1 Gravitation

1. Introduction
The motion of celestial bodies such as the moon, the earth, the planets, etc, has been a subject
of great interest for a long time. Famous Indian astronomer and mathematician, Aryabhatta,
studied these motions in greater detail, most likely in the 5th century A.D., and wrote his
conclusions in his book Aryabhatta. He established that the earth revolves about its own axis.
He also gave description of motion of other celestial bodies as seen from the earth.
After Aryabhatta, further developments in the study of gravitational forces are as under :

(i) The hypothesis about planetary motion was given by Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543).
(ii) The careful experimental measurements of the positions of the planets and the sun was
given by Tycho Brahe (1546 - 1601)
(iii) Analysis of the data and the formulation of empirical laws was given by Johannes Kepler
(1571 - 1630).
(iv) The development of a general theory was given by Isaac Newton (1642 - 1727)

2. Newton’s Law of Gravitation

It states that every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force which is
directly proportional to the product of their masses and is inversely proportional to the square
of the distance between them.
 
If | F12 | = | F21 | = F, then
1
F ∝ m1m2 and F ∝
r2
 
F12 F21
m1 m2

m1m2
so F ∝
r2
Gm1m2
∴ F=
r2
Newton further generalised the law by saying that not only the earth but all material bodies in
the universe attract each other according to equation with same value of G. The constant G is
–11 2 2
called Universal Gravitational Constant and its value is found to be 6.67 × 10 N–m /kg .
Equation is known as the universal law of gravitation.

Note : This formula is applicable only for spherically symmetric masses or point masses.

Gravitation 1
2.1 Vector form of Law of Gravitation
 
Let r 12 = Displacement vector from m1 to m2 F12 
m1 
 Y  F21
r21 = Displacement vector from m2 to m1 r12 r 21 m2
 
F2,1 = Gravitational force exerted on m2 by m1 r1 
 r2
F1,2 = Gravitational force exerted on m1 by m2 O X
 –Gm1m2  Gm1m2 
F1,2 = r21 = – r21 Z
r21
2
r213
Negative sign shows that

(i) The direction of F12 is opposite to that of r21
(ii) The gravitational force is attractive in nature
 Gm1m2
Similarly F12 = – r21
r212
 Gm1m2   
or F21 = – r 12 ⇒ F12 = – F21
r123
The gravitational force between two bodies are equal in magnitude and opposite in directions.

• Universal Gravitational Constant ‘G’

• Universal Gravitational Constant is a scalar quantity.
–11 2 2
• Value of G : SI : G = 6.67 × 10 N-m /kg ;
–8 2 2 –1 3 –2
CGS : G = 6.67 × 10 dyne-cm /g Dimensions : [M L T ]
• Its value is same throughout the universe; G does not depend on the nature and size of the
bodies; it does not depend even upon the nature of the medium between the bodies.
• Its value was first found out by the scientist “Henry Cavendish” with the help of
“Torsion Balance” experiment.

2.2 Properties of Gravitational Force

• Gravitational force is always attractive.
• Gravitational forces are developed in the form of action and reaction pair. Hence they obey
Newton’s third law of motion.
• It is independent of the nature of medium in between two masses.
• Gravitational forces are central forces as they act along the line joining the centres of the
two bodies.
• Gravitational forces are conservative forces so work done by gravitational force does not
depend on path.
• If any particle moves along a closed path under the action of gravitational force then the
work done by this force is always zero.
• Gravitational force is weaker than the electrostatic and nuclear forces.
• Force developed between any two masses is called gravitational force and force between
Earth and anybody is called force of gravity.
• Gravitational force holds good over a wide range of distances. It is found true from
interplanetary distances to interatomic distances.
• It is a two-body interaction i.e., gravitational force between the two particles is independent
of the presence or absence of other bodies or particles.

2 Gravitation
 Example 1:
Two spherical balls of mass 10 kg each are placed 100 m apart. Find the gravitational force of
attraction between them.
Solution:
Gm1m2
F=
r2
6.67 × 10–11 × 10 × 10 –13
= = 6.67 × 10 N
(100) 2

Example 2:
Two particles of masses 1 kg and 2 kg are placed at a separation of 50 cm. Assuming that the
only forces acting on the particles are their mutual gravitation, find the initial acceleration of
the heavier particle.
Solution:
Force exerted by one particle on another is
Gm1m2
F=
r2
6.67 × 10–11 × 1 × 2 –10
= = 5.34 × 10 N
(0.5)2
Acceleration of heavier particle
F 5.3 × 10–10
= = = 2.6 × 10–10 ms–2
m2 2

Note : This example shows that gravitational force is quite weak but this is the only force keep binds
our solar system and also the universe comprising of all galaxies and other interstellar system.

3. Law of Superposition of Forces

Gravitational force follows law of superposition which states
The total gravitational force on a particle due to a number of particles is the resultant of the
forces of attraction exerted on the given particle due to the individual particles i.e.
   
F = F1 + F2 + F3 ....

Key Points

• It may be worth noting that a uniform spherical shell of matter or a uniform solid sphere attracts
a particle outside their periphery as if their mass is concentrated at their centre.

Gravitation 3
Example 3:
Three masses, each equal to M are placed at the three corners of a square of side a. Calculate
the force of attraction on unit mass placed at the fourth corner.
Solution: 
M F1 m = 1
  
Force on m due to masses at corners 1 and 3 are F1 and F3 1 F2

 F3
GMm Fr
with F1 = F3 = a
a2
 
resultant of F1 and F3 is
M a M
GMm 2 3
Fr = 2 , and its direction is along the diagonal
a2
i.e., towards corner 2
Force on m due to mass M at 2 is
 GMm GMm
Fr = = ;
( ) 2a
2
2a

Fr and F2 act in the same direction. Resultant of these two is the net force :

GMm  1
Fnet = Fr + F2 =  2+ 
a 2
 2 
along the diagonal
Since m = 1 kg
GM  1
So. Fnet =  2+ 
a2  2

Example 4:
Three particles of mass 2kg each are placed as shown. Find out net gravitational force on ‘A’.

10m 10m

B 10m C

Solution:
60° A
Net force on ‘A’ = 2 F cos =F 3
2
F F
Where F is the force exerted by B & C on A 30º 30º
G(2)(2)
Fnet = 3
(10)2
–11
Fnet = 0.46 × 10 N

4 Gravitation
 Example 5:
Three particles, each of mass m, are situated at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side
‘a’. The only forces acting on the particles are their mutual gravitational forces. It is intended
that each particle moves along a circle while maintaining their original separation ‘a’. Determine
the initial velocity that should be given to each particle and the time period of the circular
motion.
Solution:
The resultant force on particle at A due to other two particles is
FA = FAB
2
+ FAC
2
+ 2 FABFAC cos 60°
Gm2
= 3 ......(i)
a2
 Gm2 
 F=
AB
F=
AC 
 a2 
a
Radius of the circle r =
3
If each particle is given a tangential velocity v, so that the resultant force acts as the centripetal
force,
mv 2 mv 2 Am
then = 3 ....(ii)
r a FAB FAC
From (i) and (ii) FA
O
mv 2
Gm 3
2
Gm
3 = ⇒ v= m m
a a2 a a
B C
2πr 2πa a a3
Time period T = = = 2π
v 3 Gm 3Gm

Example 6:
Two stationary particles of masses M1 and M2 are ‘d’ distance apart. A third particle lying on the
line joining the particles, experiences no resultant gravitational force. What is the distance of
this particle from M1?
Solution:
Let m be the mass of the third particle
M1 m M2
GM1m
Force on m towards M1 is F1 = r
r2 d
GM2m
Force on m towards M2 is F2 =
(d– r)2
Since net force on m is zero ∴ F1 = F2
2
GM1m GM2m  d–r  M2
⇒ = ⇒   =
r2 (d– r)2  r  M1

d M2  M1 
⇒ –1= ⇒r = d  
r M1  M1 + M2 
 

Gravitation 5
Example 7:
A mass (M) is split into two parts (m) and (M-m) which are then separated by a certain distance.
m
What ratio will maximise the gravitational force between them?
M
Solution:
If r is the distance between m and (M - m), the gravitational force will be
m(M– m) G
F=G = 2 (mM – m2)
r 2
r
dF d2F
for F to be maximum = 0 and < 0 as
dm dm2
M and r are constants,
d G 2 
i.e.,  (mM– m ) = 0
dm  r2 
 G 
i.e., M – 2m = 0  2 ≠ 0
 r 
m 1
or = , i.e., the force will be maximum when the two parts are identical
M 2

Example 8:
Two solid spheres of same size of a certain metal are placed in contact with each other. Prove
that the gravitational force acting between them is directly proportional to the fourth power of
their radius.
M M

Solution:
The weights of the spheres may be assumed to be concentrated at their centres.
4  4 
G  πR3ρ  ×  πR3ρ 
3 3  = 4 (Gπ2ρ2) R4
So F =   
(2R)2 9
4
∴ F∝ R

Concept Builder-1

Q.1 Two bodies of mass 3 kg and 4 kg each placed 50 m apart. Find the gravitational force of
attraction between them in C.G.S. unit.

Q.2 Gravitational force on 2 kg and 5 kg bodies is 10 newton then find separation between bodies ?

Q.3 Four masses, each equal to M are placed at the four corners of a square of side a. Calculate
the force of attraction on another mass m1 kept at the centre of the square.

6 Gravitation
 Q.4 Three identical point masses, each of mass 1 kg lie in the x-y plane at points (0, 0) (0, 0.2m)
and (0.2m, 0) respectively. The gravitational force on the mass at the origin is :

(i + j) N (i + j) N

–11 –10
(1) 1.67 × 10 (2) 3.34 × 10

(i + j) N (i – j) N

–9 –10
(3) 1.67 × 10 (4) 3.34 × 10

Q.5 Two particles each of equal mass (m) move along a circle of radius (r) under the action of their
mutual gravitational attraction. Find the speed of each particle.

m r r m

Q.6 Where a mass of 3 kg has to be placed near a combination of two masses 9 kg and 16 kg placed
14 m apart, such that it experiences no force.

Q.7 There identical sphere (density ρ0 & radius r0) are arranged as shown what is the net force

experienced by any one of the spheres.

r0 r0

r0

4. Gravitational Field and it’s Intensity Gravitational Field

The gravitational field is the space around a mass or an assembly of masses within which it can
exert gravitational forces on other masses.

Gravitational field

Theoretically speaking, the gravitational field extends up to infinity. However, in actual practice
the gravitational field may become too weak to be measured beyond a particular distance.

Gravitation 7
 • Gravitational Field Intensity
The gravitational field intensity at a point within a gravitational field is defined as the
gravitational force exerted on unit mass placed at that point.
m

F

 r
 F M
Ι=
m
Gravitational field intensity is a vector quantity whose direction is same as that of the
gravitational force. Its SI unit is ‘N/kg’.
F  M1L1T–2 
Dimensions of intensity =   =
  = [M0L1T–2 ]
m M 
1
 

5. Gravitational Field Intensity Due to a Particle (Point-Mass)


Ι m = 1unit
M
r

Gravitational field intensity = gravitational force exerted on unit mass

 GM GM 
⇒ Ι = 2 (– r ) = 3 (– r )
r r
where ‘M’ is the mass of that particle due to which intensity is to be found.

Example 9:
Infinite particles each of mass ‘M’ are placed at positions x = 1 m, x = 2m, x = 4m ..... ∝. Find the
gravitational field intensity at the origin.
Y M M M M
∞ X
O
1m
2m
4m
8m

Solution:
    
Ιnet = Ι 1 + Ι2 + Ι 3 + Ι 4 + ......∞ terms
GM  GM  GM i
i + i + .......∞
(1)2 (2)2 (4)2
 1 1 
terms = GM i  1 + + + .......∞ 
 4 16 
 1
Here in the GP a = 1 and r = 
 4

   
    
So, Ιnet = GM i 
1 
 = GM i  1 
1– 1   3  
  
 4   4  
 4
⇒ Ιnet = GM i
3

8 Gravitation
 6. Gravitational Field Intensity Due to a Spherical Shell
Case I : If r > R, the point is outside the shell then

 GM r >R

Ιout = 2 (–r) R
r O P

Case II : If r = R, the point is on the surface then

 GM r =R
Ι surface = 2 ( –r ) O P
R

Case III : If r < R, the point is inside the shell then I = 0


⇒ Ι v/s r graph for hollow sphere :

Ι

o r <R r =R r >R r
Ιin =0
Ι out ∝ 1/ r 2

–GM / R2

7. Gravitational Field Intensity Due to Spherical Mass Distribution

If the observation point is located on the surface or outside the surface then the spherical mass
can be taken as a particle which is situated at the centre of the sphere. ie. point mass.
For solid sphere
Let ‘M’ be the mass of sphere, ‘R’ the radius of sphere and ‘r’ the distance of the point under
consideration from the centre of sphere.
M
R

 GM
⇒ Case I : When r > R, i.e., outside the sphere then Ιout = 2 (– r )
r
M

R r
O P

 GM
⇒ Case II : When r = R, i.e., at the surface then Ι surface = 2 (– r )
R
M

r =R
P
O

Gravitation 9
  GM'
⇒ Case III : When r < R, i.e., inside the sphere then Ιin = 2 (– r ) ........(i)
r
4 3
πr × ρ
M' V '× ρ ' 3 r3 Mr3
We know, = = = 3 ⇒ M' =
M V×ρ 4 3 R R3
πR × ρ
3
M

R M'
r
P

Putting the expression for M’ in above equation (i) we get

 GMr3  GMr
Iin = 2 3 (– r ) ⇒ Iin = 3 (– r )
rR R
Important conclusions
GM 1
(1) Iout = ∴ Ιout ∝
r2 r2
GM
(2) Isur = 2
R
GMr
(3) Iin = ∴ Ιin ∝ r
R3
GM
(4) So, Imax = Isur =
R2
GM(0)
(5) Icentre = ∴ Imin = Icentre = 0
R3

Ι

o r <R r =R r >R r
Ιin ∝ r
Ι out ∝ 1/ r 2

–GM / R2


Graph between Ι and ‘r’ for a solid sphere
Example 10:
A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R exerts a gravitational force of attraction F1 on a
particle P, distant 2R from the centre of the sphere. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now
formed in the sphere as shown in figure. The sphere with cavity now applies a gravitational
force F2 on the same particle P. Find the ratio F2/F1.

O P
R R

Solution:
GMm
F1 = , F2 = force due to whole sphere – force due to the sphere forming the cavity
4R2
GMm GMm 7GMm F 7
= – ⇒ ∴ 2 =
4R2
18R 2
36R2
F1 9

10 Gravitation
 Concept Builder-2

Q.1 Two concentric shells of masses M1 and M2 are having radii r1 and r2. Which of the following is
the correct expression for the gravitational field at a distance r?
M2
r2
M1
r1

G(M1 + M2 ) G(M1 + M2 )
(1) , for r < r1 (2) , for r < r2
r 2
r2
GM2 GM1
(3) , for r1 < r < r2 (4) , for r1 < r < r2
r 2
r2

Q.2 From a solid sphere of mass M & radius r, as sphere of diameter r is cut off as shown. What is
the intensity at a point x distance away from the centre.

P
x

8. Acceleration Due to Gravity

8.1 Gravity
In Newton’s law of gravitation, the force of attraction between any two bodies is gravitation
force. If one of the bodies is Earth, then the gravitational force is called ‘gravity’. Hence, gravity
is the force by which Earth attracts a body towards its centre. It is a special case of gravitation.

8.2 Acceleration Due to Gravity Near Earth’s Surface

Let us assume that Earth is a uniform sphere of mass M and radius R. The magnitude of the
gravitational force of Earth on a particle of mass m, located outside Earth at a distance r from
GMm
its centre, is F = . Now according to Newton’s second law F = mag
r2
GM
Therefore ag = ......(i)
r2
GM
At the surface of Earth, acceleration due to gravity g = = 9.8 m/s2
R2
However any ag value measured at a given location will differ from the ag value calculated
according to equation due to any three reasons :-
(i) Earth’s mass is not distributed uniformly.
(ii) Earth is not a perfect sphere and
(iii) Earth rotates.

Gravitation 11
 Percentage Change in ‘g’
GM G 4
In terms of density g = = 2 × πR3 × ρ
R2 R 3
4
∴ g= πGRρ If ρ is constant then g ∝ R
3

1 ∆g ∆R
• If M is constant then g ∝ ; For % variation in ‘g’ upto 5% = –2
R2 g R

• If mass (M) and radius (R) correspond to a planet and if small changes ∆M and ∆R occur in
(M) and (R) respectively then
GM ∆g ∆M ∆R
by g = ∴ = –2
R2 g M R
∆g ∆M
If R is constant then = ;
g M
∆g ∆R
If M is constant then =–2
g R

Example 11:
What will be acceleration due to gravity at a planet having diameter twice the diameter of earth
& mass 3 times that of earth.
Solution:
GMe
As we know ge =
R2e
GMP
& gP =
R2e
2
gp Mp  Re  3
So =   =
ge Me  Rp 
 4

3 2
⇒ gp = g = 7.362 m/s
4 e

Example 12:
What will be the acceleration due to gravity on a planet having density 3 times that of earth &
radius half of earth.
Solution:
As we know
4 4
ge = πGρeRe, gp = πGρpRp,
3 3
gp ρp  Rp  3 3
⇒ =   = ⇒ gp = ge
ge ρe  Re  2 2

12 Gravitation
 Example 13:
Draw a rough sketch of the variation in weight of a spacecraft which moves from earth to moon.
Me Fe m Fm Mm

Solution: r
d

GMe GMm
Net weight = Fe ~ Fm = – m
r 2
(d– r)2

mg

mg / 6
weight of
space craft
r
Earth dis tance moon

9. Variation in Acceleration Due to Gravity

9.1 Above the Surface of Earth Due to Altitude (Height)
From diagram
–2 =gh GMe / (Re + h)2
gh R2e R2e  h 
= = =  1 +  h
g (Re + h)2  h
2
 Re 
R 1 + 
2 g = GMe / R2e
 Re 
e Earth
–2 Me
 h   2h  Re
By binomial expansion  1 +  =  1 – 
 Re   Re  O
[If h << Re, then higher power terms become negligible]
 2h 
∴ gh = g  1 – 
 Re 
Note :
(i) This formula is valid if h is upto 5% of earth’s radius. (320 km from earth’s surface)
GMe
(ii) If h is greater than 5% of the earth’s radius we use gh =
(Re + h)2

Example 14:
At what height above the earth surface value of gravity is 98% of gravity at earth surface :
Solution:
∆g 2h
As we know =–
g Re

−200h
So −2% = ⇒ h = 64 Km
Re

Note : It can be understood (& memorised) that value of g decreases by 1% after moving every 32 Km.

Gravitation 13
Example 15:
th
At what height above the Earth’s surface will be acceleration due to gravity 1/9 of its value at
the Earth’s surface? (Radius of Earth is 6400 km)
Solution:
Acceleration due to gravity at height h is
g g
g' = =
 h
2
9
1+ 
 Re 

 h
⇒  1 + R  = 3
 e 

⇒ h = 2Re = 12800 km.

9.2 Variation in ‘g’ inside Earth Surface Due to Depth

Assuming that the density of Earth remains same throughout the volume
4
At Earth’s surface : g = πGReρ ......(i) g
3
P
At a depth d inside the Earth : d gd
r = Re – d

GM'
For point P only mass of the inner sphere is effective gd = O
r2
Mass of sphere of radius r = M’
4π 3 4π 3 Me M
M' = ρr = r × ⇒ M' = 3e r3
3 3 4 / 3 πR3
R

G Mer
3
GM r GMe R –d g
gd = × = 2e × = 2 × e
r 2
Re
3
Re Re Re Re
 d
gd = g  1 –  valid for any depth
 Re 
∆gd = g – gd = decrement in g with depth
O r
R
 d
= g – g 1 –  (Taking direction towards
 Re  centre of earth as positive)

∆g e d
⇒ =
g Re

Example 16:
At what depth below the Earth’s surface the acceleration due to gravity is decreased by 1%?
Solution:
∆g d d 1 d
= ⇒ =
g Re 100 6400
∴ d = 64 km

14 Gravitation
 Example 17:
At which height above earth’s surface is the value of ‘g’ same as in a 100 km deep mine?
Solution:
At height ‘h’ above the earth surface (h < 5% Re)
∆g –2h
=
g Re
At depth x below the earth surface
∆g –x
=
g Re
For g to be same, ∆g will also be same
2h x x 100
So = ⇒ h= = km, So h = 50 km
Re Re 2 2

9.3 Variation in ‘g’ Due to Rotation

Net force on particle at P
mω2r cosr
2 N
mg’ = mg – mrω cosλ
2 r P λ
g’ = g – rω cosλ from ∆OMP r = Re cosλ where λ = Latitude M λ
2 2 Re
Substituting for r we have g’ = g – Re ω cos λ
W λ E
Case (i): At the equator (λ = 0°) O
2 2 2
geq = g – ω Rcos (0°) ⇒ gmin or gequator = g – ω R
Case (ii): At the poles (λ = 90°)
2 2 2 S
gpole = g – ω Rcos (90°) = g – ω R(0) ⇒ gmax
or gpole = g
It means that acceleration due to gravity at the poles does not depend upon the angular velocity
or rotation of earth.

Condition of weightlessness on Earth’s surface:

If apparent weight of body is zero then angular speed of Earth can be calculated as
2 2
mg’ = mg – mReω cos λ

2 2 1 g
0 = mg – mReω cos λ ⇒ ω =
cos λ Re
But at equator λ = 0°
g 1 –3
∴ ω = = rad/s = 0.00125 rad/s = 1.25 × 10 rad/s
Re 800
Note:
• If Earth were to rotate with 17 times of its present angular speed then bodies lying on
equator would fly off into the space. Time period of Earth’s rotation in this case would be 1.4 h.
• If Earth stops rotating about its own axis, then the apparent weight of bodies or effective
acceleration due to gravity will increase at all the places except poles.

Gravitation 15
Example 18:
Determine the speed with which Earth would have to rotate about its axis so that a person on
3
the equator weighs th of its present value. Write your answer in terms of g and R.
5
Solution:
Weight on the equator
3 3 2g
W' = W ⇒ mg = mg – mω2R ⇒ω=
5 5 5R

Example 19:
Which of the following statements are true about acceleration due to gravity?
(1) ‘g’ decreases in moving away from the centre of earth if r > R
(2) ‘g’ decreases in moving away from the centre of earth if r < R
(3) ‘g’ is zero at the centre of earth
(4) ‘g’ decreases if earth stops rotating on its axis
Solution:
(1, 3) are correct.
1
Variation of g with distance : if r > R then g ∝
r2
∴ (1) is correct
If r < R then g ∝ r
∴ (2) is incorrect & (3) is correct
2 2
variation of g with ω : g’ = g – ω Rcos λ
If ω = 0 then g will not change at poles where cosλ = 0. While at other points g increases
∴ (4) is incorrect

9.4 Variation due to Shape of Earth:

From the diagram
polar axis N
GMe
Rp = Re (Re = Rp + 21 km) gp =
Rp2 Rp
W E
GMe O equatorial
and ge = Re axis
(Rp + 21)2
By putting the values S
∴ ge < gp 21 km
(Not to scale)

Example 20:
At sea level the value of g is minimum at :
(1) the equator
(2) 45° north latitude
(3) 45° south latitude
(4) the pole
Solution:
(1)
At the equator, radius of earth is largest so g at equator will be minimum.

16 Gravitation
 Concept Builder-3

Q.1 The radius of Earth is about 6400 km and that of Mars is 3200 km. The mass of Earth is
10 times that of Mars. An object weighs 200 N on the surface of Earth. Its weight on the surface
of Mars will be :-
(1) 80 N (2) 40 N (3) 20 N (4) 8 N

Q.2 What will be the weight of a person on a planet having mass M (= 4Me) & diameter D(= 2Re). If
he weighs 600 N on earth.

Q.3 What will be the acceleration due to gravity on a planet having density 2 times that of earth &
diameter half of radius of earth ?

Q.4 A stone dropped from a height ‘h’ reaches the Earth’s surface in 1 s. If the same stone is taken
to Moon and dropped freely from the same height then it will reach the surface of the Moon in
a time (The ‘g’ of Moon is 1/6 times that of Earth) :-
(1) 6 seconds (2) 9 seconds (3) 3 seconds (4) 6 seconds

Q.5 The maximum vertical distance through which an astronaut can jump on the earth is 0.5 m.
Estimate the corresponding distance on the moon.

Q.6 Find the percentage decrement in the weight of a body when taken to a height of 16 km above
the surface of earth. (radius of earth is 6400 km)

Q.7 At which height from the earth’s surface does the acceleration due to gravity decrease by 1%

Q.8 What is the value of acceleration due to gravity at a height equal to half the radius of earth,
2
from surface of earth? [take g = 10 m/s on earth’s surface]

Q.9 At which height from the earth’s surface does the acceleration due to gravity decrease by 75%
of its value at earth’s surface?

Q.10 At what depth below the surface does the acceleration due to gravity becomes 70% of its value
on the surface of earth ?

1
Q.11 At what depth from earth’s surface does the acceleration due to gravity becomes times that
4
of its value at surface ?

Q.12 Weight of a body decreases by 1% when it is raised to a height h above the Earth’s surface. If
the body is taken to a depth h in a mine, then its weight will :
(1) decrease by 0.5 % (2) decrease by 2% (3) increase by 0.5% (4) increase by 1%

Q.13 Calculate the angular speed of earth such that an object at latitude 45° feels half of its weight.

Gravitation 17
10. Gravitational Potential Energy
10.1 Potential Energy Corresponding to a Conservative Field
The potential energy of a system corresponding to a conservative force is defined as
f  
Uf – Ui = ∫ F .dr .
i

The change in potential energy is equal to the negative of the work done by the internal forces.

10.2 Gravitational Potential Energy of a Two Mass System

Change in potential energy of the system of the two particles as the distance changes from
r1 to r2.
r
dr
r1
A B D E C
r2

Consider a small displacement when the distance between the particles changes from r to r +
dr. In the figure, this corresponds to the second particle going from D to E.
The force on the second particle is
Gm1m2 
F= along DA .
r2
The work done by the gravitational force in the displacement is
Gm1m2
dW = – dr
r2
The increase in potential energy of the two-particle system during this displacement is
Gm1m2
dU = –dW = dr
r2
The increase in potential energy as the distance between the particles change from r1 to r2 is
U(r2) – U(r1) = ∫ dU
r2 r2
Gm1m2 1
= ∫
r1 r 2
dr = Gm1m2 ∫r
r1
2
dr

r
 1 2 1 1
= Gm1m2 –  = Gm1m2  –  . ...(11.2)
 r r1  r1 r2 
We choose the potential energy of the two particle system to be zero when the distance
between them is infinity. This means that we choose U(∞) = 0. By (11.2) the potential energy U(r),
when the separation between the particles is r, is
U(r) = U(r) – U(∞)
 1 1 Gm1m2
= Gm1m2  –  = –
 ∞ r  r
The gravitational potential energy of a two particle system is
Gm1m2
U(r) = – ...(11.3)
r
where m1 and m2 are the masses of the particles r is the separation between the particles and
the potential energy is chosen to be zero when the separation is infinite.

18 Gravitation
 10.3 Gravitational Potential Energy of a Three Particle System
If there are more than two particles in a system then the m3
net gravitational potential energy of the whole system is
the sum of gravitational potential energies of all the
r2 r3 2
possible pairs in that system.
3
For eg :
 Gm1m2   Gm2m3   Gm1m3 
Usystem =  –  +  –  +  – 
 r1   r2   r3 
m1 r1 m2
Gm1m2 Gm2m3 Gm1m3 1
Usystem = – – –
r1 r2 r3

Example 21:
Three particles each of mass m are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side d.
Calculate (a) the potential energy of the system, (b) work done on this system if the side of the
triangle is changed from d to 2d.
Solution:
(a) As in case of two-particle system potential energy is given by –(Gm1m2/r), so
UA = U12 + U23 + U31 C
m
Gmm 3Gm 2
So, UA = –3 =– 60º
d d d
3Gm2
(b) When d is changed to 2d, UB = –
2d
3Gm2 Am m
B
So, work done = UB – UA =
2d
10.4 Change in Gravitational Potential Energy of Earth - Mass System
(a) We change in gravitational potential energy of the earth-particle system when the particle
was raised through a small height over earth’s surface. In this case the force Mg may be treated
as constant and the change in potential energy is
Uf – Ui = mgh
where the symbols have their usual meanings.
(b) W = ∆U = Uf –Ui m GMm
Uf = –
GMm  GMm  Fg R+h
⇒W = – – –  h
R+h  R 
m GMm
1 1  Ui = –
⇒ W = GMm  –  R
R R + h
R
R + h–R  M
⇒ W = GMm  
 R(R+ h) 
 
 
h
⇒ W = gR2m   2
[ GM = gR ]
 2 h
 R  1 +  
  R
mgh
W=
 h
1+ 
 R 

Gravitation 19
 Special cases
h mgh
(i) If h << R, then ∈0 ∴ W∈ = mgh
R 1+0
mgh mgR
(ii) If h = R, then W = =
 R 2
1+ 
 R

10.5 Application based on Earth-Mass System

(a) The velocity required to project a particle to a height ‘h’ from the surface of earth.
Applying ‘COME’ on the surface and at a height ‘h’.
(K.E. + U)surface = (K.E. + U)final
1 GMm GMm
⇒ mv2 – =0–
2 R R+h
1 GMm  GMm 
= mv2 – =–  
2 R R+h
1 mgh
⇒ mv2 =
2 h
1+
R
2gh 2gh
⇒ v2 = ⇒v =
h h
1+ 1+
R R

Note : If a body is released from a height ‘h’ above the surface of earth, then its velocity on reaching
the earth’s surface is also given by :
2gh
v=
h
1+
R

(b) To find the maximum height attained by a body when it is projected with velocity ‘v’ from
the surface of earth.
2gh
Form v2 =
h
1+
R
v 2h
⇒ v2 + = 2gh
R
v 2h
⇒ v2 = 2gh –
R
 v2 
⇒ v2 = h  2g – 
 R

v2 v 2R v 2R
⇒h = = ⇒h=
v2 2gR – v 2 2gR – v 2
2g –
R

20 Gravitation
 Example 22:
With what velocity must a body be thrown from the earth’s surface so that it may reach a height
–2
4Re above the Earth’s surface? (Radius of the Earth Re = 6400 km, g = 9.8 ms ).
Solution:
By using conservation of mechanical energy
1 GMm0 GMm0
m0v2 – =0–
2 Re (Re + 4Re )
1 GMm0 GMm0
m0v2 = – +
2 5Re Re
4 GMm0 8 GM 8 gRe
2
1
⇒ m0v2 = ⇒ v2 = =
2 5 Re 5 Re 5 Re
8 3 8 4
v2 = × 9.8 × 6400 × 10 = 10 ⇒ v = 10 m/s.
5

Example 23:
A body of mass m kg starts falling from a distance 2R above the earth’s surface. What is its
kinetic energy when it has fallen to a distance ‘R’ above the earth’s surface ? (Where R is the
radius of Earth)
Solution:
By conservation of mechanical energy,
GMm GMm
– +0=– + K.E.
3R 2R
GMm  1 1  1 GMm 1 (gR2 )m 1
⇒ K.E. =  –  = = = mgR
R 2 3 6 R 6 R 6

11 Gravitational Potential
11.1 Definition of Gravitational Potential:
Gravitational field around a material body can be described not only by gravitational intensity

Ι g , but also by a scalar function, the gravitational potential V. Gravitational potential is the
amount of work done by external agent in bringing a body of unit mass from infinity to that
Wext
point without changing its kinetic energy. V =
m
GM
Gravitational force on unit mass at (P) will be = 2
x
Work done by this force when the unit mass is displaced through the distance dx is
GM
dWext = Fdx = . dx
x2

x dx

M r

Gravitation 21
 Total work done in bringing the body of unit mass from infinity to point (P) is
r
r
GM  GM  GM
Wext = ∫∞ x2 dx = –  x  = – r
∞

GM
This work done is the measure of gravitational potential at point (P) ∴ VP = –
r
• If r = ∞ then V∞ = 0. Hence gravitational potential is maximum at infinity (as it is a negative
quantity at point P)
GMe
• If r = Re (on the surface of Earth) VS = –
Re

11.2 Relation Between Intensity and Potential Gradient:

   
V = – ∫ Ι . dr ⇒ dV = Ι .dr

dV
∴Ι = – = – ve potential gradient.
dr

11.3 Gravitational Potential Due to Regular Bodies:

Solid Sphere:
V
GM
Case I : r > R (outside the sphere); Vout = – r <R R r >R
r O r
GM
Case II : r = R (on the surface); Vsurface = –
R
–GM / R
Case III : r < R (inside the sphere);
–3GM / 2R
GM
Vin = – [3R2 – r2]
2R3
It is clear that the potential |V| will be maximum at the centre (r = 0)
3 GM 3
| Vcentre | = , Vcentre = Vsurface
2 R 2

Spherical Shell:
GM
Case I: r > R (outside the sphere) Vout = –
r
GM
Case II: r = R (on the surface); Vsurface = –
R
Case III: r < R (inside the sphere);
GM
Potential is same every where and is equal to its value at the surface Vin = –
R
V
r <R R r >R
O r

–GM / R

22 Gravitation
 Example 24:
In a certain region of space gravitational field is given by I = – (K/r) (Where r is the distance
from a fixed point and K is constant). Taking the reference point to be at r = r0 with V = V0. Find
the potential at a distance r.
Solution:
K
∫ dV =– ∫ E.dr , ∫ dV = ∫ r dr
V = K log r + c at r = r0; V = V0
⇒ V0 = K log r0 + c ⇒ c = V0 – K log r0
By substituting the value c in equation
r
V = K log   + V0
 r0 

Concept Builder-4

Q.1 Three particles each of mass m are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’.
Energy is given to their system so that they are now at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side 20a. Energy given to the system in this process is :
Gm2 19Gm2 3Gm2 57Gm2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
20a 20a 20a 20a

Q.2 What is the potential energy of a body of mass m relative to the surface of earth at a (a) height
h = R above its surface ? (b) depth d = R below its surface ?

Q.3 Gravitational potential difference between a point on the surface of a planet and point 10 m
above is 4 J/kg. Considering the gravitational field to be uniform, how much work is done in
moving a mass of 2 kg from the surface to a point 5 m above the surface ?
(1) 4 J (2) 5 J (3) 6 J (4) 7 J

Q.4 The gravitational acceleration on the surface of earth is g. Find the increase in potential energy
in lifting an object of mass m to a height equal to the radius of earth.

Q.5 A particle is fired vertically upwards from the surface of earth and reaches a height 6400 km.
2
Find the initial velocity of the particle if R = 6400km and g at the surface of earth is 10 m/s .

Q.6 The intensity of gravitational field at a point situated at a distance 8000 km from the centre of
Earth is 6.0 N/kg. The gravitational potential at that point in N-m/kg will be :-
7 5 2
(1) 6 (2) 4.8 × 10 (3) 8 × 10 (4) 4.8 × 10

K
Q.7 The gravitational field due to a certain mass distribution is E = in the x-direction (K is a
x3
constant). Taking the gravitational potential to be zero at infinity, its value corresponding to
distance x is :-
K K K K
(1) (2) (3) (4)
x 2x x2 2x2
2 3
Q.8 Two masses of 10 kg and 10 kg are separated by 1 m distance. Find the gravitational potential
at the mid point of the line joining them.

Gravitation 23
12. Escape Energy & Escape Velocity
Escape Velocity (Ve)
It is the minimum velocity required for an object located at the planet’s surface so that it just
escapes the planet’s gravitational field.
Consider a projectile of mass m, leaving the surface of a planet (or some other astronomical
body or system), of radius R and mass M with escape speed ve.
when the projectile just escapes to infinity it neither has kinetic energy nor potential energy.
From conservation of mechanical energy
1  GMm 
mv 2e +  –  =0+0
2  R 

2GM
⇒ ve =
R
The escape velocity of a body from a location which is at height ‘h’ above the surface of planet,
we can use:
2GM 2GM
ves = = ( r = R + h)
r R+h
Where, r = distance from the centre of the planet.
h = Height above the surface of the planet.

Escape speed depends on

(i) Mass (M) and radius (R) of the planet
(ii) Position from where the particle is projected.

Escape speed does not depend on

(i) Mass (m) of the body which is projected
(ii) Angle of projection.
If a body is thrown from the Earth’s surface with escape speed, it goes out of earth’s
gravitational field and never returns back to the earth’s surface.

• Escape energy
Minimum energy given to a particle in the form of kinetic energy so that
it can just escape the Earth’s gravitational field. ve

GMm surface
Magnitude of escape energy = (– ve of PE on the Earth’s surface)
R Earth
Escape energy = Kinetic Energy corresponding to the escape velocity Me
Re
GMm 1
⇒ = mv 2e
R 2 O
Note : In the above discussion it can be any planet for that matter

24 Gravitation
 Key Points

2GM 1
• ve = If M = constant then ve ∝
R R
• ve = 2gR If g = constant ve ∝ R

8πGp
• ve = R If ρ = constant then ve ∝ R
3
• Escape velocity does not depend on the mass of the body being projected, angle of projection
or direction of projection.
0 0
ve ∝ m and ve ∝ θ
• Escape velocity at : Earth’s surface ve = 11.2 km/s, Moon surface ve = 2.31 km/s.
• Atmosphere on Moon is missing because root mean square velocity of gas particles is greater
than escape velocity. i.e., vrms > ve

Example 25:
24
A mass of 6 × 10 kg (= mass of earth) is to be compressed in a sphere in such a way that the
8
escape velocity from its surface is 3 × 10 m/s (equal to the velocity of light). What should be
the radius of the sphere?
(1) 9 mm (2) 8 mm (3) 7 mm (4) 6 mm
Solution:

 2GM   2GM 
As, ve =   , R =  2  ,
 R   ve 
2 × 6.67 × 10–11 × 6 × 1024
∴R= = 9 × 10–3 m = 9mm
(3 × 108 )2

Example 26:
The masses and radii of the earth and moon are M1, R1 and M2, R2 respectively. Their centres are
at distance d apart. What is the minimum speed with which a particle of mass m should be
projected from a point midway between the two centres so as to escape to infinity ?
Solution:
Potential energy of m when it is midway between M1 and M2,
 GM1 –GM2  –2Gm
U = m(V1 + V2) = m – +  = [M1 + M2]
 d/2 d/2  d
And as potential energy at infinity is zero, so work required to shift m from the given position
to infinity,
W = 0 – U = 2Gm (M1 + M2)/d
As this work is provided by initial kinetic energy,
1 2 2Gm(M1 + M2 ) G(M1 + M2 )
mv = or u = 2
2 d d

Gravitation 25
Example 27:
A narrow tunnel is dug along the diameter of the earth, and a particle of mass m0 is placed at
R/2 distance from the centre. Find the escape speed of the particle from that place.
Me ,R

R/2

m0

Solution:
Suppose we project the particle with speed ve, so that it just reaches infinity (r → ∞).
Applying energy conservation principle Me ,R
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
R/2 at r → ∞, v → 0
1  GM   R  
2

m0 v 2e + m0 – 3e 3R2 –    = 0
m0 m0
2  2R 
   2   ve

11GMe
⇒ ve =
4R

Example 28:
If velocity given to an object from the surface of the Earth is n times the escape velocity then
what will be its residual velocity at infinity?
Solution:
1 GMm 1
Let the residual velocity be v, then from energy conservation m(nve)2 – = mv2 + 0
2 R 2
2 2 2 2GM
⇒ v = n ve –
R
2 2 2 2 2
= n ve – ve = (n – 1)ve

⇒v = ( n2 – 1 ve )

Concept Builder-5

Q.1 A planet has mass 100 times that of earth, what has to be its Diameter so that no physical body
can escape from it.

Q.2 A body of mass m is situated at a distance 4Re above the Earth’s surface, where Re is the radius
of Earth. What minimum energy should be given to the body so that it may escape ?
mgRe mgRe
(1) mgRe (2) 2mgRe (3) (4)
5 16

26 Gravitation
 Q.3 The escape velocity for a planet is ve. A particle starts from rest at a large distance from the
planet, reaches the planet only under gravitational attraction and passes through a smooth
tunnel through its centre. Its speed at the centre of the planet will be :-
ve
(1) 1.5v e (2) (3) ve (4) zero
2

Q.4 A rocket is fired with a speed v = 2 gR near the earth’s surface and directed upwards. (a) Show

that it will escape from the earth. (b) Show that in interstellar space its speed is v = 2gR .

Q.5 A projectile is fired vertically upward from the surface of earth with a velocity Kve where ve is
the escape velocity and K < 1. Neglecting air resistance, show that the maximum height to which
2
it will rise measured from the centre of earth is R/(1 – K ) where R is the radius of the earth.

13. Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion

Kepler found important regularities in the motion of the planets. These regularities are known
as ‘Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion.
(a) First Law (Law of Orbits)
All planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits having the Sun at one focus of the orbit.

rmin = r1 P

b
A B
F1 F2
Aphelion
Perihelion rmax = r2

a
semi major axis

When a particle moves with respect to two fixed points in such a way that the sum of the
distances from these two points is always constant then the path of the particle is an ellipse.
And the two fixed points are called focal points.
According to Figure :-
PF1 + PF2 = AF1 + AF2 = BF1 + BF2 = constant
But in ellipse AF1 = BF2 (minimum distance from both focal is same)
PF1 + PF2 = BF2 + AF2 = BF1 + AF1 = 2a = length of major axis
r1 + r2 = rmin + rmax = 2a

r1 + r2 rmin + rmax
∴ a= = (Mean distance)
2 2

Gravitation 27
 (b) Second Law (Law of Areas)
A line joining any planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal intervals of time, i.e., the
areal speed of the planet remains constant.
According to the second law, if a planet moves from A to B in a given time interval, and from C
to D in the same time interval then the areas ASB and CSD will be equal.
dA = area of the curved triangle
1 1 1
SAB = (AB × SA) = (rdθ × r) = r22θ
2 2 2
B
C
dθ A
θ r

S
D

Thus, the instantaneous areal speed of the planet is

dA 1 2 dθ 1 1
= r = r2 ω = rv .....(i)
dt 2 dt 2 2
where ω is the angular speed of the planet
Let L be the angular momentum of the planet about the Sun S and m is the mass of the planet.
2
Then, L = Iω = mr ω = mvr .......(ii)
2
where I (= mr ) is the instantaneous moment of inertia of the planet about the Sun S.
From equation (i) and (ii),
dA L
= .......(iii)
dt 2m
Now, the areal speed dA/dt of the planet is constant according to Kepler’s second law. Therefore
according to eq. (iii), the angular momentum L of the planet is also constant, that is, the angular
momentum of the planet is conserved. Thus, Kepler’s second law is equivalent to conservation
of angular momentum.
Applying conservation of angular momentum between points A and B
rmin = r1
v 2 = v min

A B
F1 F2
rmax = r2
v1 = v max

LA = LB ⇒ mvmaxrmin = mvminrmax

⇒ vmaxrmin = vminrmax

28 Gravitation
 A planet moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit of semi major axis a and eccentricity (e)
rmin = r1 P

b
A B
F1 F2
rmax = r2

a
semi major axis

For an ellipse : its general equation is given as

x2 y2
+ =1
a2 b2
If a > b then a is semi major axis b is semi minor axis and e is eccentricity where
2
2 2 2 b
b = a (1 – e ) 1–  
⇒e =
a
Applying the conservation of angular momentum (COAM) at the perihelion and aphelion
mvprp = mvara

va
ae ae
F1
A B
rp ra F2
Perihelion Aphelion
vp

a a
semi major axis

rmax = a(1 + e); rmin = a(1 – e)

vp vmax 1 + e
⇒= = .....(i)
va vmin 1– e
By conservation of mechanical energy
1 GMm 1 GMm GMm
mvp2 – = mv 2a – =– .....(ii)
2 rp 2 ra 2a
By solving equation (i) and (ii)
GM  1 – e  GM  1 + e 
⇒ va =   ; vp =  
a  1+ e a  1– e 

(c) Third Law (Law of Periods)

The square of the period of revolution of any planet around the Sun is directly proportional to
the cube of the semi-major axis of its elliptical orbit.
T2 ∝ a 3
Note : For a circular orbit semi major axis = Radius of the orbit
T2 ∝ R3

Gravitation 29
Example 29:
8
Calculate the mass of the sun if the mean radius of the earth’s orbit is 1.5 × 10 km and G =
–11 2 2
6.67 × 10 N × m /kg .
Solution:
In case of orbital motion as υ = (GM/ r) so

2πr r 4π2r3
T= = 2πr , i.e., M =
υ GM GT2
4 × π2 × (1.5 × 1011 )3
∴ M=
6.67 × 10–11 × (3.15 × 107 )2
7
[as T = 1 year = 3.15 × 10 s]
30
i.e., M = 2 × 10 kg

Example 30:
A planet is revolving round the sun in an elliptical orbit as shown in figure. Select correct
alternative(s)
B
C

D A
O

E F

(1) Its total energy is negative at D

(2) Its angular momentum is constant
(3) Net torque on the planet about sun is zero
(4) Linear momentum of the planet is conserved
Solution:
(1, 2, 3 )
For (1) : For a bound system, the total energy is always negative.
For (2) : For central force field, angular momentum is always conserved.
For (3) : For central force field, torque = 0
For (4) : In presence of external force, linear momentum is not conserved.

Concept Builder-6
11
Q.1 The mean radius of the earth’s orbit around the sun is 1.5 × 10 metres. The mean radius of the
10
orbit of mercury around the sun is 6 × 10 metres. Calculate the year of the mercury.

Q.2 If earth describes an orbit round the sun of double its present radius, what will be the year on
earth?

30 Gravitation
 Q.3 A comet orbits the sun in a highly elliptical orbit. Does the comet have a constant (a) linear
speed, (b) angular speed, (c) angular momentum, (d) kinetic energy, (e) potential energy (f) total
energy throughout its orbit ? Neglect any mass loss of the comet when it comes very close to
the Sun.

Q.4 A planet is revolving around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. Its closest distance from the Sun is
rmin. The farthest distance from the Sun is rmax. If the orbital angular velocity of the planet when,
it is nearest to the Sun is ω, then the orbital angular velocity at the point when it is at the
farthest distance from the Sun is :-
2 2
 r   r  r  r 
(1)  min ω (2)  max  ω (3)  max  ω (4)  min  ω
 rmax   rmin  r
     rmin   max 

Q.5 Let the speed of the planet at the perihelion P in Fig. be vp and the Sun-planet distance SP be
rp. Relate (rp, vp) to the corresponding quantities at the aphelion (rA, vA). Will the planet take
equal times to traverse BAC and CPB ?
B

2b
P A
S S'

C
2a

th
Q.6 If the gravitational force were to vary inversely as m power of the distance, then the time
period of a planet in circular orbit of radius r around the Sun will be proportional to :-
 1
–3m/2 3m/2  m+  (m + 1)/2
2
(1) r (2) r (3) r (4) r

14. Satellite Motion

A light body revolving round a heavier planet due to gravitational attraction, is called a satellite.
Moon is a natural satellite of Earth.
Satellite

Natural Satellite Artificial Satellite

(eg. Moon revolving
around earth)

Hello synchronous Geo Stationary

or Satellite
Sun Synchronous
or
Polar
or
Geo - Satellite

Gravitation 31
14.1 Essential Conditions for Satellite Motion
• The centre of satellite’s orbit should coincide with the centre of Earth.
• Plane of the orbit of satellite should pass through the centre of Earth.
FCP Fg cos θ
=

O' θ S

Fg
O F= sin θ O'
g S
(i) (ii) O FCP = Fg

Unstable orbit
(Due to Fg sinθ, orbit will shift) Stable orbit

• It follows that a satellite can revolve round the earth only in those circular orbits whose
centres coincide with the centre of earth. Circles drawn on globe with centres coincident
with earth are known as great circles. Therefore, a satellite revolves around the earth along
circles concentric with great circles.
14.2 Orbital Velocity & Time Period of a Satellite
• Orbital Velocity (v0)
A satellite of mass m moving in an orbit of radius r with speed v0. The required centripetal
force is provided by gravitation.
mv 20 GMm
Fcp = Fg =
r r2
GM GM
⇒ v0 = = (r = Re+ h)
r (Re + h)

r m
v0

For a satellite very close to the Earth’s surface h << Re ∴ r ∈ Re

GM
∴ v0 = = gRe = 8 km/s
Re
• If a body is taken to some height (small) from Earth and given a horizontal velocity of
magnitude 8 km/s then it becomes a satellite of Earth.
• v0 depends upon mass of planet, Radius of the circular orbit of satellite and density of
planet
• If orbital velocity of satellite becomes (or increased by 41.4%) or K.E. is doubled then it
escapes from the gravitational field of Earth.

32 Gravitation
 • Time Period of a Satellite
2πr 2πr3/2 2πr3/2
T= = =
v0 GM R g
4π 3
⇒ T2 = r
GM
2 3
⇒ T ∝ r (r = R + h)

• For a Satellite Close to Earth’s Surface

GMe
v0 = = 8 km/s
Re

Re
T0 = 2π = 84 minutes = 1 hour 24 minute = 1.4 h = 5063 s
g
In terms of density
2π(Re )1/2 3π
T0 = =
(G× 4 / 3πRe × ρ) 1/2
Gρ
Time period of a near by satellite only depends on the density of the planet.
For Moon hm = 380,000 km and Tm = 27 days
2p(Re + hm ) 2π(386400 × 103 )
v0 = = = 1.04 km
Tm 27 × 24 × 60 × 60

Example 31:
A small satellite revolves round a planet in an orbit just above planet’s surface. Taking the mean
density of planet as ρ, calculate the time period of the satellite.
Solution:
Let the radius of the planet be R then time period
2πR 2πR 2πR3/2
T= = =
v GM GM
R
4 3
mass of planet M = πR ρ
3
2πR3/2 3π
∴T= =
4 3 Gρ
G. πR . ρ
3

Example 32:
An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to half
the magnitude of escape velocity from the earth. (a) Determine the height of the satellite above
the earth’s surface. (b) If the satellite is stopped suddenly in the orbit and allowed to fall onto the
–2
earth, find the speed with which it hits the surface of the earth. (g = 9.8 ms and RE = 6400 km)

Gravitation 33
Solution:
(a) We know that for satellite motion
GM g
V0 = =R
r (R+ h)
 GM 
as g = 2 and r= R + h
 R 
1 1
In this problem V0 = Ve = 2gR
2 2
[as Ve = 2gR ]
R2 g 1
So, = gR
R+h 2
i.e., 2R = h + R or h = R = 6400 km
(b) By conservation of ME
 GMm  1 2  GMm 
0 + –  = mV +  – 
 r  2  R 
2 1 1 
or V = 2GM  – 
R 2R 
[as r = R + h = R + R = 2R]
GM
or V =
R
= gR = 10 × 6.4 × 106 = 8 km/s

Example 33:
A satellite moves in a circular orbit around the earth. the radius of this orbit is one half that of
the moon’s orbit. Find the time in which the satellite completes one revolution.
Solution:
3/2
T∝r
3/2 3/2
Ts r   1
=  s  =  
Tm  rm  2
⇒ Ts = 9.7 days

14.3 Energy of Satellite

1 GMm L2
Kinetic energy K.E. = mv 20 = =
2 2r 2mr2
GMm L2
Potential energy P.E. = – = – mv 20 = –
r mr2
Total mechanical energy T.E. = P.E. + K.E.
mv 20 GMm L2
=– =– =–
2 2r 2mr2

34 Gravitation
 • Binding Energy
Total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) of a closed system is negative. The modulus
of this total mechanical energy is known as the binding energy of the system. This is the
energy due to which system is bound or the different parts of the system are bonded to
each other.

Binding energy of a satellite (system)

B.E. = – T.E.
1 GMm L2
B.E. = mv 20 = =
2 2r 2mr2
–P.E .
Hence B.E. = K.E. = – T.E. =
2
Escape energy and ionisation energy are the practical examples of binding energy.
Here, at point A :
 | (P.E.) | > K.E.  KE + PE = –ve K.E.
At A, B and C system is bounded.
At point D : Energy r→
A B C D
 |PE| = K.E.

TE = KE + PE = 0 P.E.
So, the system is unbounded.

14.4 Work Done in Changing the Orbit

W = Change in mechanical energy of the system
–GMm
but E =
2r
GMm 1 1
so W = E2 – E1 =  – 
2  r1 r2 
Graphs
GMm K.E.
KE = +
2r
GMm Energy r
TE = – T.E.
2r
GMm
PE = – P.E.
r

Example 34:
A space-ship is launched into a circular orbit close to the Earth’s surface. What additional speed
should now be imparted to the spaceship so that it overcomes the gravitational pull of the
Earth.

Gravitation 35
Solution:
Let ∆K be the additional kinetic energy imparted to the spaceship to overcome the gravitation
pull then
GMm
∆K = – (total energy of spaceship) =
2R
GMm GMm GMm GMm
Total kinetic energy = + ∆K = + =
2R 2R 2R R
1 GMm
then mv 22 =
2 R
2GM
⇒ v2 =
R
GM
But v1 = . So additional velocity required
R
2GM GM
= v2 – v1 = –
R R
GM
= ( 2 – 1)
R
Alternate solution
Additional velocity = Escape velocity – orbital velocity
= ves – v0

2GM GM
= –
R R
GM
⇒ ( 2 – 1)
R

Example 35:
If a satellite orbits as close to the earth’s surface as possible
(1) its speed is maximum
(2) time period of its revolution is minimum
(3) the total energy of the ‘earth plus satellite’ system is minimum
(4) the total energy of the ‘earth plus satellite’ system is maximum
Solution:
(1, 2, 3)
GM
For (1) : orbital speed v0 = ,
r
rmin = R so v0 = maximum
2 3
For (2) : Time period of revolution T ∝ r
GMm
For (3/4) : Total energy = –
2r

36 Gravitation
 14.5 GEO-Stationary & Polar Satellite
GEO-Stationary Satellite
• It rotates in an equatorial plane.
• Its height from the Earth’s surface is 36000 km. (≈ 6Re)
Polar orbit

Equatorial
plane
Equator

Equatorial
orbit

• Its angular velocity and time period should be same as that of Earth.
• Its rotating sense should be same as that of Earth (West to East).
• Geo Stationary/ Telecommunication/ Parking / Synchronous/ Satellite are always projected
from equator (for example Singapore).
• Its orbit is called parking orbit and its orbital velocity is 3.1 km/s.

Polar Satellite (Sun - Synchronous Satellite)

It is the satellite which revolves in the polar orbit around Earth. A polar orbit is one whose angle
of inclination with the equatorial plane of Earth is 90° and a satellite in polar orbit will pass
over both the north and south geographical poles once per revolution. Polar satellites are Sun-
synchronous satellites.
Polar satellites are employed to obtain the cloud images, atmospheric data, information
regarding ozone layer in the atmosphere and to detect the ozone hole over Antarctica etc.

14.6 Weightlessness
When the weight of a body becomes zero, the body is said to be in a state of weightlessness.
In a satellite around the earth, every part and parcel of the satellite has an acceleration towards
the centre of the earth which is exactly the value of earth’s acceleration due to gravity at that
position. Thus in the satellite everything inside it is in a state of free fall. If a body is in a satellite
(which does not produce its own gravity) orbiting the Earth at a height h above its surface then
mGM mg
True weight = mgh = =
(R+ h)2
 h
2

 1 + 
 R
and Apparent weight = m(gh – a)
v 20 GM GM
But a = = = = gh
r r 2
(R+ h)2
⇒ Apparent weight = m(gh – gh) = 0.

Note : Condition of weightlessness can be overcome by creating artificial gravity by rotating the
satellite in addition to its revolution.

Gravitation 37
 Key Points

• The time period of the longest pendulum on the surface of earth is given by

R
T = 2π = 84.6 minutes
g

Note : The time period of a satellite orbiting close to the earth’s surface is also 84.6 minutes.
• The angular velocity and time period of revolution of a G.S.S. is same as that of earth. It means
that a G.S.S. completes its revolution around the earth once in 24 hours.
• Height of a G.S.S. (Geo-stationary satellite) from the surface of earth is about 36000 km.
Therefore, its distance from the centre of earth is about R + H = 36000 + 6400 = 42400 km.
• It is used as a communication satellite. It is also known as parking satellite, telecommunication
satellite or synchronous satellite.
• One G.S.S. can cover nearly one third surface area of earth. Therefore a minimum of three G.S.S.
are required to cover the whole earth.
• Orbital velocity depends upon the mass of the central body and orbital radius (distance of
satellite from the centre of the central body). If the distance of satellite increases, then the
orbital velocity (v0) decreases.

• Orbital velocity does not depend on the mass of satellite.

• If a body is taken to a small height and given a horizontal velocity of 8 km/s, it will start revolving
around the earth in a circular orbit which means that it will also become a satellite close to the
earth’s surface.
• If a body is released from a revolving satellite, then it will continue to move in the same orbit
with the same orbital velocity which means that it will also become a satellite close to the
earth.
• When the total energy of a satellite is negative, it will either be moving in a circular or an
elliptical orbit.
• When the total energy of a satellite is zero, it will escape away from its orbit and its path
becomes parabolic.
th
• If the gravitational force is inversely proportional to the n power of distance r, then the orbital
1–n n+ 1
velocity of a satellite v 0 ∝ r 2
and time period T ∝ r 2
.

• The total energy of any planet revolving around the sun is negative ( it is bounded)
• First Satellite of Earth is Sputnik I. First Geo-satellite of India is Aryabhata I.
First Geo-stationary satellite of India is Apple I, Example of other Satellites of India are :
Bhaskar-I, Rohini-I, Bhaskar-II (Geo Satellite); Insat-I(A) Insat-I (B) (Geo Stationary Satellite)

38 Gravitation
 Example 36:
An astronaut, inside an earth’s satellite experiences weightlessness because :
(1) he is falling freely
(2) no external force is acting on him
(3) no reaction is exerted by the floor of the satellite
(4) he is far away from the earth’s surface
Solution:
(1, 3)
As astronaut’s acceleration = g; so he is falling freely. Also no reaction is exerted by the floor
of the satellite.

Example 37:
Is it possible to place an artificial satellite in an orbit such that it is always visible over Kota?
Write down the reason.
Solution:
No, Kota is not in the equatorial plane.

Concept Builder-7

Q.1 The time period of revolution of moon around the earth is 28 days and radius of its orbit is
5 –11 2 2
4 × 10 km. If G = 6.67 × 10 Nm /kg then find the mass of the earth.

Q.2 Two satellites are orbiting around the earth in circular orbits of the same radius. One of them
is 100 times greater in mass than the other. Compare their periods of revolution :
(1) 100 : 1 (2) 1 : 100 (3) 1 : 10 (4) 1 : 1

Q.3 Two satellites A and B, having ratio of masses 3 : 1 are in circular orbits of radius r and 4r.
Calculate the ratio of total mechanical energies of A to B.

Q.4 Write the answer of the following questions in one word :-

(a) What is the orbital speed of Geo-stationary satellite ?
(b) For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth what is the ratio of kinetic energy to
potential energy?

Q.5 An object weighs 10 N at the north pole of the Earth. In a geostationary satellite distant 7R from
the centre of the Earth (of radius R), the true weight and the apparent weight are respectively:
(1) 0, 0 (2) 0.2 N, 0 (3) 0.2 N, 9.8 N (4) 0.2 N, 0.2 N

Gravitation 39
 • Bound and Unbound Trajectories
Imagine a very tall building on the surface of the earth from where a projectile is fired with
a velocity v parallel to the surface of the earth. The trajectory of the projectile depends on
its velocity.

v < v0 Hyperbola
Earth v > ve

Parabola ve
v0
v0 < v < ve

Circle

Ellipse

Velocity Trajectory
Projectile may not orbit the earth in an elliptical path, or it may
v < v0
falls back on the earth's surface.
v = v0 Projectile orbits the earth in a circular path.
v0 < v < ve Projectile orbits in an elliptical path.
Projectile does not orbit. It escapes the gravitational field of earth
v = ve
in a parabolic path.
Projectile does not orbit. It escapes the
v > ve
gravitational field of earth in a hyperbolic path.

• Geostationary Satellites
The plane of the orbit lies in equatorial plane of earth.
Height from the earth surface is 36000 km. This orbit is called parking orbit.
Orbital speed is nearly 3 km/s.
Time period is equal to that of earth rotation i.e., 24 hours.
Rotating direction should be same as that of earth (west to east)
• Polar Satellite
Used for remote sensing, their orbit contains axis of rotation of earth. They can cover entire
earth surface for viewing.
• Binary Star System
Two stars of mass M1 and M2 form a stable system when they move in circular orbit about
their centre of mass under their mutual gravitational attraction.
GM1M2
• F= , • M1r1 = M2r2
r2 V2
GM1M2 M1V12 M2 V22 M2r M1r r
• = = • r1 = , r2 = M1 M2
r 2
r1 r2 M1 + M2 M1 + M2 r1
cm
r2
V1
G G
• V1 = M2 • V2 = M1
(M1 + M2 )r (M1 + M2 )r
when M1 = M2
GM r
• V1 = V2 = • r1 = r 2 =
2r 2

40 Gravitation
 ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDERS

CONCEPT BUILDER-1 CONCEPT BUILDER-4

1. F = 3.2 × 10 dyne. –8 1. (4)

1 1
2. r = 0.816 × 10 m –5
2. (a) mgR, (b) – mgR
2 2
3. Zero 1
3. (1) 4. mgR
2
4. (3)
5. 8 km/s 6. (2)
1 Gm 7. (4)
5. v=
2 r
8. –1.47 × 10 J/kg –7

6. 6 m from 9 kg mass.

4π2 CONCEPT BUILDER-5

7. Gρ20r04
3 3 1. 1.78 m 2. (3)
3. (1) 4. 2gR
2
CONCEPT BUILDER-2 5. R/(1 – K )

7 GM
1. (4) 2. CONCEPT BUILDER-6
8 x2
3/2
2
1. T =   year 2. 2 2 years
5
m

CONCEPT BUILDER-3
3. All quantities vary over an orbit except
1. (1) 2. 2400 N angular momentum and total energy.
4. (4)
1
3. g 4. (1)
2
e
5. The planet will take a longer time to
traverse BAC than CPB.
5. 3m 6. 0.5%
6. (4)
7. 32 km

8. 4.44 m/s 2
9. 6400 km CONCEPT BUILDER-7
3 1. 6.47 × 10 kg 24
2. (4)
10. 1920 km 11. R
4 12
3.
12. (1) 1
1
13. 1.25 × 10 Rad/s–3 4. (a)  3.1 km/s, (b) –
2
5. (2)

Gravitation 41
 Exercise - I
Newton's Law of Gravitation Law of Superposition of Forces

1. Newton's law of gravitation : 6. Four particles of masses m, 2m, 3m and

(1) is not applicable out side the solar system 4m are kept in sequence at the corners of
(2) is used to govern the motion of a square of side a. The magnitude of
satellites only gravitational force acting on a particle of
(3) control the rotational motion of mass m placed at the centre of the square
satellites and planets will be:
(4) control the rotational motion of 24m2G 6m2G
(1) (2)
electrons in atoms a2 a2

2. Mass particles of 1 kg each are placed 4 2Gm2

(3) (4) zero
along x-axis at x = 1, 2, 4, 8, .........∞. Then a2
gravitational force on a mass of 3 kg
7. Three equal masses of 1 kg each are
placed at origin is (G = universal
placed at the vertices of an equilateral
gravitational constant) :
triangle PQR and a mass of 2 kg is placed
4G
(1) 4G (2) at the centroid O of the triangle. The force
3
in newton acting on the mass of 2 kg is:
(3) 2G (4) ∞
(1) 2 (2) 2
3. Gravitational force between two masses (3) 1 (4) zero
at a distance 'd' apart is 6N. If these
8. A spherical hole of radius R/2 is made in a
masses are taken to moon and kept at
same separation, then the force between solid sphere of radius R. The mass of the
them will become :- sphere before hollowing was M. The
1 gravitational field at the centre of the hole
(1) 1N (2) N
6 due to the remaining mass is:
(3) 36 N (4) 6 N

R
4. The value of universal gravitational
constant G depends upon :
(1) Nature of material of two bodies
GM
(2) Heat constant of two bodies (1) zero (2)
8R2
(3) Acceleration of two bodies
GM GM
(4) None of these (3) (4) 2
2R2 R
5. The tidal waves in the seas are primarily
9. Three uniform spheres of mass M and
due to :
radius R each are kept in such a way that
(1) The gravitational effect of the sun on
each touches the other two. The
the earth
magnitude of the gravitational force on
(2) The gravitational effect of the moon
any of the sphere due to the other two is:
on the earth
(3) The rotation of the earth 3 GM2 3 GM2
(1) (2)
(4) The atmospheric effect of the earth it 4 R2 2 R2
self 3GM2 3 GM2
(3) (4)
R2 2 R2

42 Gravitation
 Gravitational Field Intensity Due to 13. A spherical shell is cut into two pieces
Particle, Spherical Shell, Spherical along a chord as shown in figure. For

Mass Distribution, Ring points P and Q:

Q
10. If the distance between the centres of
P
earth and moon is D and mass of earth is
81 times that of moon. At what distance
from the centre of earth gravitational field
will be zero: (1) ΙP > ΙQ (2) ΙP < ΙQ

D 2D (3) ΙP = ΙQ = 0 (4) ΙP = ΙQ ≠ 0
(1) (2)
2 3
4D 9D 14. Figure shows two concentric spherical
(3) (4)
5 10 shells of mass M1 and M2 and of radii R1
and R2 respectively. Gravitational potential
11. Following curve shows the variation of at a point at a distance x from centre such
intensity of gravitational field (I) with that R1 < x < R2 will be:
distance from the centre of solid sphere M2
(r): M1
R1
Ι Ι
O
R r O
O R r R2
(1) (2)

–GM2 M M 
(1) (2) –G  1 + 2 
Ι
R2  R1 x 
Ι
R r M M  M M 
O O
R r (3) –G  1 + 2  (4) –G  1 + 2 
(3) (4)
 x R1   x R2 

15. In Q.14, gravitational intensity at a

Distance x from the centre such that
12. The force between a hollow sphere and a
x > R2 is:
point mass at P inside it as shown in
figure: M + M  M M 
(1) G  1 2 2  (2) G  21 + 22 
R 
 x   1 R2 
P
M M  M M 
(3) G  21 + 22  (4) G  1 + 22 
C R x   x R 
 1  1 

Acceleration Due to Gravity

(1) is attractive and constant
(2) is attractive and depends on the 16. The value of 'g' on earth surface depends:
position of the point with respect to (1) only on earth's structure
centre C (2) only on earth's rotational motion
(3) is zero (3) on above both
(4) is repulsive and constant (4) on none of these and is same

Gravitation 43
17. Diameter and mass of a planet is double 21. Imagine a new planet having the same
that of earth. Then time period of a density as that of earth but it is 3 times
pendulum at surface of planet is how bigger than the earth in size. If the
much times of time period at earth acceleration due to gravity on the surface
of earth is g and that on the surface of the
surface:
new planet is g' then:
1
(1) times (2) 2 times (1) g' = 3g (2) g' = g/9
2
(3) g' = 9g (4) g' = 27 g
(3) Equal (4) None of these
22. One can easily "weight the earth" by
18. Gravitation on moon is 1/6
th
of that on calculating the mass of earth using the

earth. When a balloon filled with hydrogen formula

(in usual notation)
is released on moon then this:
G 2 g 2
(1) Will rise with an acceleration less than (1) R (2) R
g E G E
g
  g G 3
6 (3) R (4) R
G E g E
g
(2) Will rise with acceleration  
6 23. Mars has a diameter of approximately 0.5 times
(3) Will fall down with an acceleration that of earth, and mass 0.1 times that of
earth. The surface gravitational field
 5g 
less than   strength on mars as compared to that on
 6 
earth is greater by a factor of:
g
(4) Will fall down with acceleration   (1) 0.1 (2) 0.2
6 (3) 2.0 (4) 0.4

19. The acceleration due to gravity g and Variation in Acceleration Due to Gravity
mean density of earth ρ are related by 24. Acceleration due to gravity at the centre
which of the following relations? of the earth is:
[G = gravitational constant and R = Radius g
(1) g (2)
of earth]: 2
4πgR2 4πgR2 (3) zero (4) infinite
(1) ρ = (2) ρ =
3G 3G
25. The value of 'g' reduces to half of its value
3g 3g
(3) ρ = (4) ρ = at surface of earth at a height 'h', then:
4πGR 4πGR3
(1) h = R (2) h = 2R
(3) h = ( 2 + 1)R (4) h = ( 2 – 1)R
20. The mass of the moon is 1% of mass of the
earth. The ratio of gravitational pull of 26.
–2
At any planet 'g' is 1.96 m sec . If it is safe
earth on moon to that of moon on earth to jump from a height of 2m on earth, then
will be : what should be corresponding safe height
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 1 : 10 for jumping on that planet:

(3) 1 : 100 (4) 2 : 1 (1) 5 m (2) 2 m

(3) 10 m (4) 20 m

44 Gravitation
 27. If the earth stops rotating suddenly the 33. If the rotational speed of earth is
value of g at a place other than poles would: increased then weight of a body at the
(1) Decrease equator
(2) Remain constant (1) increases (2) decreases
(3) Increase
(3) becomes double (4) does not changes
(4) Increase or decrease depending on the
position of earth in the orbit round the
34. A body weights W newton at the surface
sun
of the earth. Its weight at a height equal
28. When you move from equator to pole, the to half the radius of the earth will be :
value of acceleration due to gravity (g): W W
(1) (2)
(1) increases 2 2
(2) decreases 4W W
(3) (4)
(3) remains the same 9 4
(4) first increases then decreases
35. The imaginary angular velocity of the earth
29. When the radius of earth is reduced by 1%
for which the effective acceleration due to
without changing the mass, then the
gravity at the equator shall be zero is
acceleration due to gravity will
equal to
(1) increase by 2% (2) decrease by 1.5%
–3 –3
(3) increase by 1% (4) decrease by 1% (1) 1.25 × 10 rad/s (2) 2.50 × 10 rad/s
–3 –3
(3) 3.75 × 10 rad/s (4) 5.0 × 10 rad/s
30. Weight of a body of mass m decreases by 2
[Take g = 10 m/s for the acceleration due
1% when it is raised to height h above the
to gravity if the earth were at rest and
earth's surface. If the body is taken to a
depth h in a mine, then its weight will radius of earth equal to 6400 km]
(1) decrease by 0.5% (2) decrease by 2%
(3) increase by 0.5% (4) increase by 1% 36. More amount of sugar is obtained in 1 kg
weight:
31. Acceleration due to gravity at earth's (1) At North pole
–2
surface is 'g' ms . Find the effective value (2) At equator
of acceleration due to gravity at a height
(3) Between pole and equator
of 32 km from sea level: (Re = 6400 Km)
(4) At South pole
–2 –2
(1) 0.5 g ms (2) 0.99 g ms
–2 –2
(3) 1.01 g ms (4) 0.90 g ms Gravitational Potential Energy

32. The change in the value of 'g' at a height 37. A particle falls on earth:
'h' above the surface of the earth is same (i) from infinity, (ii) from a height 10 times
as at a depth 'd'. If 'd' and 'h' are much the radius of earth. The ratio of the
smaller than the radius of earth, then
velocities gained on reaching at the earth's
which one of the following is correct?
surface is:
(1) d = h (2) d = 2h
3h h (1) 11 : 10 (2) 10 : 11
(3) d = (4) d =
2 2 (3) 10 : 11 (4) 11 : 10

Gravitation 45
38. Two different masses are dropped from 43. A projectile of mass m is thrown vertically
same height. When these just strike the up with an initial velocity v from the
ground the following is same: surface of earth (mass of earth = M). If it
(1) kinetic energy comes to rest at a height h, the change in
its potential energy is:
(2) potential energy
2 2
(1) GMmh/R(R + h) (2) GMmh /R(R + h)
(3) linear momentum
(3) GMmhR /(R + h) (4) GMm/hR(R + h)
(4) acceleration

44. A particle falls from infinity to the earth. Its

39. If Me is the mass of earth and Mm is the
velocity on reaching the earth surface is :
mass of moon (Me = 81 Mm). The potential (1) 2Rg (2) Rg
energy of an object of mass m situated at (3) Rg (4) 2Rg
a distance R from the centre of earth and
r from the centre of moon will be: Gravitational Potential/Work Done
R  1  81 1  45. Which of the following curve expresses
(1) –GmMm  + r  2 (2) –GmMe  + 
 81  R  r R the variation of gravitational potential with
 81 1   81 1  distance for a hollow sphere of radius R:
(3) –GmMm  +  (4) GmMm  – 
 R r  R r R R
r

(1) V (2)
40. The gravitational potential energy is
r V
maximum at:
R R
r r
(1) infinity
(3) (4)
(2) the earth's surface
V V
(3) the centre of the earth
(4) Twice the radius of the earth
46. Gravitational potential difference between
surface of a planet and a point situated at
41. A body attains a height equal to the radius
a height of 20 m above its surface is 2
of the earth when projected from earth's
joule/kg. If gravitational field is uniform,
surface. The velocity of the body with
then the work done in taking a 5 kg body
which it was projected is: upto height 4 meter above surface will be:
GM 2GM (1) 2 J (2) 20 J
(1) (2)
R R (3) 40 J (4) 10 J
5 GM 3GM
(3) (4) 47. Two small and heavy spheres, each of
4 R R
mass M, are placed a distance r apart on
42. The gravitational potential energy of a a horizontal surface. The gravitational
potential at the mid-point on the line
body at a distance r from the center of the
joining the centre of the spheres is:
earth is U. The force at that point is:
GM
U U (1) zero (2) –
(1) 2 (2) r
r r
2GM 4GM
2 (3) – (4) –
(3) Ur (4) Ur r r

46 Gravitation
 Escape Velocity & Escape Energy 53. A hole is drilled from the surface of earth
to its centre. A particle is dropped from
48. Body is projected vertically upward from rest at the surface of earth. The speed of

the surface of the earth with a velocity the particle when it reaches the centre of

equal to half the escape velocity. If R is the earth in terms of its escape velocity
on the surface of earth ve is:
radius of the earth, the maximum height
attained by the body is: ve
(1) (2) ve
2
R R
(1) (2) ve
6 3 (3) ve (4)
2 2
(3) R (4) R
3
54. An electron moves in a circular orbit at a

49. Escape velocity for a projectile at earth's distance from a proton with kinetic energy
E. To escape to infinity, the energy which
surface is Ve. A body is projected from
must be supplied to the electron is:
earth's surface with velocity 2Ve. The
(1) E (2) 2 E
velocity of the body when it is at infinite
(3) 0.5 E (4) 2E
distance from the centre of the earth is:
(1) Ve (2) 2Ve
55. A particle is fired upward with a speed of
(3) 2 Ve (4) 3 Ve 20 km/s. The speed with which it will
move in interstellar space is:
50. Potential energy of a 3 kg body at the (1) 8.8 km/s (2) 16.5 km/s
surface of planet is –54 J, then escape (3) 11.2 km/ s (4) 10 km/s
velocity will be:
(1) 18 m/s (2) 162 m/s Kepler's Law
(3) 36 m/s (4) 6 m/s
56. Kepler's second law is a consequence of :
51. Escape velocity of a 1 kg body on a planet (1) conservation of kinetic energy
is 100 m/s. Potential energy of body at that (2) conservation of linear momentum

planet is: (3) conservation of angular momentum

(1) –5000 J (2) – 1000J (4) conservation of speed

(3) –2400J (4) –10000J

57. In adjoining figure earth goes around the
sun in elliptical orbit on which point the
52. A particle on earth’s surface is given a
orbital speed is maximum:
velocity equal to its escape velocity. Its
B
total mechanical energy will be:
(1) negative A C

(2) positive
D
(3) zero
(1) On A (2) On B
(4) infinite
(3) On C (4) On D

Gravitation 47
58.
2
If a graph is plotted between T and r for
3
Satellite Motion
a planet then its slope will be:
63. Binding energy of moon and earth is:
4π2 GM
(1) (2) GMeMm GMeMm
GM 4π2 (1) (2)
rem 2rem
(3) 4π GM (4) Zero
GMeMm GMeMm
(3) – (4) –
rem 2rem
59. A planet of mass m is moving in an elliptical
orbit about the sun (mass of sun = M). The
64. Two artificial satellites A and B are at a
maximum and minimum distances of the
distance rA and rB above the earth's
planet from the sun are r1 and r2
surface. If the radius of earth is R, then
respectively. The period of revolution of the ratio of their speed will be:
the planet will be proportional to: 1
2
 r + R 2 r +R
(1) r
3/2
(2) r3/2
(1)  B  (2)  B 
 rA + R   rA + R 
1 2

(3) (r1 – r2)3/2 (4) (r1 + r2)3/2 1

2
r  r 2
(3)  B  (4)  B 
60. The earth revolves around the sun in one  rA   rA 

year. If distance between them becomes

65. The average radii of orbits of mercury and
double, the new time period of revolution 7
earth around the sun are 6 × 10 km and
will be: 8
1.5 × 10 km respectively. The ratio of their
(1) years (2) 2 2 years
orbital speeds will be :-
(3) 4 years (4) 8 years
(1) 5 : 2 (2) 2 : 5
(3) 2.5 : 1 (4) 1 : 25
61. The mean distance of mars from sun is 1.5
times that of earth from sun. What is 66. A body is dropped by a satellite in its
approximately the number of years geo-stationary orbit:
required by mars to make one revolution (1) it will burn on entering in to the
about sun? atmosphere

(1) 2.35 years (2) 1.85 years (2) it will remain in the same place with
respect to the earth
(3) 3.65 years (4) 2.75 years
(3) it will reach the earth in 24 hours
(4) it will perform uncertain motion
62. The maximum and minimum distances of
a comet from the sun are 8 × 10
12
m and 67. Two ordinary satellites are revolving round
12 the earth in same elliptical orbit, then
1.6 × 10 m respectively. If its velocity
which of the following quantities is
when it is nearest to the sun is 60 m/sec
conserved:
then what will be its velocity in m/s when
(1) velocity
it is farthest?
(2) angular velocity
(1) 12 (2) 60
(3) Angular momentum
(3) 112 (4) 6 (4) none of above

48 Gravitation
 68. One projectile after deviating from its path 73. What will be velocity of a satellite
starts moving round the earth in a circular revolving around the earth at a height h
path of radius equal to nine times the above surface of earth if radius of earth is R:
radius of earth R. Its time period will be: g g
(1) R2 (2) R
R +H (R+ h)2
R R
(1) 2π (2) 27 × 2π
g g g R+h
(3) R (4) R
R+h g
R R
(3) π (4) 0.8 × 3π
g g
74. Two artificial satellites of masses m1 and

69. A satellite launching station should be: m2 are moving with speeds v1 and v2 in

(1) near the equatorial region orbits of radii r1 and r2 respectively. If r1 > r2
(2) near the polar region then which of the following statements is
true:
(3) on the polar axis
(1) v1 = v2 (2) v1 > v2
(4) all locations are equally good
(3) v1 < v2 (4) v1/r1 = v2/r2
70. If two bodies of mass M and m are revolving
around the centre of mass of the system in 75. If a satellite is revolving very close to the
circular orbit of radii R and r respectively surface of earth, then its orbital velocity
due to mutual interaction. Which of the does not depend upon:
(1) Mass of satellite (2) Mass of earth
following formula is applicable:
(3) Radius of earth (4) Orbital radius
GMm GMm
(1) = mω2r (2) = mω2r
(R+ r)2 R2
76. The minimum projection velocity of a body
GMm GMm from the earth's surface so that it
(3) – 2 = mω2R (4) 2 = mω2r
r R + r2 becomes the satellite of the earth
6
(Re = 6.4 × 10 m).
71. If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its
3 –1 3 –1
(1) 11 × 10 ms (2) 8 × 10 ms
orbit which is at a distance equal to radius
3 –1 3 –1
of earth from earth's surface and allowed (3) 6.4 × 10 ms (4) 4 × 10 ms

to fall freely into the earth. The speed with

77. A satellite of mass m goes round the earth
which it hits the surface of earth will be:
along a circular path of radius r. Let mE be
(1) 7.919 m/s (2) 7.919 km/s
the mass of the earth and RE its radius then
(3) 11.2 m/s (4) 11.2 km/s
the linear speed of the satellite depends on.
(1) m, mE and r (2) m, RE and r
72. The gravitational force between two bodies
(3) mE only (4) mE and r
1 1
is directly proportional to (not 2 ) where
R R
78. Near the earth's surface time period of a
'R' is the distance between the bodies. Then satellite is 1.4 hrs. Find its time period if it
the orbital speed for this force in circular is at the distance '4R' from the centre of
orbit is proportional to: earth:
(1) 1/R
2
(2) R
0  1 
(1) 32 hrs. (2)   hrs.
(3) R (4) 1/R 8 2 
(3) 8 2 hrs. (4) 16 hrs.

Gravitation 49
79. A communication satellite of earth which Energy of Satellite
takes 24 hrs. to complete one circular
83. Potential energy and kinetic energy of a
orbit eventually has to be replaced by
two particle system under imaginary force
another satellite of double mass. If the
field are shown by curves KE and PE,
new satellite also has an orbital time
respectively in figure. This system is
period of 24 hrs, then what is the ratio of
bound at:
the radius of the new orbit to the original
orbit? KE Dis tance
(1) 1 : 1 (2) 2 : 1 Energy
A B C D
(3) 2:1 (4) 1 : 2 PE

(1) only point A

80. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite
(2) only point D
in a circular orbit just above the earth's
(3) only point A,B and C
surface is v0. The orbital velocity of
(4) All points A, B, C and D
satellite orbiting at an altitude of half of
the radius is:
84. A satellite of earth of mass 'm' is taken
3 2
(1) v0 (2) v0 from orbital radius 2R to 3R, then
2 3
minimum work done is:
2 3
(3) v0 (4) v0
3 2 GMm
(1)
6R
81. An earth's satellite is moving in a circular GMm
(2)
orbit with a uniform speed v. If the 12R
gravitational force of the earth suddenly GMm
(3)
24R
disappears, the satellite will:
GMm
(1) vanish into outer space (4)
3R
(2) continue to move with velocity v in
original orbit
85. A satellite is moving in a circular orbit
(3) fall down with increasing velocity
around earth with a speed v. If its mass is
(4) fly off tangentially from the orbit with
m, then its total energy will be:
same velocity
3
(1) mv2
4
82. An artificial satellite moving in a circular 2
(2) mv
orbit around the earth has a total (kinetic
1
+ potential) energy E0. Its potential energy is: (3) mv2
2
(1) –E0 (2) E0
1
(4) – mv2
(3) –2E0 (4) 2E0 2

50 Gravitation
 86. Two satellites of same mass m are revolving 90. A satellite of mass m revolves in a circular
round of earth (mass M) in the same orbit orbit of radius R round a planet of mass
of radius r. Rotational directions of the two M. Its total energy E is:
are opposite therefore, they can collide. GMm
(1) –
Total mechanical energy of the system 2R
(both satellites and earth's) is (m << M): GMm
(2) +
3R
GMm 2GMm
(1) – (2) –
r r GMm
(3) –
GMm R
(3) – (4) Zero
2r GMm
(4) +
R

87. A planet is moving in an elliptical orbit. If

91. A satellite is orbiting earth at a distance r.
T, U, E and L are its kinetic energy,
Variations of its kinetic energy, potential
potential energy, total energy and
energy and total energy, is shown in the
magnitude of angular momentum
figure. Of the three curves shown in figure,
respectively, then which of the following
statement is true: identify the type of mechanical energy
they represent.
(1) T is conserved
Energy
(2) U is always positive
1
(3) E is always negative
0
(4) L is conserved but the direction of 2 r
vector will continuously change 3

(1) 1 Potential, 2 Kinetic, 3 Total

88. Two identical satellites are at the heights
(2) 1 Total, 2 Kinetic, 3 Potential
R and 7R from the earth's surface. Then
(3) 1 Kinetic, 2 Total, 3 Potential
which of the following statement is
(4) 1 Potential, 2 Total, 3 Kinetic
incorrect: (R = Radius of the earth)
(1) Ratio of total energy of both is 5
92. A space shuttle is launched in a circular
(2) Ratio of kinetic energy of both is 4
orbit near the earth's surface. The
(3) Ratio of potential energy of both is 4
additional velocity be given to the space-
(4) Ratio of total energy of both is 4
shuttle to get free from the influence of
gravitational force, will be:
89. For a satellite moving in an orbit around
(1) 1.52 km/s
the earth, the ratio of kinetic energy to
(2) 2.75 km/s
potential energy is:
(3) 3.28 km/s
(1) 2 (2) 1/2
(4) 5.18 km/s
1
(3) (4) 2
2

Gravitation 51
 Exercise - II
1. Masses and radii of earth and moon are 5. A planet revolves around the sun in an
M1, M2 and R1, R2 respectively. The distance elliptical orbit. If vp and va are the
between their centre is 'd'. The minimum velocities of the planet at the perigee and
velocity given to mass 'M' from the mid apogee respectively, then the eccentricity
point of the line joining their centre so
of the elliptical orbit is given by:
that it will escape:
vp v a – vp
4G(M1 + M2 ) 4G M1M2 (1) (2)
(1) (2) va v a + vp
d d (M1 + M2 )
vp + v a vp – v a
2G  M1 + M2  2G (3) (4)
(3)   (4) (M1 + M2 ) vp – v a vp + v a
d  M1M2  d

2. A projectile is fired vertically upward from 6. Two solid spherical planets of equal radii
the surface of earth with a velocity KVe, R having masses 4M and 9M their centre
where Ve is the escape velocity and K < 1. are separated by a distance 6R. A
Neglecting air resistance, the maximum projectile of mass m is sent from the
height to which it will rise measured from planet of mass 4M towards the heavier
the centre of the earth is: (Where planet. What is the distance r of the point
R = radius of earth) from the centre of the lighter planet
R R
(1) (2) 2 where the gravitational force on the
1 – K2 K
projectile is zero?
1 – K2 K2
(3) (4) (1) 1.4 R (2) 1.8 R
R R
(3) 1.5 R (4) 2.4 R
3. If R is the average radius of earth, ω is its
angular velocity about its axis and g is the 7. Read the following statements :
gravitational acceleration on the surface
S1 : An object shall weigh more at pole
of earth then the cube of the radius of
than at equator when weighed by using a
orbit of a geostationary satellite will be
equal to: physical balance.
R2 g R2 ω2 S2 : It shall weigh the same at pole and
(1) (2)
ω g equator when weighed by using a physical
Rω2 2
Rg
2
balance.
(3) (4)
g ω2 S3 : It shall weigh the same at pole and

4. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the equator when weighed by using a spring

earth at a height of 6R from the earth's balance.
surface (R is the earth's radius). What is S4 : It shall weigh more at the pole than at
the period of rotation of another satellite equator when weighed using a spring
at a height of 2.5 R from the earth balance.
surface?
Which of the above statements is/are
(1) 6 2 hours (2) 10 hours correct?
5 5 (1) S1 and S2 (2) S1 and S4
(3) hours (4) None of these
3 (3) S2 and S3 (4) S2 and S4

52 Gravitation
 8. Assume that a tunnel is dug through earth 10. Suppose the acceleration due to gravity at
2
from North pole to south pole and that the the earth's surface is 10 m/s and at the
2
earth is a non-rotating, uniform sphere of surface of mars it is 4.0 m/s . A 60 kg
passenger goes from the earth to the mars
density ρ. The gravitational force on a
in a spaceship moving with a constant
particle of mass m dropped into the velocity. Neglect all other objects in the
tunnel when it reaches a distance r from sky. Which part of figure best represent
the weight (Net gravitational force) of the
the centre of earth is:
passenger as a function of time:
 3  Weight (N)
(1)  mGρ  r
 4π  600
 4π  A
400
(2)  mGρ  r B
 3  240
C
200
 4π 
(3)  mGρ  r2 D Time
 3 
 4π 2  (1) A (2) B
(4)  m Gρ  r
 3  (3) C (4) D

11. If the length of the day is T, the height of

9. Three identical bodies (each mass M) are that TV satellite above the earth's surface
placed at vertices of an equilateral which always appears stationary from
earth, will be:
triangle of arm L, keeping the triangle as
1/3 1/2
 4π2GM   4π2GM 
such by which angular speed the bodies (1) h =   (2) h =  
 T  T
2 2
 
should be rotated in their gravitational 1/3 1/3
 GMT2   GMT2 
fields so that the triangle moves along (3) h =  2 
–R (4) h =  2 
+R
 4π   4π 
circumference of circular orbit:

3GM 12. Imagine a light planet revolving around a

(1)
L3 very massive star in a circular orbit of
radius R with a period of revolution T. If
GM
(2) the gravitational force of attraction
L3
between the planet and the star is
GM proportional to R
-5/2
, then T
2
is
(3)
3L3 proportional to:
3 7/2
GM (1) R (2) R
(4) 3
L3 (3) R
3/2
(4) R
9/2

Gravitation 53
 Exercise - III
1. Match the columns I and II. 4. Statement-I : Moon travelers tie heavy
Column-I Column-II weight at their back before landing on
(A) Force between (P) Maximum at the the moon.
any two bodies earth’s surface Statement-II : The acceleration due to
(B) Acceleration (Q) Always attractive gravity on moon is smaller than that of
due to gravity earth.
(C) Escape velocity (R) gR (1) Both statement-I and II are correct.
(D) Orbital velocity (S) 2gR (2) Both statement-I and II are incorrect.

(1) (A)→(Q); (B)→(P); (C)→(R); (D)→(S) (3) Statement-I is correct but statement

(2) (A)→(Q); (B)→(Q); (C)→(S); (D)→(R) II is incorrect.

(3) (A)→(S); (B)→(R); (C)→(Q); (D)→(P) (4) Statement-II is correct but statement-I

(4) (A)→(Q); (B)→(P); (C)→(S); (D)→(R) is incorrect.

2. Match the columns I and II. 5. Statement-I : Law of gravitation holds

Column-I Column-II good for any pair of bodies in the
 2h  universe.
(A) Gravitational (P) g  1 − 
 R  Statement-II : Weight of any person
Force (FG) becomes zero when the person is at the
Mm centre of the earth.
(B) gsurface of earth (Q) G
R2 (1) Both statement-I and II are correct.
(C) Escape velocity (R) 2gR (2) Both statement-I and II are incorrect.
(D) gheight (S) GM/R2 (3) Statement-I is correct but statement
(1) (A)→(Q); (B)→(P); (C)→(R); (D)→(S) II is incorrect.
(2) (A)→(Q); (B)→(Q); (C)→(S); (D)→(R) (4) Statement-II is correct but statement-I
(3) (A)→(S); (B)→(R); (C)→(Q); (D)→(P) is incorrect.
(4) (A)→(Q); (B)→(S); (C)→(R); (D)→(P)
6. Statement-I : If an object is projected
3. Match the columns I and II. from earth surface with escape velocity
Column-I Column-II path of object will be parabola.
(A) Gravitational (P) Law of periods Statement-II : When object is projected
Constant of satellite with velocity less than escape velocity
 d from horizontal surface and greater than
(B) gh (Q) g  1 − 
 R orbital velocity path of object will be
(C) T ∝ R
2 3
(R) 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2kg-2 elliptical.
 2h  (1) Both statement-I and II are correct.
(D) gd (S) g  1 − 
 R  (2) Both statement-I and II are incorrect.
(1) (A)→(Q); (B)→(P); (C)→(R); (D)→(S) (3) Statement-I is correct but statement
(2) (A)→(R); (B)→(S); (C)→(P); (D)→(Q) II is incorrect.
(3) (A)→(S); (B)→(R); (C)→(Q); (D)→(P) (4) Statement-II is correct but statement-I
(4) (A)→(R); (B)→(S); (C)→(Q); (D)→(P) is incorrect.

54 Gravitation
 7. Consider the following statements and 10. Consider the following statements and
select the correct statement(s). select the incorrect statement(s) from
(I) Gravitational force may be attractive the following.
or repulsive
(I) When height of a satellite is
(II) Gravitational force between two
increased, its potential energy
particles is independent of presence
increases & kinetic energy decrease.
of other particles.
(III) Gravitational force is a short-range (II) When speed of satellite increases,
force. the total energy increases & it starts
(IV) Gravitational force depends on the orbiting in a circular path.
mass of two particles. (III) For a satellite orbiting in circular
(1) I only (2) II and IV orbit, the kinetic energy is always
(3) II and III (4) I, II and III greater than potential energy.
(IV) Kepler's laws of planetary motion are
8. Select the incorrect statements from
applicable to satellites.
the following.
(1) I and II
(I) The orbital velocity of a satellite
increases with the radius of the orbit (2) II and III
(II) Escape velocity of a particle from (3) III only
the surface of the earth depends on (4) I, II and III
the speed with which it is fired
(III) The time period of a satellite does Read the (11 to 21)
not depend on the radius of the orbit
In the light of the above statements,
(IV) The orbital velocity is inversely
choose the most appropriate answer
proportional to the square root of
from the options given below:
the radius of the orbit.
(1) I and II (2) I and IV (1) If both Assertion and Reason are
(3) I, II and IV (4) I, II and III correct and the Reason is a correct
explanation of the Assertion.
9. Which of the following is/are not a (2) If both Assertion and Reason are
relevant statement(s) to Kepler's laws of correct but Reason is not a correct
planetary motion? explanation of the Assertion.
(I) Kepler's second law is based on law of
(3) If the Assertion is correct but
conservation of angular momentum.
Reason is incorrect.
(II) Every planet revolves around the sun
(4) If both the Assertion and Reason are
in circular orbits with sun at the
centre of the orbit. incorrect.
(III) Planets situated at larger distances
from the sun take longer time to 11. Assertion: Gravitational potential of
complete one rotation earth at every place on it is negative.
(IV) The square of the time period of Reason: Every body on earth is bound by
revolution of planet (T) is proportional the attraction of earth.
to cube of semi-major axis (a).
(1) A (2) B
(1) I only (2) II only
(3) C (4) D
(3) II and III (4) I, II and III

Gravitation 55
12. Assertion: Escape velocity is 17. Assertion: The difference in the value of
independent of the angle of projection. acceleration due to gravity at pole and
Reason: Escape velocity from the equator is proportional to square of
surface of earth is 2gR where R is angular velocity of earth.
Reason: The value of acceleration due to
radius of earth.
gravity is minimum at the equator and
(1) A (2) B
maximum at the pole.
(3) C (4) D
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
13. Assertion: Smaller the orbit of the
planet around the sun, shorter is the
18. Assertion: When distance between two
time it takes to complete one revolution.
bodies is doubled and also mass of each
Reason: According to Kepler’s third law body is also doubled, gravitational force
of planetary motion, square of time between them remains the same.
period is proportional to cube of mean Reason: According to Newton’s law of
distance from sun. gravitation, force is directly proportional
(1) A (2) B to mass of bodies and inversely proportional
(3) C (4) D to square of distance between them.
(1) A (2) B
14. Assertion: The universal gravitational (3) C (4) D
constant is same as acceleration due to
gravity. 19. Assertion: A planet moves faster, when
Reason: Gravitational constant and it is closer to the sun in its orbit and vice
acceleration due to gravity have same versa.
dimensional formula Reason: Orbital velocity in orbital of
(1) A (2) B planet is constant.
(3) C (4) D (1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
15. Assertion: The value of acceleration due
20. Assertion: If earth were a hollow sphere,
to gravity does not depend upon mass of
gravitational field intensity at any point
the body on which force is applied.
inside the earth would be zero.
Reason: Acceleration due to gravity is a
Reason: Net force on a body inside the
constant quantity.
sphere is zero.
(1) A (2) B
(1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D
(3) C (4) D

16. Assertion: If earth suddenly stops

21. Assertion: The speed of revolution of an
rotating about its axis, then the value of artificial satellite revolving very near the
acceleration due to gravity will become earth is 8 kms–1.
same at all the places. Reason: Orbital velocity of a satellite,
Reason: The value of acceleration due to become independent of height of near
gravity is independent of rotation of earth. satellite.
(1) A (2) B (1) A (2) B
(3) C (4) D (3) C (4) D

56 Gravitation
 Exercise – IV (Previous Year Question)
1. A black hole is an object whose 4. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit
gravitational field is so strong that even around the earth. The mass of the satellite
light cannot escape from it. To what is very small compared to the mass of the
approximate radius would earth earth. Then, [Re-AIPMT_2015]
24
(mass = 5.98 × 10 kg) have to be (1) the acceleration of S is always directed
compressed to be a black hole? towards the centre of the earth.
[AIPMT_2014] (2) the angular momentum of S about the
(1) 10
–9
m (2) 10
–6
m centre of the earth changes in direction,
(3) 10
–2
m (4) 100 m but its magnitude remains constant.
(3) the total mechanical energy of S varies
2. Dependence of intensity of gravitational periodically with time.
field (E) of earth with distance (r) from (4) the linear momentum of S remains
centre of earth is correctly represented by: constant in magnitude.
[AIPMT_2014]
E E 5. A remote – sensing satellite of earth
revolves in a circular orbit at a height of
R O
O R
6
0.25 × 10 m above the surface of earth. If
r r
(1) (2)
6 –2
earth's radius is 6.38 × 10 m and g = 9.8 ms ,
then the orbital speed of the satellite is:
E E
[Re-AIPMT_2015]
–1 –1
R O (1) 6.67 km s (2) 7.76 km s
O R
r r
(3) (4) (3) 8.56 km s
–1
(4) 9.13 km s
–1

6. The ratio of escape velocity at earth (ve) to

3. Kepler's third law states that square of the escape velocity at a planet (vp) whose
period of revolution (T) of a planet around
radius and mean density are twice as that
the sun, is proportional to third power of
of earth is: [NEET_2016]
average distance r between sun and planet.
2 3 (1) 1 : 2 (2) 1 : 2 2
i.e. T = Kr here K is constant.
If the masses of sun and planet are M and
(3) 1 : 4 (4) 1 : 2

m respectively then as per Newton's law of

gravitation force of attraction between 7. The acceleration due to gravity at a height 1

GMm km above the earth is the same as at a depth

them is F = , here G is gravitational
r2 d below the surface of earth. Then:
constant. The relation between G and K is [NEET_2017]
described as : [AIPMT_2015] 1
(1) d = km (2) d = 1 km
(1) GMK = 4π
2
(2) K = G 2
3
1 2 (3) d = (4) d = 2 km
(3) K = (4) GK = 4π 2
G

Gravitation 57
 8. If the mass of the Sun were ten times 12. The time period of a geostationary satellite
smaller and the universal gravitational is 24 h, at a height 6RE (RE is radius of earth)
constant were ten time larger in from surface of earth. The time period of
magnitude, which of the following is not another satellite whose height is 2.5 RE

correct? [NEET_2018] from surface will be, [NEET_2019(Odisha)]

(1) Raindrops will fall faster (1) 6 2 h (2) 12 2 h

(2) Walking on the ground would become 24 12
(3) h (4) h
more difficult 2.5 2.5

(3) Time period of a simple pendulum on

13. Assuming that the gravitational potential
the Earth would decrease
energy of an object at infinity is zero, the
(4) 'g' on the Earth will not change
change in potential energy (final – initial)
of an object of mass m, when taken to a height
9. The kinetic energies of a planet in an h from the surface of earth (of radius R), is
elliptical orbit about the Sun, at positions given by, [NEET_2019(Odisha)]
A, B and C are KA, KB and KC respectively. AC GMm GMmh
(1) − (2)
R+h R (R + h)
is the major axis and SB is perpendicular
to AC at the position of the Sun S as shown GMm
(3) mgh (4)
R+h
in the figure. Then [NEET_2018]
B
14. A body weighs 72 N on the surface of the
A C earth. What is the gravitational force on it,
S
at a height equal to half the radius of the
(1) KA < KB < KC (2) KA > KB > KC earth? [NEET_2020]
(1) 30 N (2) 24 N
(3) KB < KA < KC (4) KB > KA > KC
(3) 48 N (4) 32 N

10. A body weighs 200 N on the surface of the 15. What is the depth at which the value of
earth. How much will it weigh half way down acceleration due to gravity becomes 1/n
to the centre of the earth? [NEET_2019] times the value that at the surface of
(1) 150 N (2) 200 N earth? (radius of earth = R)
(3) 250 N (4) 100 N [NEET_2020(Covid)]
2
(1) R/n (2) R(n –1)/n
(3) Rn/(n –1) (4) R/n
11. The work done to raise a mass m from the
surface of the earth to a height h, which is
16. The escape velocity from the Earth's
equal to the radius of the earth, is:
surface is v. The escape velocity from the
[NEET_2019]
surface of another planet having a radius,
(1) mgR (2) 2 mgR four times that of Earth and same mass
1 3 density is: [NEET_2021]
(3) mgR (4) mgR
2 2 (1) v (2) 2v
(3) 3v (4) 4v

58 Gravitation
 17. A body of mass 60g experiences a 20. If R is the radius of the earth and g is the
gravitational force of 3.0 N, when placed at acceleration due to gravity on the earth
a particular point. The magnitude of the surface. Then the mean density of the
gravitational field intensity of that point is: earth will be: [NEET_2023]
[NEET_2021] πRG 3πR
(1) (2)
(1) 0.05 N/kg (2) 50 N/kg 12g 4gG
(3) 20 N/kg (4) 180 N/kg 3g 4πG
(3) (4)
4πRG 3gR
18. In a gravitational field, the gravitational
K 21. Two bodies of mass m no 9m are placed at
potential is given by V = − ( J / Kg) , The
x a distance R. The gravitational potential on
gravitational field intensity at point (2, 0, 3) (L) the line joining the bodies where the
m is [NEET_2022] gravitational field equals zero, will be:
K K (G = gravitational constant): [NEET_2023]
(1) + (2) +
4 2
12Gm
K K (1) −
(3) − (4) − R
2 4
16Gm
(2) −
R
19. Match List-I with List-II [NEET_2022] 20Gm
(3) −
List-I List-II R
(a) Gravitational cons. (G) (i) [L2T–2] 8Gm
(4) −
(b) Gravitational potential (ii) [M–1L3T–2] R
energy
(c) Gravitational potential (iii) [LT–2] 22. A satellite is orbiting just above the surface

(d) Gravitational intensity (iv) [ML2T–2] of the earth with period T. If d is the

Choose the correct answer from the density of the earth and G is the universal

options given below 3π

constant of gravitation, the quantity
Gd
(1) (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iv), (d)-(iii)
represents: [NEET_2023]
(2) (a)-(ii), (b)-(i), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
(1) T2 (2) T3
(3) (a)-(ii), (b)-(iv), (c)-(iii), (d)-(i)
(4) (a)-(iv), (b)-(ii), (c)-(i), (d)-(iii) (3) T (4) T

Gravitation 59
 ANSWER KEYS

Exercise - I
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 1 4 4 2 3 4 3 1 4 1 3 4 4 1 3 2 4 3 1
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. 1 2 4 3 4 3 3 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 1 2 1 4 3 1
Que. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. 1 2 1 4 3 1 4 2 4 4 1 3 4 1 2 3 1 1 4 2
Que. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
Ans. 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 1 1 2 2 3 3 1 2 4 3 1 3
Que. 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92
Ans. 4 4 3 2 4 1 3 1 2 1 3 3

Exercise - II
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Ans. 1 1 4 1 4 4 4 2 1 3 3 2

Exercise - III
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 4 4 2 1 1 1 2 4 2 3 1 1 1 4 3 3 2 1 3 3
Que. 21
Ans. 1

Exercise - IV (Previous Year Questions)

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 4 2 4 3 1 2 4 2 4 2 4 2 3
Que. 21 22
Ans. 2 1

60 Gravitation