3 \ u = 2· ·R Þ 2GM
2 3
R R2 R
4 73. (d) Intensity will be zero inside the spherical shell.
\g = dpR at the surface of planet
3 1
I = 0 upto r = a and I µ when r > a
4 4
g p = ( 2d ) pR ¢ , g e = (d ) pR r2
3 3 74. (b) 75. (b)
ge = gp Þ dR = 2d R' EXERCISE - 3
Þ R' = R/2
66. (d) We know that Exemplar Questions
1. (d) Let the density of earth as a sphere is uniform, then it
æ4 ö
GM G ç pR 3 ÷r 4 can be treated as point mass placed at its centre then
g= 2 =
è3 ø = pGRr acceleration due to gravity g = 0, at the centre. But if
R R2 3
the density of earth is considered as a sphere of non-
g' R' 3R uniform then value of 'g' will be different at different
= =
g R R
=3 \ g' = 3g
points
67. (a) K.E. of satellite moving in an orbit around the earth is
æ 4 ö
çQ g = prGR ÷ . So g cannot be zero at any point.
2
1 1 æ GM ö÷ GMm
K= mv 2 = mç = è 3 ø
2 2 èç r ø÷ 2r
2. (c) Force of attraction between any two objects obeys
P.E. of satellite and earth system is the inverse square law.
GMm As observed from the earth, the sun appears to move
GMm K 2r = 1 in an approximate circular orbit. The gravitational force
U= Þ = GMm
r U 2 of attraction between the earth and the sun always
r follows inverse square law.
68. (b) According to Kepler’s law, the areal velocity of a Due to relative motion between the earth and mercury,
planet around the sun always remains constant. the orbit of mercury, as observed from the earth will
SCD : A1– t1 (areal velocity constant) not be approximately circular, since the major
SAB : A2 – t2 gravitational force on mercury is due to the sun is
A1 A 2
= , very large than due to earth and due to the relative
t1 t2 motion to sun and earth with mercury.
A 3. (a) As we know that, the torque on earth due to
t1 = t2 . 1 , (given A1 = 2A2)
A2 gravitational attractive force on earth is zero.
2A 2 As the earth is revolving around the sun in a circular
= t2 .
A2 motion due to gravitational attraction. The force of
\ t1 = 2t2 attraction will be of radial nature i.e., angle between
69. (b) Orbital velocity of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius position vector r and force F is also, zero.
a is given by
So, torque = t = r ´ F = rF sin 0° = 0
GM 1 v2 a1
v= Þ va Þ v = 4. (c) As the total (P.E.) of the earth satellite orbiting in orbit
a a 1 a2
æ -GM ö
4R is negative ç ÷ , where r is radius of the satellite
\ v2 = v1 = 2 v1 = 6V è 2r ø
R and M is mass of the earth.
70. (a) Potential at the given point = Potential at the point Due to the viscous force acting on satellite, energy
due to the shell + Potential due to the particle decreases continuously and radius of the orbit or
GM 2GM 3GM height decreases gradually.
=- - =-
a a a 5. (b) The major force acting on moon is due to gravitational
71. (b) Angular momentum is conserved force of attraction by sun and earth and moon is not
\ L1 = L2 always in line of joining sun and earth.
v1 r2
Þ mr1v1 = mr2v2 Þ r1v1 = r2v2 Þ = As observed from the sun, two types of forces are
v2 r1 acting on the moon one is due to gravitational
72. (a) The velocity u should be equal to the escape velocity. attraction between the sun and the moon and the other
That is, u = 2gR is due to gravitational attraction between the earth
and the moon. So these two force have different lines
GM
But g = of action and it will not be strictly elliptical because
R2 total force on the moon is not central.
 Gravitation 239

6. (d) Asteroids are also being acted upon by central -Gm

gravitational forces, hence Asteroid will move in Gravitational potential V =
r
circular orbits like planets and obey Kepler's laws.
G´2 G´2 G´2 G´2
7. (d) Gravitational mass of proton is equivalent to its inertial V0 = – – – –
1 2 4 8
mass and is independent of presence of neighbouring
heavy objects so verifies the option (d). é 1 1 1 ù
– 2G ê1 + + + + ....¥ ú
ë 2 4 8 û
GMm
8. (c) Force of Gravitation, Fg =
r2 1 1
= – 2G × = – 2G × = – 4 G..
Let AB = r 1 1
1-
So, force on B due to A 2 2

G (2 Mm) 8
= FBA =
11. (c) Escape velocity, Ve = R pGP
towards BA. 3
( AB) 2
VP RP
G (2 Mm ) Þ Ve µ R Þ = =2
= = 2 Fg VE RE
r2
Þ VP = 2VE.
and force on B due to C
12. (b) As we know, the minimum speed with which a body is
GMm projected so that it does not return back is called
= FBC = towards BC
( BC ) 2 escape speed.
As, (BC) = 2AB 2GM 2GM 2GM
Ve = = =
GMm GMm GMm Fg r R+h 4R
Þ FBC = 2
= 2
= 2
= 1
(2 AB) 4( AB ) 4r 4 æ GM ö 2
=ç ÷ (Q h = 3R)
As FBA > FBC, è 2R ø
hence, m will move towards (BA) i.e., (2M). 13. (b) First when (r < R) E µ r and then when r > R E µ 1 .
r2
NEET/AIPMT (2013-2017) Questions
Hence graph (b) correctly dipicts.
-GMm 14. (c) From question,
9. (a) Initial P. E., Ui = ,
R Escape velocity

-GMm 2GM
Final P.E., Uf = [Q R' = R + 2R = 3R] = = c = speed of light
3R R
\ Change in potential energy, 2GM
Þ R=
-GMm GMm c2
DU = + 2 ´ 6.6 ´ 10 - 11 ´ 5.98 ´ 10 24
3R R = m
(3 ´ 108 )2
GMm æ 1 - 1 ö 2 GMm 2
= 10– 2 m
= ç 3÷ = = mgR
R è ø 3 R 3
15. (b) Before collision At the time of collision
5M 5M
æ GMm ö M
çèQ = mgR ÷ M
R ø 12R–3R=9R
R 2R R 2R
mgh
ALTERNATE : DU = 12R
h
1+
R Let the distance moved by spherical body of mass M
is x1 and by spherical body of mass 5m is x2
By placing the value of h = 2R we get As their C.M. will remain stationary
2 So, (M) (x1) = (5M) (x2) or, x1 = 5x2
DU = mgR. and for tauching x1 + x2 = 9R
3
So, x1 = 7.5 R
10. (c) GM
16. (a) As we know, orbital speed, Vorb =
m r
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240 PHYSICS

2 pr 2 pr
Time period T = = r Ve R re
vorb GM Þ = e
Squarring both sides, Vp 2R e 2r e
2
æ 2 pr r ö 4p 2 3 Ve
T2 = ç ÷ = .r \ Ratio =1 : 2 2
è GM ø GM Vp
T 2 4p 2 20. (a) As we know, gravitational potential (v) and
Þ = =K
r 3 GM acceleration due to gravity (g) with height
Þ GMK = 4p2. -GM
17. (d) Given: Height of the satellite from the earth's surface V= = –5.4 × 107 …(1)
R+h
h = 0.25 × 106m
Radius of the earth R = 6.38 × 106m GM
and g = =6 …(2)
Acceleration due to gravity g = 9.8 m/s2 ( R + h )2
Orbital velocity, V0 = ? Dividing (1) by (2)

GM GM R 2 -GM
V0 = = . R +h -5.4 ´107
(R + h) R 2 (R + h) =
GM 6
( R + h )2
9.8 ´ 6.38 ´ 6.38
=
6.63 ´106 5.4 ´ 107
Þ =6
(R + h )
é GM ù
= 7.76 km/s êQ 2 = g ú Þ R + h = 9000 km so, h = 2600 km
ë R û
21. (a) Both the astronauts are in the condition of
18. (c) The gravitational force on the satellite will be aiming weightlessness. Gravitational force between them
towards the centre of the earth so acceleration of the pulls towards each other. Hence Astronauts move
satellite will also be aiming towards the centre of the towards each other under mutual gravitional force.
earth. 22. (c) Above earth surface Below earth surface
19. (b) As we know, escape velocity,
æ 2h ö æ d ö
2GM 2G æ 4 3 ö gh = g ç 1 - R ÷ gd = g ç1 - ÷
Ve = = · ç pR r ÷ µ R r è eø è R eø
R R è3 ø
According to question, gh = gd
Ve R e re æ 2h ö æ d ö
\ =
Vp R p rp g ç1 - ÷ = g ç1 - ÷
è Re ø è Re ø
Clearly,
d = 2h = 2 km