GRAVITATION

Contents
Particular's Page No.

Theory 01 – 26
Handout 27 – 32

Exercise - 1 33 – 37
Part - I : Subjective Question
Part - II : Only one option correct type
Part - III : Match the column
Exercise - 2 38 – 43
Part - I : Only one option correct type
Part - II : Single and double value integer type
Part - III : One or more than one options correct type
Part - IV : Comprehension

Exercise - 3 44 – 47
Part - I : JEE(Advanced) / IIT-JEE Problems (Previous Years)
Part - II : JEE(Main) / AIEEE Problems (Previous Years)

Answer Key 48

High Level Problems (HLP) 49 – 51

Subjective Question

HLP Answer Key 51

JEE (ADVANCED) SYLLABUS

Law of gravitation; Gravitational potential and field; Acceleration due to gravity; Motion of planets and
satellites in circular orbits; Escape velocity.

JEE (MAIN) SYLLABUS

The universal law of gravitation. Acceleration due to gravity and its variation with altitude and depth.
Kepler’s laws of planetary motion. Gravitational potential energy; gravitational potential. Escape
velocity. Orbital velocity of a satellite. Geo-stationary satellites

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Gravitation

GRAVITATION
———————————————————————————————————
1. INTRODUCTION
The motion of celestial bodies such as the sun, the moon, the earth and the planets etc. has been a
subject of fascination since time immemorial. Indian astronomers of the ancient times have done
brilliant work in this field, the most notable among them being Arya Bhatt the first person to assert that
all planets including the earth revolve round the sun.
A millennium later the Danish astronomer Tycobrahe (1546-1601) conducted a detailed study of
planetary motion which was interpreted by his pupil Johnaase Kepler (1571-1630), ironically after the
master himself had passed away. Kepler formulated his important findings in three laws of planetary
motion. The basis of astronomy is gravitation.

2. UNIVERSAL LAW OF GRAVITATION : NEWTON'S LAW

According to this law "Each particle attracts every other particle. The force of attraction between them
is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to square of the
distance between them".
mm mm
F  1 2 2 or F = G 1 2 2
r r
where G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2 kg–2 is the universal gravitational constant.
Dimensional formula of G :
Fr 2 [MLT 2 ][L2 ]
F= = = [M–1 L3 T–2 ]
m1m2 [M2 ]
Newton's Law of gravitation in vector form :
 Gm1m2  Gm1m2
F12 = – 2
r̂12 & F21 = r̂21
r r2

Where F12 is the force on mass m 1 exerted by mass m2 and vice-versa.

Gm1m2
Now rˆ12  rˆ21 , Thus F21  rˆ12 . Comparing above, we get F12  F21
r2
Important characteristics of gravitational force
(i) Gravitational force between two bodies form an action and reaction pair i.e. the forces are equal in
magnitude but opposite in direction.
(ii) Gravitational force is a central force i.e. it acts along the line joining the centers of the two
interacting bodies.
(iii) Gravitational force between two bodies is independent of the nature of the medium, in which they
lie.
(iv) Gravitational force between two bodies does not depend upon the presence of other bodies.
(v) Gravitational force is negligible in case of light bodies but becomes appreciable in case of massive
bodies like stars and planets.
(vi) Gravitational force is long range-force i.e., gravitational force between two bodies is effective even
if their separation is very large. For example, gravitational force between the sun and the earth is of
the order of 1027 N although distance between them is 1.5 × 107 km

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Gravitation

Example 1. The centres of two identical spheres are at a distance 1.0 m apart. If the gravitational force
between them is 1.0 N, then find the mass of each sphere. (G = 6.67 × 10–11 m3 kg–1 sec–1)
Gm.m
Solution : Gravitational force F =
r2
on substituting F = 1.0 N , r = 1.0 m and G = 6.67 × 10–11 m3 kg–1 sec–1
we get m = 1.225 × 105 kg
Example 2. Two particles of masses m1 and m2, initially at rest at infinite distance from each other, move
under the action of mutual gravitational pull. Show that at any instant their relative velocity of
approach is 2G(m1  m2 ) /R , where R is their separation at that instant.
Solution : The gravitational force of attraction on m 1 due to m2 at a separation r is
Gm1m2
F1 =
r2
F Gm
Therefore, the acceleration of m 1 is a1 = 1  2 2
m1 r
Gm1
Similarly, the acceleration of m 2 due to m1 is a2 = –
r2
the negative sign being put as a2 is directed opposite to a1. The relative acceleration of
approach is
G(m1  m2 )
a = a1 – a2 = .....(1)
r2
dv dv dr
If v is the relative velocity, then a = = .
dt dr dt
dr
But – = v (negative sign shows that r decreases with increasing t).
dt
dv
 a=– v. .....(2)
dr
G(m1  m2 )
From (1) and (2), we have v dv = – dr
r2
v2 G(m1  m2 )
Integrating, we get = +C
2 r
At r = , v = 0 (given), and so C = 0.
2G(m1  m2 )
 v2 =
r
 2G(m1  m2 ) 
Let v = vR when r = R. Then vR =  
 R 
———————————————————————————————————
Principle of superposition
The force exerted by a particle on other particle remains unaffected by
the presence of other nearby particles in space. Total force acting on a
particle is the vector sum of all the forces acted upon by the individual
masses when they are taken alone.
F  F1  F2  F3  .......

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Gravitation

Example 3. Four point masses each of mass 'm' are placed on the corner of square of side 'a'. Calculate
magnitude of gravitational force experienced by each particle.

Solution :

Fr = resultant force on each particle = 2F cos 45º + F1

2G.m2 1 Gm2 G.m2
=   = (2 2  1)
a2 2 ( 2a)2 2a2

Example 4. Find gravitational force exerted by point mass ‘m’ on uniform rod (mass ‘M’ and length ‘’)

G  dM  m
Solution : dF = force on element in horizontal direction =
(x  a)2
M
where dM = dx.

G.Mmdx G.Mm dx G.Mm  1 1  GMm

 F=  dF =  0 (x  a)
2
=  (x  a)
0
2
=   =
 (  a) a  (  a)a
Example 5. A solid sphere of lead has mass M and radius R. A spherical hollow is dug out from it (see
figure). Its boundary passing through the centre and also touching the boundary of the solid
sphere. Deduce the gravitational force on a mass m placed at P, which is distant r from O along
the line of centres.

O' P
O r
R
Solution : Let O be the centre of the sphere and O' that of the hollow (figure). For an external point the
sphere behaves as if its entire mass is concentrated at its centre. Therefore, the gravitational
force on a mass `m` at P due to the original sphere (of mass M) is
Mm
F = G 2 , along PO.
r
The diameter of the smaller sphere (which would be cut off) is R, so that its radius OO' is R/2.
The force on m at P due to this sphere of mass M' (say) would be
Mm
F = G along PO. [ distance PO = r – R ]
(r  R )
2 2
2

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Gravitation
As the radius of this sphere is half of that of the original sphere, we have
M = M .
8
Mm
 F = G along PO.
8(r  R )2
2
As both F and F point along the same direction, the force due to the hollowed sphere is
 
GMm GMm GMm  1 
F – F = – = 1  .
r2 R 2 r 2  8(1  R )2 
8r (1  )
2
 2r 
2r

———————————————————————————————————
3. GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
The space surrounding the body within which its gravitational force of attraction is experienced by other
bodies is called gravitational field. Gravitational field is very similar to electric field in electrostatics
where charge 'q' is replaced by mass 'm' and electric constant 'K' is replaced by gravitational constant
'G'. The intensity of gravitational field at a point is defined as the force experienced by a unit mass
placed at that point.
F
E
m
The unit of the intensity of gravitational field is N kg–1.
Intensity of gravitational field due to point mass :
The force due to mass m on test mass m0 placed at point P is given by :
GMm0
F=
r2
F GM
Hence E=  E 2
m0 r
GM
In vector form E   rˆ
r2
F [MLT 2 ]
Dimensional formula of intensity of gravitational field =   [M0LT 2 ]
m [M]

Example 6. Find the distance of a point from the earth’s centre where the resultant gravitational field due to
the earth and the moon is zero. The mass of the earth is 6.0 × 10 24 kg and that of the moon is
7.4 × 1022 kg. The distance between the earth and the moon is 4.0 × 10 5 km.
Solution : The point must be on the line joining the centres of the earth and the moon and in between
them. If the distance of the point from the earth is x, the distance from the moon is
(4.0 × 105 km-x). The magnitude of the gravitational field due to the earth is
GMe G  6  1024 kg
E1 = 2
=
x x2
and magnitude of the gravitational field due to the moon is
GMm G  7.4  1022 kg
E2 = =
(4.0  105 km  x)2 (4.0  105 km  x)2
These fields are in opposite directions. For the resultant field to be zero E 1 = E2.
6  1024 kg 7.4  1022 kg
or, =
x2 (4.0  105 km  x)2
x 6  1024
or, = =9 or, x = 3.6 × 105 km.
4.0  105 km  x 7.4  1022

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Gravitation
Example 7. Calculate gravitational field intensity due to a uniform ring of mass M and radius R at a distance
x on the axis from center of ring.
Solution : Consider any particle of mass dm. Gravitational field at
point P due to dm
Gdm
dE = along PA
r2
Gdm
Component along PO is dE cos  = cos
r2
Net gravitational field at point P is
Gdm Gcos 
E =  2 cos =  dm
r r2
GMx
= towards the center of ring
 
3/2
R  x2
2

Example 8. Calculate gravitational field intensity at a distance x on the axis from centre of a uniform disc of
mass M and radius R.
Solution : Consider a elemental ring of radius r and thickness dr on surface of disc as shown in figure
Disc (M, R)
dr

r
P
dE
x

Gravitational field due to elemental ring

GdMx M 2M
dE = 2 2 3 / 2 Here dM = . 2rdr = 2 rdr
(x  r ) R 2
R

G.2Mxrdx
 dE =
R (x 2  r 2 )3 / 2
2

 2GMx  2GMx  1 
R
rdr 1
 E =   E =   
0 R  (x  r 2 )3 / 2
2 2
R2  x x  R 
2 2

Example 9. For a given uniform spherical shell of mass M and radius R, find gravitational field at a distance
r from centre in following two cases (a) r  R (b) r < R
GdM
Solution : dE = 2
. cos   r R Ring of radius = Rsin
Rd
M d 
dM = x 2 R sin Rd
4R2
M  
dM = sin d P
2 r
GM sin cos d
 dE =
2 2
Now  2 = R2 + r 2 – 2rR cos .....(1)
R 2 = 2 + r2 – 2r cos   .....(2)
2
r R
2 2
 cos =
2 r

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 Gravitation
R2  r 2  2
cos =
2rR
differentiating (1)
 2  d  = 2rR sin d
GM d 2
 r 2  R2 GM r 2  R2 
 dE = . .  dE = 1   d
2 2 Rr (2 r) 4Rr 2

2

GM  r R r R d  GM
 E =  dE =
4Rr 2   r-R
   d  (r 2  R2 ) 2 
 E = 2 , r R
r R
 r
If point is inside the shell limit changes to [(R – r) to R + r]
E = 0 when r < R.

Example 10. Find the relation between the gravitational field on the surface of two planets A & B of masses
mA, mB & radius RA & RB respectively if
(i) they have equal mass
(ii) they have equal (uniform) density
Solution : Let EA & EB be the gravitational field intensities on the surface of planets A & B.
4
G R3A A
GmA 4G
then, EA = 2
 3 2 =  RA
RA RA 3 A
GmB 4G
Similarly, EB  =  B RB
RB2 3
E A RB2
(i) for mA = mB =
EB R 2A
EA RA
(ii) For & A = B 
EB RB

———————————————————————————————————
4. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
The gravitational potential at a point in the gravitational field of a body is defined as the amount of work
done by an external agent in bringing a body of unit mass from infinity to that point, slowly (no change
in kinetic energy). Gravitational potential is very similar to electric potential in electrostatics.

Gravitational potential due to a point mass :

Let the unit mass be displaced through a distance dr towards mass M,
then work done is given by
GM
dW = F dr = 2 dr
r
Total work done in displacing the particle from infinity to point P is
r GM GM
W =  dW   dr  .
 r2 r
GM
Thus gravitational potential, V .
r
The unit of gravitational potential is J kg–1. Dimensional Formula of gravitational potential
Work [ML2 T 2 ]
=  = [M°L2 T–2].
mass [M]

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Gravitation

Example 11.

Find out potential at P and Q due to the two point mass system. Find out work done by external
agent in bringing unit mass from P to Q. Also find work done by gravitational force.
Gm
Solution : (i) VP1 = potential at P due to mass ‘m’ at ‘1’ = –

Gm
VP2 = –

2Gm
 VP = VP1 + VP2 = –

GM Gm
(ii) VQ 1    VQ2  
/2 /2
Gm Gm 4Gm
 VQ = VQ1 + VQ2 =   =–
/2 /2
Force at point Q = 0
2GM
(iii) work done by external agent = (VQ – VP) × 1 = 

2GM
(iv) work done by gravitational force = VP – VQ =

Example 12. Find potential at a point ‘P’ at a distance ‘x’ on the axis away from centre of a uniform ring of
mass M and radius R.
Solution : Ring can be considered to be made of large number of
point masses (m1, m2 ..........etc)
Gm1 Gm2
VP =   – .......
R x
2 2
R2  x 2
G GM
– (m1  m2 .....)  – ,
R x
2 2
R2  x 2
where M = m1 + m2 + m3 + ............
G.M
Potential at centre of ring = –
R

———————————————————————————————————
5. RELATION BETWEEN GRAVITATIONAL FIELD AND POTENTIAL
The work done by an external agent to move unit mass from a point to another point in the direction of the
field E, slowly through an infinitesimal distance dr = Force by external agent × distance moved = – Edr.
Thus dV = – Edr
dV
 E=– .
dr
Therefore, gravitational field at any point is equal to the negative gradient at that point.

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Gravitation

Example 13. The gravitational field in a region is given by E = (iˆ  ˆj) – (20N/kg). Find the gravitational
potential at the origin (0, 0) – (in J/kg)
(A) zero (B) 20 2
(C) – 20 2 (D) can not be defined
Answer : (A)
Solution : V = –  E.dr =   Ex.dx   Ey.dy  = 20x + 20y
 
at origin V = 0
Example 14. In above problem, find the gravitational potential at a point whose co-ordinates are (5, 4) : (in J/kg)
(A) – 180 (B) 180 (C) – 90 (D) zero
Answer : (B)
Solution : V = 20 × 5 + 20 × 4 = 180 J/kg

Example 15. In the above problem, find the work done in shifting a particle of mass 1 kg from origin (0, 0) to
a point (5, 4): (In J)
(A) – 180 (B) 180 (C) – 90 (D) zero
Answer : (B)
Solution : W = m (Vf – Vi) = 1 (180 – 0) = 180 J
Example 16 v= 2x2
+ 3y2
+ zx,
Find gravitational field at a point (x, y, z).
v
Solution : Ex = = – 4x – z
x
E y = –by
Ez = – x
   Field = E = – [(4x +z) î + by ĵ + x k̂ ].

E  V

———————————————————————————————————
6. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL & FIELD FOR DIFFERENT OBJECTS

GM GM GMr GMcos 

I. Ring. V= or 2 2 1/ 2 & E = 2 2 3 / 2 r̂ or E = –
x (a  r ) (a  r ) x2

Gravitational field is maximum at a distance, r = ± a 2 and it is – 2GM 3 3 a2

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 Gravitation
II. A linear mass of finite length on its axis :

 (a) Potential : 
GM GM  L  L2  d2 

    V=– n (sec 0 + tan 0) = – n  
L L 
 d 

  (b) Field intensity :
GM GM
  E=– sin 0 = 
Ld d L2  d2

III. An infinite uniform linear mass distribution of linear mass density , Here 0 = .
2
M
And noting that  = in case of a finite rod
2L
2G
we get, for field intensity E =
d
Potential for a mass-distribution extending to infinity is not defined. However even for such mass
distributions potential-difference is defined. Here potential difference between points P 1 and P2
d
respectively at distances d1 and d2 from the infinite rod, v12 = 2G n 2
d1
IV. Uniform Solid Sphere
(a) Point P inside the shell. r < a, then
GM GMr 3GM
V =  3 (3a2  r 2 ) & E = – 3 , and at the centre V = – and E = 0
2a a 2a
GM GM
(b) Point P outside the shell. r > a, then V =  & E=– 2
r r

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Gravitation
V. Uniform Thin Spherical Shell
GM
(a) Point P Inside the shell. r  a, then V = & E=0
a
GM GM
(b) Point P outside shell. r  a, then V = & E=–
r r2

VI. Uniform Thick Spherical Shell

M M
(a) Point outside the shell V = – G ;E=–G 2
r r
3  R  R1 
(b) Point inside the Shell V = – GM  2 2 2 
2  R2  R1R2  R1 

E=0
GM  3rR22  r 3  2R13  GM r 3  R13
(c) Point between the two surface V = –  ; E = – 2
2r  R2  R1
3 3
 r R32  R13

7. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

Gravitational potential energy of two mass system is equal to the work done by an external agent in
assembling them, while their initial separation was infinity. Consider a body of mass m placed at a
distance r from another body of mass M. The gravitational force of attraction between them is given by,
GMm
F= 2 .
r

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Gravitation
Now, Let the body of mass m is displaced from point. C to B through a distance 'dr' towards the mass
M, then work done by internal conservative force (gravitational) is given by,
r
GMm GMm
dW = F dr =
r 2
dr   dW  
 r2
dr

GMm
 Gravitational potential energy, U  
r
Increase in gravitational potential energy :
Suppose a block of mass m on the surface of the earth. We want to
lift this block by ‘h’ height.
Work required in this process = increase in P.E. = Uf – Ui = m(Vf – Vi)
  GMe   GMe 
W ext = U = (m)     – – 
  Re  h   Re  

 1 1 
W ext = U = GMem   
 Re Re  h 

GMem   h  
1

= 1  1   
R e   Re  
 
(as h << Re, we can apply Bionomical theorem)

GMem   h   GMe 
W ext = U =  1   1    = (m)  2  h
Re   R e   Re 
W ext = U = mgh
* This formula is valid only when h << Re

Example 17. A body of mass m is placed on the surface of earth. Find work required to lift this body by a
height
Re
(i) h = (ii) h = Re
1000
Re
Solution : (i) h = , as h << Re, so
1000
we can apply
W ext = U = mgh

 GMe   Re  GMem
W ext = (m)     =
 R2  1000  1000R
 e  e

(ii) h = Re, in this case h is not very less than R e, so we cannot apply U = mgh
so we cannot apply U = mgh
W ext = U = Uf – Ui = m(Vf – Vi)

 GMe   GMe  
W ext = m    –  
 R e  Re   Re  

GMem
W ext = –
2Re

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 Gravitation
Example 18. Calculate the velocity with which a body must be thrown vertically upward from the surface of
the earth so that it may reach a height of 10 R, where R is the radius of the earth and is equal
to 6.4 × 108 m. (Earth's mass = 6 × 1024 kg, Gravitational constant G = 6.7 × 10–11 N-m2/kg2)
Solution : The gravitational potential energy of a body of mass m on earth's surface is
GMm
U(R) = –
R
where M is the mass of the earth (supposed to be concentrated at its centre) and R is the
radius of the earth (distance of the particle from the centre of the earth). The gravitational
energy of the same body at a height 10 R from earth's surface, i.e. at a distance 11R from
earth's centre is
GMm
U (11 R) = –
R
GMm  GMm  10 GMm
 change in potential energy U(11 R) – U(R) = – –   = 11 R
11R  R 
This difference must come from the initial kinetic energy given to the body in sending it to that
height. Now, suppose the body is thrown up with a vertical speed v, so that its initial kinetic
1 1 10 GMm  20 GMm 
energy is mv2. Then mv2 = or v=  .
2 2 11 R  11 R 
 20  (6.7  10 11N  m 2 / kg 2 )  (6 10 24kg) 
Putting the given values : v =   = 1.07 × 104 m/s.
 11 (6.4  10 6 m) 

Example 19. Distance between centres of two stars is 10 a. The masses of these stars are M and 16 M and
their radii are a & 2a respectively. A body is fired straight from the surface of the larger star
towards the smaller star. What should be its minimum initial speed to reach the surface of the
smaller star?
Solution : Let P be the point on the line joining the centres of the two planets s.t. the net field at it is zero

GM G.16M
Then,  =0  (10 a–r)2 = 16 r2   
r2 (10a  r)2

         10a – r = 4r    r = 2a
GM G.16M GM 2GM 5GM
Potential at point P, vP =  =   .
r (10a  r) 2a a 2a
Now if the particle projected from the larger planet has enough energy to cross this point, it will
reach the smaller planet.
For this, the K.E. imparted to the body must be just enough to raise its total mechanical energy
to a value which is equal to P.E. at point P.
1 G(16M)m GMm
i.e. mv 2  = mvP
2 2a 8a

v 2 8GM GM 5GMm

or, 
2 a 8a 2a

45GM 3 5GM
or, v2 = or, vmin =
4a 2 a
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Gravitation
———————————————————————————————————
8. GRAVITATIONAL SELF-ENERGY
The gravitational self-energy of a body (or a system of particles) is defined as the work done by an
external agent in assembling the body (or system of particles) from infinitesimal elements (or particles)
that are initially an infinite distance apart.
Gravitational self energy of a system of n particles
Potential energy of n particles at an average distance 'r' due to their mutual gravitational attraction is
equal to the sum of the potential energy of all pairs of particle, i.e.,
mim j
Us =– G  rij
all pairs
ji
1 i  n j  n mim j
This expression can be written as Us = – G  
2 i  1 j  1 rij
j  i

If consider a system of 'n' particles, each of same mass 'm' and separated from each other by the same
average distance 'r', then self energy
1 n n
 m2 
or Us = – G
2 i1
 
j  1  r i j
j  i

1 m2
Thus on the right hand side 'i' comes 'n' times while 'j' comes (n – 1) times. Thus Us = – Gn (n – 1)
2 r
Gravitational Self energy of a Uniform Sphere (star)

4 3 

 3 r   4r dr
2

Usphere = – G   M 1
where  = =– G (4)2 r4 dr,
r 4 3 3
 3  R
 
R
 r5 
2
 4 3  1
R
1 1 3
Ustar = – G (4)2  r 4 dr = – G (4)2   = – G  R  .
3 0 3  5 0 5  3  R
3 GM2
 Ustar = –
5 R

9. ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY :

It is the acceleration, a freely falling body near the earth’s surface acquires due to the earth’s
gravitational pull. The property by virtue of which a body experiences or exerts a gravitational pull on
another body is called gravitational mass mG, and the property by virtue of which a body opposes any
change in its state of rest or uniform motion is called its inertial mass mthus if E is the gravitational
field intensity due to the earth at a point P, and g is acceleration due to gravity at the same point, then
m g = m G E .

Now the value of inertial & gravitational mass happen to be exactly same to a great degree of accuracy
for all bodies. Hence, g = E

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 Gravitation
The gravitational field intensity on the surface of earth is therefore numerically equal to the acceleration
due to gravity (g), there. Thus we get,
GMe
g 2
Re

where, Me = Mass of earth

Re = Radius of earth
Note :
 Here the distribution of mass in the earth is taken to be spherical symmetrical so that its entire
mass can be assumed to be concentrated at its center for the purpose of calculation of g.

———————————————————————————————————
10. VARIATION OF ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY
(a) Effect of Altitude
GMe
Acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is given by, g =
R 2e
Now, consider the body at a height 'h' above the surface of the earth,
then the acceleration due to gravity at height 'h' given by
2
GMe  h   2h 
gh = = g 1   ~ g 1   when h << R.
R e  h 
2
 Re   Re 
2gh
The decrease in the value of 'g' with height h = g – gh = . Then
Re
g  gh 2h
percentage decrease in the value of 'g' =  100   100%
g Re
(b) Effect of depth
GMem
The gravitational pull on the surface is equal to its weight i.e. mg =
R2e
4 3
G Re m
3 4
 mg = or g =  G Re  .........(1)
R2e 3
When the body is taken to a depth d, the mass of the sphere of radius
(Re – d) will only be effective for the gravitational pull and the outward
shall will have no resultant effect on the mass. If the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the solid sphere is gd, then
4
gd = G (Re – d)  .......(2) 
3
  By dividing equation (2) by equation (1)
 d 
gd = g  1  
 Re 

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Gravitation
IMPORTANT POINTS
 R 
(i) At the center of the earth, d = Re, so gcentre = g  1  e  = 0.
 Re 
Thus weight (mg) of the body at the centre of the earth is zero.

 g  gd  d
(ii) Percentage decrease in the value of 'g' with the depth =    100 =  100 .
 g  Re

(c) Effect of the surface of Earth

The equatorial radius is about 21 km longer than its polar radius.
GM
We know, g = 2 e Hence gpole > gequator. The weight of the body increase as the body taken from
Re
the equator to the pole.

(d) Effect of rotation of the Earth

The earth rotates around its axis with angular velocity . Consider a particle of mass m at latitude .
The angular velocity of the particle is also .

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Gravitation
According to parallelogram law of vector addition, the resultant force acting on mass m along PQ is
F = [(mg)2 + (m2 Re cos)2 + {2mg × m2 Re cos} cos (180 – )]1/2
= [(mg)2 + (m2 Re cos)2 – (2m2 g2 Re cos) cos]1/2
1/ 2
  R 2 2 R 2 
= mg 1   e  cos2   2 e cos2 
  g  g 
 
 R 2 
At pole  = 90°  gpole = g, At equator  = 0  gequator = g 1  e  .
 g 
Hence gpole > gequator
 R 2 
If the body is taken from pole to the equator, then g = g  1  e  .
 g 

 R 2 
mg  mg  1  e 
  100  mRe   100  Re   100
2 2
 g
Hence % change in weight =
mg mg g

11. ESCAPE SPEED

The minimum speed required to send a body out of the gravity field of a planet (send it to r)

11.1 Escape speed at earth's surface :

Suppose a particle of mass m is on earth's surface. We project it with a velocity V from the earth's
surface, so that it just reaches r  (at r , its velocity become zero). Applying energy conservation
between initial position (when the particle was at earth's surface) and find positions (when the particle
just reaches to r )

Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
1  GMe   GMe  2GM0
mv2 + m0    = 0 + m0    v =
2  R   (r  )  R

2GMe
Escape speed from earth is surface v e 
R
If we put the values of G, Me, R the we get Ve = 11.2 km/s.

11.2 Escape speed depends on :

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

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Gravitation
11.3 Escape speed does not depend on :
(i) Mass of the body which is projected (m 0)
(ii) Angle of projection.
If a body is thrown from Earth's surface with escape speed, it goes out of earth's gravitational field and
never returns to the earth's surface. But it starts revolving around the sun.

Example 20. A very small groove is made in the earth, and a particle of mass m 0 is placed at R/2 distance
from the centre. Find the escape speed of the particle from that place.

Solution : Suppose we project the particle with speed v, so that it just reaches at (r ).
Applying energy conservation Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf

1  GMe R 
2

m0v2 + m0   (3R 2
  2   = 0 + 0
2  2R3   


11GMe
v= = Ve at that position.
4R

Example 21. Find radius of such planet on which the man escapes through jumping. The capacity of jumping
of person on earth is 1.5 m. Density of planet is same as that of earth.
1 GMPm 1 GMPm
Solution : For a planet : mv2 – =0  mv2 =
2 Rp 2 Rp

1  GM 
On earth  mv 2 = m  2 E  h
2  RE 

GMPm GME .m Mp MEh

 = . h  =
Rp RE2 Rp RE2

4/3Rp3  4/3RE2 h
 Density () is same  = RP = REh
Rp RE2

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Gravitation
———————————————————————————————————
12. KEPLER’S LAW FOR PLANETARY MOTION
Suppose a planet is revolving around the sun, or a satellite is revolving around the earth, then the
planetary motion can be studied with help of Kepler’s three laws.

12.1 Kepler’s Law of orbit

Each planet moves around the sun in a circular path or elliptical path with the sun at its focus. (In fact
circular path is a subset of elliptical path)
Planet
<

SUN
<

<
<
12.2 Law of areal velocity :
To understand this law, lets understand the angular momentum conservation for the planet.
If a planet moves in an elliptical orbit, the gravitation force acting on it always passes through the centre
of the sun. So torque of this gravitation force about the centre of the sun will be zero. Hence we can say
that angular momentum of the planet about the centre of the sun will remain conserved (constant)
 about the sun = 0
dL
 =0  Lplanet / sun = constant  mvr sin = constant
dt
Now we can easily study the Kepler's law of aerial velocity.
If a planet moves around the sun, the radius vector ( r ) also rotates are sweeps area as shown in
figure. Now lets find rate of area swept by the radius vector ( r ).

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Gravitation
Suppose a planet is revolving around the sun and at
any instant its velocity is v, and angle between radius
vector ( r ) and velocity ( v ). In dt time, it moves by a
distance vdt, during this dt time, area swept by the
radius vector will be OAB which can be assumed to be
a triangle
dA = 1/2 (Base) (Perpendicular height)
dA = 1/2 (r) (vdtsin)
dA 1
so rate of area swept = vr sin
dt 2
dA 1 mvr sin 
we can write =
dt 2 m
where mvr sin = angular momentum of the planet about the sun, which remains conserved (constant)
dA Lplanet / sun
 = = constant
dt 2m
so Rate of area swept by the radius vector is constant

x2 y2
Example 22. Suppose a planet is revolving around the sun in an elliptical path given by  = 1. Find
a2 b2
time period of revolution. Angular momentum of the planet about the sun is L.

dA L
Solution : Rate of area swept  = constant
dt 2m
A ab t T
L L L 2mab
 dA =
2m
dt ; 
A 0
dA = 
t 0
2m
dt ab =
2m
T  T=
L

———————————————————————————————————
12.3 Kepler’s law of time period :
Suppose a planet is revolving around the sun in circular orbit
m v 2 GMsm0
then 0 
r r2
GMs
v=
r
2r r
Time period of revolution is T = = 2r
v GMs
 4 2  3
T2 =  r  T 2  r3
 GMs 

For all the planet of a sun, T2  r3

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Gravitation

Example 23. The Earth and Jupiter are two planets of the sun. The orbital radius of the earth is 107 m and
that of Jupiter is 4 × 107 m. If the time period of revolution of earth is T = 365 days, find time
period of revolution of the Jupiter.
Jupiter

<
r2 = 4 × 107 m

<
T2 = ?
SUN

r1 = 107 m
< Earth

T1 = 365 days

< T
Solution : For both the planets
T 2  r3
2 3 2 3 T  r3/2
 Tjupiter   Tjupiter   Tjupiter   4  107 
  =     =  7 
 Tearth   rearth   365days   10 
Tjupiter = 8 × 365 days
Graph of T vs r :
Graph of log T v/s log R :
r
 4 2  3  4 2 
T 2
 R 2log T = log   + 3log R
 GMs   GMs 
1  4 2  3
log T = log    logR
2  GMs  2
log T

3
slope 
2
1  42 
C log
2  GMs 
log R
* If planets are moving in elliptical orbit, then T 2  a3 where a = semi major axis of the
elliptical path.
Example 24. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit 1600 km above the surface of the earth. Find the
period of revolution if the radius of the earth is R = 6400 km and the acceleration due to gravity
is 9.8 m/sec2. At what height from the ground should it be launched so that it may appear
stationary over a point on the earth's equator?
2r 3 / 2
Solution : The orbiting period of a satellite at a height h from earth's surface is T = where r = R + h
gR2

2(R  h)  R  h 
then, T =  
R  g 
Here, R = 6400 km, h = 1600 km = R/4.

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Gravitation

Then T =

2 R  R
4  R R
 4

 = 2(5/4)3/2 R
R  g  g
 
 6.4  106 m 
Putting the given values : T = 2 × 3.14 ×  2 
(1.25)3/2 = 7092 sec = 1.97 hours
 9.8 m / s 
Now, a satellite will appear stationary in the sky over a point on the earth's equator if its period
of revolution round the earth is equal to the period of revolution of the earth round its own axis
which is 24 hours. Let us find the height h of such a satellite above the earth's surface in terms
of the earth's radius. Let it be nR. Then
2(R  nR)  R  nR  R  6.4  106 meter / sec 
T=   = 2   (1 + n)3/2 = 2 × 3.14  2  (1 + n)3/2
R  g  g  9.8meter / sec 
= (5075 sec) (1 + n)3/2 = (1.41hours) (1 + n)3/2
For T = 24 hours, we have
(24 hours) = (1.41) hours) (1 + n)3/2
24
or (1 + n)3/2 = = 17
1.41
or 1 + n = (17)2/3 = 6.61 or n = 5.61
The height of the geo-stationary satellite above the earth's surface is nR = 5.61 × 6400 km
= 3.59 × 104 km.

———————————————————————————————————
13. CIRCULAR MOTION OF A SATELLITE AROUND A PLANET

Suppose at satellite of mass m 0 is at a distance r from a planet. If the satellite does not revolve, then
due to the gravitational attraction, it may collide to the planet.
To avoid the collision, the satellite revolve around the planet, for circular motion of satellite.
GMem0 m0 v 2
  ....(1)
r2 r
GMe
 v= this velocity is called orbital velocity (v0)
r
GMe
v0 =
r

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Gravitation
13.1 Total energy of the satellite moving in circular orbit :
1
(i) KE = m0v2 and from equation (1)
2
m0 v 2 GMem0 GMem0 1 GMem0
=  m0v2 = KE = m0 v 2 
r r2 r 2 2r
GMem0
(ii) Potential energy U = –
r
 GMem0   GMem0 
Total energy = KE + PE =   +  
 2r   r 
GMem0
TE = –
2r
Total energy is –ve. It shows that the satellite is still bounded with the planet.

14. GEO - STATIONARY SATELLITE :

We know that the earth rotates about its axis with angular velocity earth and time period Tearth = 24 hours.
Suppose a satellite is set in an orbit which is in the plane of the equator, whose  is equal to earth,
(or its T is equal to Tearth = 24 hours) and direction is also same as that of earth. Then as seen from
earth, it will appear to be stationery. This type of satellite is called geo- stationary satellite. For a
geo-stationary satellite,

wsatellite = wearth
 Tsatellite = Tearth = 24 hr.
So time period of a geo-stationery satellite must be 24 hours. To achieve T = 24 hour, the orbital radius
geo-stationary satellite :
 4 2  3
T2 =   r
 GMe 
Putting the values, we get orbital radius of geo stationary satellite r = 6.6 R e (here Re = radius of the
earth)
height from the surface h = 5.6 Re.

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Gravitation
15. PATH OF A SATELLITE ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT SPEED OF PROJECTION

Suppose a satellite is at a distance r from the centre of the earth. If we give different velocities (v) to the
satellite, its path will be different
 GMe 
(i) If v < v0  or v   then the satellite will move is an elliptical path and strike the earth's
 r
 
surface. But if size of earth were small, the satellite would complete the elliptical orbit, and the
centre of the earth will be at is farther focus.
 GMe 
(ii) If v = v0  or v   , then the satellite will revolve in a circular orbit.
 r
 

 2GMe GMe 
(iii) If v0 > v > v0  or v  , then the satellite will revolve in a elliptical orbital, and the
 r r
 
centre of the earth will be at its nearer focus.
 2GMe 
(iv) If v = ve  or v  , then the satellite will just escape with parabolic path.
 r
 

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Gravitation

Problem 1. Calculate the force exerted by point mass m on rod of uniformly distributed mass M and length
 (Placed as shown in figure).

Solution :  Direction of force is changing at every element. We have to make components of force and
then integrate.
Net vertical force = 0.
G.dM.m
dF = force on element =
(x 2  a2 )

G.dM.m
dFh = dF cos  = force on element in horizontal direction = cos 
(x 2  a2 )
G.M.mcos dx G.M.m cos   dx GMm cos   dx
/2 /2
 Fh =  (x2  a2 ) = 
 / 2 (x  a )
2 2
= 
a  / 2 sec 2 
2

where x = a tan  then dx = a sec2.d

GMm /2 x x
= sin   / 2 tan   , then sin  
a  a x  a2
2

/2
GMm  x  GMm GMm
=  2  = =
a  x  a2   2 2
/2
a  a2 a  a2
4 4
Problem 2. Three identical bodies of mass M are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle with side
L. At what speed must they move if they all revolve under the influence of one another's gravity
in a circular orbit circumscribing the triangle while still preserving the equilateral triangle ?
Solution : Let A, B and C be the three masses and O the centre of the circumscribing circle. The radius of
this circle is
L L 2 L
R= sec 30° =  = .
2 2 3 3
Let v be the speed of each mass M along the circle. Let us consider the motion of the mass at
A. The force of gravitational attraction on it due to the masses at B and C are
GM2 GM2
2
along AB and along AC
L L2
The resultant force is therefore
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Gravitation
GM2 3GM2
2 2
cos30° = along AD.
L L2
This, for preserving the triangle, must be equal to the necessary centripetal force.
That is,

3GM2 Mv 2 3Mv 2 GM
=  [ R = L/ 3 ] or v =
L2 R L L
Problem 3. In a double star, two stars (one of mass m and the other of 2m) distant d apart rotate about
their common centre of mass. Deduce an expression of the period of revolution. Show that the
ratio of their angular momentum about the centre of mass is the same as the ratio of their
kinetic energies.
Solution : The centre of mass C will be at distances d/3 and 2d/3 from the masses 2m and m
respectively. Both the stars rotate round C in their respective orbits with the same angular
velocity . The gravitational force acting on each star due to the other supplies the necessary
centripetal force.
G(2m)m
The gravitational force on either star is . If we consider the rotation of the smaller star,
d2
  2d  2   2md2 
the centripetal force (m r 2) is m  
  and for bigger star   i.e. same
  3    3 


d/3 2d/3
m
2m C


G(2m)m  2d  2  3Gm 
 2
= m  or =  3 
d  3   d 

2  d3 
Therefore, the period of revolution is given by T = = 2  
  3Gm 
2
d
(2m)  
()big big 3 = 1 ,
The ratio of the angular momentum is  =
()small  small  2d 
2
2
m 
 3 

( 21 2 )big big 1

since  is same for both. The ratio of their kinetic energies is  = , which is
( 21 2 )small  small 2

the same as the ratio of their angular momentum.

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Gravitation
Problem 4. For a particle projected in a transverse direction from a height h
above Earth’s surface, find the minimum initial velocity so that it
just grazes the surface of earth path of this particle would be an
ellipse with center of earth as the farther focus, point of
projection as the apogee and a diametrically opposite point on
earth’s surface as perigee.
Solution : Suppose velocity of projection at point A is vA & at point B, the velocity of the particle is vB.
mv 2A GMem mv B2 GMem
then applying Newton’s 2nd law at point A & B, we get, = & =
rA (R  n) 2
rB R2
Where rA & rB are radius of curvature of the orbit at points A & B of the ellipse,
but rA = rB = r(say).
Now applying conservation of energy at points A & B
GMem 1 GMem 1
 mv 2A   mvB
2

Rh 2 R 2
1 1  1 1  1 1 
 GMem    = (mvB – mvA ) =
2 2
 GMem  2   
 R (R  h)  2  2  R (R  h)2 
2R(R  h) 2Rr rGMe R
or, r = = VA2 = = 2GMe
2R  h Rr (R  h) 2
r(r  R)
where r = distance of point of projection from earth’s centre = R + h.

Problem 5. A rocket starts vertically upward with speed v0. Shown that its speed v at height h is given by
2hg
v 02  v 2 = , where R is the radius of the earth and g is acceleration due to gravity at earth's
1 h
R
surface. Hence deduce an expression for maximum height reached by a rocket fired with speed
0.9 times the escape velocity.
Solution : The gravitational potential energy of a mass m on earth's surface and that a height h is given by
GMm GMm
U (R) = – and U (R + h) = –
R Rh
 1 1 GMmh mhg
 U(R + h) – U(R) = –GMm    = = [ GM = gR2]
Rh R (R  h)R 1 h
R
This increase in potential energy occurs at the cost of kinetic energy which correspondingly
decreases. If v is the velocity of the rocket at height h, then the decrease in kinetic energy is
1 mv 2  1 mv 2 .
0
2 2
mhg 2gh
Thus, 1 mv 02  1 mv 2 = , or v 02  v 2 =
2 2 1 h 1 h
R R
Let hmax be the maximum height reached by the rocket, at which its velocity has been reduced
to zero. Thus, substituting v = 0 and h = hmax in the last expression, we have
2ghmax  h   v 02  v 02
v 02  or = v 02  1  max  2 ghmax or v0
2 = h
max  2g   or hmax =
1  hmax  R   R
2g  0
v2
R
R
Now, it is given that v0 = 0.9 × escape velocity = 0.9 × (2gR)
(09  0.9)2gR 1.62gR 1.62R
 hmax = = = = 4.26 R
(09  0.9)2gR 2g  1.62R 0.38
2g 
R

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 Gravitation

HANDOUT GRAVITATION
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ELECTROSTATICS AND GRAVITATION

ELECTROSTATICS GRAVITATION
Fe q1 q2 Fe Fg Fg
r m1 m2
Force a acting between two point charges r
Gravitation force acting between two point
kq q
Fe  12 2 masses
r G m1 m2
Fg= (always attractive)
(attractive of reputure) r2
all the formulae of gravitation are Similar to
electrostatics. Simply K is replaced by G,
and q1, q2 are replaced by m1 m2 .
Electric field (E) :- Gravitational field (g) :-
Electrostatic force acting on unit charge Fg
F Gravitational force acting on unit mass g 
E e mo
qo
If a mass m0 is placed in a gravity field g, then
If a charge q0 is placed in electric field E, then force acting on the mass is Fg = (m0) g
 
force acting on the charge F = q0 E (Here force is always in the direction g )

Electric field due to a point charge Gravitation field due point mass
r m1 r Gm
+q kq g   2 rˆ
E  2 rˆ r
r
Electric field due to a uniformly charged ring (always towards point mass)
q, R Gravitational field due to a uniform ring
M, R

E Kq x g Gmx
E g
R  R 
x 3/2 3/2
2
 x2 x 2
 x2

Electric field due to an infinitely long wire Gravitational field due to infinitely long wire
having having
charge mass
=  = 
length length

+
+
+
+ r
+ r 2G
+ 2k g
+ E r
+ r
+
+
+
+
 
  

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 Gravitation
Electric field due to a uniformly charge spherical shell Gravitational field due to uniform spherical shell is
(i) Electric field outside the sphere (for r > R) : (i) Gravity field outside the sphere (for r > R):
kq kq Gm Gm
Eout  2 rˆ = gout   2 rˆ =
r  distance from centre2 r  distance from center 2
(ii) Electric field just outside the surface (ii) gravity field just outside the surface
kq Gm
Esurface  2 rˆ gsurface   2 rˆ
R R

(iii) E inside the sphere (for r > R) : Ein = 0 (iii) Gravity field inside the surface (for r< R): gin = 0
q, R m, R

E g
1 1
Eout  gout 
r 2 r2
gin= 0
E in=0

r r
(figures shows magnitude of g )

Electric field due to uniformly charged solid sphere Gravitational field due to uniform solid sphere

(i) Electric field outside the sphere (for r  R) (i) Gravitational field outside the sphere (for r  R)
kq Gm
Eout  2 rˆ gout   2 rˆ
r r

(ii) Electric field at the surface of the sphere (r = R) (ii) Gravitational field at the surface of the sphere
kq (r = R)
Esurface  2 rˆ Gm
R gsurface   2 rˆ
R
(iii) Electric field inside the sphere (for r  R)
kq (iii) Gravitational field inside the sphere (for r  R)
Ein  3 . r Gm
R gin  3 . r
R
q, R m, R

r
r

g
E
gin r 1
gout 
Ein r 1 r2
Eout 
r2 r
1
r gout 
r2
(figures shows magnitude of g )

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Gravitation
Example 1.
m, R

x
mo

The earth can be assumed to be a uniform sphere of mass and radius R. A small tunnel is dug in the
earth as shown. A particle of mass m o is released from radial distance x. Find the fore acting on the
particle due to earth. Estimate the motion of the particle and find its time period.
Solution :

x
mo
Fg

Force acting on the particle = (m 0) (gearth)

 Gm 
= (m0)  3 x
R 

 Gmmo 
so F=  x
 R3 

As this form is opposite of x so we can write

 Gm m0 
F=–  x
 R3 

Now this form F  – x, So motion of the particle

Will be simple harmonic motion
 Gm m0 
F=–  x
 R3 

F=–Kx
Gm m0
Comparing with the standard eqn. of SHM the force constant K =
R3
So time period of the particle.
mo
T = 2
k

mo
T = 2
Gmmo
R3

R3
T = 2
Gm

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 Gravitation
Electric potential: Gravitational potential :
Work done by external agent to bring a unit work done by external agent to bring a unit
charge from infinity to that point, slowly. mass from infinity to that point slowly.
r r r r
   
VE = – 
r 
E.dr Vg = – 
r 
g .dr

and potential difference and gravitational potential difference

B B
   
VB – VA = – E.dr 
A
VB – VA = – g .dr 
A

Potential due a point charge Gravitational potential due to point mass

r r r r
   
V=– 
r 
E.dr Vg = –  g.dr
r 
r r Now gravitation field due to a point mass is
kq 
V=– 
r 
r2
r̂.dr  Gm
g  2  rˆ
r
(gravitational field is always attractive so  r̂  is
r r
kq kq
V=– 
r 
r 2
dr =
r used for direction)
r r
Gm 


kq
V  Vg = – 2
( r).dr
ˆ
r r 
r
r r
Gm Gm Gm
 Vg = 
r 
r 2
=–
r
 Vg = –
r

Electric potential due to a charged ring Gravitational potential due to a ring

q, R m, R

x x

kq Gm
V Vg  
R x 2 2
R2  x 2

Electric potential due to uniformly charged spherical shell Gravitational field due to uniform spherical shell

(i) Potential outside the shell (r > R) (i) Gravitational potential outside the shell (r > R)
kq kq Gm Gm
Vout = – =–
Vout =
r
=
 distance from center  r  distance from centre
(ii) Gravitational Potential at the surface of the
(ii) Potential at the surface of the shell (r = R)
shell (r = R)
kq kq
Vsurface = = Gm Gm
R Radius of sphere Vsurface = –
R
=–
 radius of the sphere 
(iii) Potential inside the shell (r < R)
(iii) Gravitational Potential inside the shell (r < R)
kq kq
Vin = = Gm Gm
R Radius of sphere Vin = –
R
=–
radius of the sphere 
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 Gravitation
q, R m, R

r r

V kq V
Vin = = constant
R
1
Vout 
r
r
r 1
Vout 
r
Gm
Vin = - = constant
R

Electric potential due to a uniformly charged solid sphere Gravitational potential due to a uniform solid sphere.

(i) Potential at outside point (r > R) (i) Gravitational potential at outside point (r > R)
Gm Gm
kq kq Vout = – =–
Vout = = r (distance from centre)
r (distance from centre)
(ii) Potential at the surface of sphere (r = R) :- (ii) Gravitational potential at the surface of sphere
(r = R)
kq kq
Vsurface = = Gm Gm
R (radius of the sphere) Vsurface = – = 
R (radius of the sphere)
(iii) Potential at a point inside the sphere (r < R)
(iii) Gravitational potential at a point inside the sphere
kq
Vin = (3R2 – r2) Gm
2R3 Vin = – (3R2 – r2)
2R3
(iv) Potential at centre (r = 0) (iv) Gravitational potential at the centre (r = 0)
3kq 3Gm
Vcnetre = Vcnetre= 
2R 2R
q, R
m, R

r
r

lic
bo
V ra Vg
pa
3kq
V= kq
2R
V= r=0 r=R
R
r
Hyperbolic
Hyperbolic
Gm
V=–
V = – 3Gm R
2R
r=0 r=R r parabolic

dV dVg
E=– g=–
dr dr
If V depends on x, y, z If Vg depends on x, y, z then
 V ˆ V ˆ V ˆ   Vg V V 
then E    i j k g   ˆi  g ˆj  g kˆ
 x y z   x y z 

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Gravitation
Example 2. Gravitational potential at certain place is given by Vg = 2x2 + 3y2 + zx. Find gravity field at position
(x, y, z)
 Vg V V 
Solution : g = – ˆi  g ˆj  g kˆ
 x y z 
g = – [(x+z) î + (6y) ĵ + (x) k̂ ]

If a charge qo is placed in electrical potential V. If a point mass m o is placed in gravitational

Then electrical potential energy of the charge potential Vg, then the gravitational potential
U = qo V energy of the charge.
Ug = (mo) (Vg)
Self electrostatics potential energy of a uniformly
charged spherical shell is
Self gravitational potential energy of a
Kq2 uniform spherical shell is
Uself =
2R
GM2
Self electrostatics potentia energy of a uniformly (Ug)self = 
2R
charged solid sphere is
3Kq2 Self gravitational potential energy of a uniformly
Uself =
5R solid sphere
3GM2
Uself = 
5R

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Gravitation

 Marked Questions can be used as Revision Questions.

PART - I : SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Section (A) : Universal law of gravitation
A-1. The typical adult human brain has a mass of about 1.4 kg. What force does a full moon exert on such a
brain when it is directly above with its centre 378000 km away ? (Mass of the moon = 7.34 × 10 22 kg)
A-2. Two uniform solid spheres of same material and same radius ‘r’ are touching each other. If the density
is ‘’ then find out gravitational force between them.
A-3. Two uniform spheres, each of mass 0.260 kg are fixed at points ‘A’
and ‘B’ as shown in the figure. Find the magnitude and direction of
the initial acceleration of a sphere with mass 0.010 kg if it is
released from rest at point ‘P’ and acted only by forces of
gravitational attraction of sphere at ‘A’ and ‘B’(give your answer in
terms of G).
Section (B) : Gravitational field and potential
B-1. The gravitational potential in a region is given by V = (20x + 40y) J/kg. Find out the gravitational field
(in newton/kg) at a point having co-ordinates (2, 4). Also find out the magnitude of the gravitational
force on a particle of 0.250 kg placed at the point (2, 4).
B-2. Radius of the earth is 6.4 × 106 m and the mean density is 5.5 × 103 kg/m3. Find out the gravitational
potential at the earth’s surface.
Section (C) : Gravitational Potential Energy and Self Energy
C-1. A body which is initially at rest at a height R above the surface of the earth of radius R, falls freely
towards the earth. Find out its velocity on reaching the surface of earth. (Take g = acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the Earth).
C-2.Two planets A and B are fixed at a distance d from each other as
shown in the figure. If the mass of A is MA and that of B is MB, then
find out the minimum velocity of a satellite of mass M S projected from
the mid point of two planets to infinity.
Section (D) : Kepler’s law for Satellites, Orbital speed and Escape speed
D-1. A satellite is established in a circular orbit of radius r and another in a circular orbit of radius 1.01 r. How
much nearly percentage the time period of second-satellite will be larger than the first satellite.
D-2. Two identical stars of mass M, orbit around their centre of mass. Each orbit is circular and has radius R,
so that the two stars are always on opposite sides on a diameter.
(a) Find the gravitational force of one star on the other.
(b) Find the orbital speed of each star and the period of the orbit.
(c) Find their common angular speed.
(d) Find the minimum energy that would be required to separate the two stars to infinity.
(e) If a meteorite passes through this centre of mass perpendicular to the orbital plane of the stars.
What value must its speed exceed at that point if it escapes to infinity from the star system.
D-3. Two earth satellites A and B each of equal mass are to be launched into circular orbits about earth’s
centre. Satellite ‘A’ is to orbit at an altiude of 6400 km and B at 19200 km. The radius of the earth is
6400 km. Determine-
(a) the ratio of the potential energy
(b) the ratio of kinetic energy
(c) which one has the greater total energy

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Gravitation
D-4. The Saturn is about six times farther from the Sun than The Mars. Which planet has :
(a) the greater period of revolution ? (b) the greater orbital speed and
(c) the greater angular speed ?

Section (E) : The Earth and Other Planets Gravity

E-1. The acceleration due to gravity at a height (1/20)th the radius of the earth above earth’s surface is
9 m/s2. Find out its approximate value at a point at an equal distance below the surface of the earth.

E-2. If a pendulum has a period of exactly 1.00 sec. at the equator, what would be its period at the south
pole ? Assume the earth to be spherical and rotational effect of the Earth is to be taken.

PART - II : ONLY ONE OPTION CORRECT TYPE

Section (A) : Universal law of gravitation
A-1Four similar particles of mass m are orbiting in a circle of radius r in the same
direction and same speed because of their mutual gravitational attractive force as
shown in the figure. Speed of a particle is given by
1
 Gm  1  2 2   2 Gm
(A)    (B) 3

 r  4   r

(C)
Gm
r

1 2 2  (D) zero

A-2. Two blocks of masses m each are hung from a balance as shown in the
figure. The scale pan A is at height H1 whereas scale pan B is at height
H2. Net torque of weights acting on the system about point 'C', will be
(length of the rod is  and H1 & H2 are << R) (H1 > H2)

 1  2H1  mg 2mg H2H1

(A) mg   (B) (H1  H2 )  (C) (H1  H2 )  (D) 2mg 
 R  R R H1  H2

A-3. Three particles P, Q and R are placed as per given figure.

Masses of P, Q and R are 3 m, 3 m and m respectively.
The gravitational force on a fourth particle ‘S’ of mass m is
equal to
3GM2
(A) in ST direction only
2d2
3Gm2 3Gm2
(B) in SQ direction and in SU direction
2d2 2d2
3Gm2
(C) in SQ direction only
2d2
3Gm2 3Gm2
(D) in SQ direction and in ST direction
2d2 2d2

A-4. Three identical stars of mass M are located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle with side L. The
speed at which they will move if they all revolve under the influence of one another’s gravitational force
in a circular orbit circumscribing the triangle while still preserving the equilateral triangle :
2GM GM GM
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D) not possible at all
L L L

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Section (B) : Gravitational field and potential
B-1. Let gravitation field in a space be given as E = – (k/r). If the reference point is at distance di where
potential is Vi then relation for potential is :
1 r r r V
(A) V = k n +0 (B) V = k n + Vi (C) V = n + kVi (D) V = n + i
Vi di di di k

B-2. Gravitational field at the centre of a semicircle formed by a thin wire AB of

mass m and length  as shown in the figure is :
Gm Gm
(A) along +x axis (B) along +y axis
2
 2
2Gm 2Gm
(C) 2
along + x axis (D) 2
along + y axis

B-3. A very large number of particles of same mass m are kept at horizontal distances of 1m, 2m, 4m, 8m
and so on from (0, 0) point. The total gravitational potential at this point (0, 0) is :
(A) – 8G m (B) – 3G m (C) – 4G m (D) – 2G m

B-4. Two concentric shells of uniform density of mass M 1 and M2 are

situated as shown in the figure. The forces experienced by a
particle of mass m when placed at positions A, B and C
respectively are (given OA = p, OB = q and OC = r).
Mm (M  m )m
(A) zero, G 12 and G 1 2 2
q p
(M1  M2 )m (M1  M2 )m Mm
(B) G 2
,G 2
and G 12
p q r
M1m Mm
(C) G , G 12 and zero
q2 q
G(M1  M2 )m Mm
(D) 2
, G 12 and zero
p q

B-5.Figure show a hemispherical shell having uniform mass density. The direction of
gravitational field intensity at point P will be along:
(A) a (B) b (C) c (D) d

B-6. Mass M is uniformly distributed only on curved surface of a thin

hemispherical shell. A, B and C are three points on the circular base of
hemisphere, such that A is the centre. Let the gravitational potential at
points A, B and C be VA, VB, VC respectively. Then
(A) VA > VB > VC (B) VC > VB > VA
(C) VB > VA and VB > VC (D) VA = VB = VC

Section (C) : Gravitational Potential Energy and Self Energy

C-1. A body starts from rest at a point, distance R 0 from the centre of the earth of mass M, radius R. The
velocity acquired by the body when it reaches the surface of the earth will be

1 1  1 1  1 1  1 1 
(A) GM    (B) 2 GM    (C) 2GM    (D) 2GM   
 R R0   R R0   R R0   R R0 

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C-2. Three equal masses each of mass ‘m’ are placed at the three-corners of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’.
(a) If a fourth particle of equal mass is placed at the centre of triangle, then net force acting on it, is equal
to :
Gm2 4Gm2 3Gm2
(A) 2
(B) 2
(C) (D) zero
a 3a a2

(b) In above problem, if fourth particle is at the mid-point of a side, then net force acting on it, is equal to:
Gm2 4Gm2 3Gm2
(A) (B) (C) (D) zero
a2 3a2 a2

(c) If above given three particles system of equilateral triangle side a is to be changed to side of 2a, then
work done on the system is equal to :
3Gm2 3Gm2 4Gm2 Gm2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
a 2a 3a a

(d) In the above given three particle system, if two particles are kept fixed and third particle is released.
Then speed of the particle when it reaches to the mid-point of the side connecting other two masses:
2Gm Gm Gm Gm
(A) (B) 2 (C) (D)
a a a 2a
Section : (D) Kepler’s law for Satellites, Orbital Velocity and Escape Velocity
D-1. Periodic-time of satellite revolving around the earth is - ( is density of earth)
1 1
(A) Proportional to (B) Proportional to
 
(C) Proportional  (D) does not depend on .

D-2. An artificial satellite of the earth releases a package. If air resistance is neglected the point where the
package will hit (with respect to the position at the time of release) will be
(A) ahead (B) exactly below
(C) behind (D) it will never reach the earth

D-3.The figure shows the variation of energy with the orbit radius of a body in circular
planetary motion. Find the correct statement about the curves A, B and C
(A) A shows the kinetic energy, B the total energy and C the potential energy of
the system
(B) C shows the total energy, B the kinetic energy and A the potential energy of
the system
(C) C and A are kinetic and potential energies respectively and B is the total
energy of the system
(D) A and B are the kinetic and potential energies respectively and C is the total
energy of the system.
D-4. A planet of mass m revolves around the sun of mass M in an elliptical orbit. The minimum and
maximum distance of the planet from the sun are r 1 & r2 respectively. If the minimum velocity of the
2GMr1
planet is then it's maximum velocity will be :
(r1  r2 )r2
2GMr2 2GMr1 2Gmr2 2GM
(A) (B) g (C) (D)
(r1  r2 )r1 (r1  r2 )r2 (r1  r2 )r1 r1  r2

D-5. The escape velocity for a body projected vertically upwards from the surface of earth is 11 km/s. If the
body is projected at an angle of 45º with the vertical, the escape velocity will be :
(A) 11 2 km/s (B) 22 km/s (C) 11 km/s (D) 11/ 2 m/s

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Section (E) : Earth and Other Planets Gravity
E-1. If acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth is 10 ms –2 and
let acceleration due to gravitational acceleration at surface of
another planet of our solar system be 5 ms –2. An astronaut weighing
50 kg on earth goes to this planet in a spaceship with a constant
velocity. The weight of the astronaut with time of flight is roughly
given by

Weight

Weight
Weight
Weight

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Time Time
Time Time

PART - III : MATCH THE COLUMN

1. A particle is taken to a distance r (> R) from centre of the earth. R is radius of the earth. It is given
velocity V which is perpendicular to radius. With the given values of V in column I you have to match
the values of total energy of particle in column II and the resultant path of particle in column III. Here 'G'
is the universal gravitational constant and 'M' is the mass of the earth.
Column I (Velocity) Column II (Total energy) Column III (Path)

(A) V = GM/ r (p) Negative (t) Elliptical

(B) V = 2GM/ r (q) Positive (u) Parabolic

(C) V > 2GM/ r (r) Zero (v) Hyperbolic

(D) GM/ r < V < 2GM/ r (s) Infinite (w) Circular

2. Let V and E denote the gravitational potential and gravitational field respectively at a point due to
certain uniform mass distribution described in four different situations of column-I. Assume the
gravitational potential at infinity to be zero.The value of E and V are given in column-II. Match the
statement in column-I with results in column-II.
Column-I Column-II
(A) At centre of thin spherical shell (p) E = 0
(B) At centre of solid sphere (q) E  0
(C) A solid sphere has a non-concentric spherical cavity.
At the centre of the spherical cavity (r) V  0
(D) At centre of line joining two point masses of equal magnitude (s) V = 0

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 Marked Questions can be used as Revision Questions.

PART - I : ONLY ONE OPTION CORRECT TYPE
1. A spherical hollow cavity is made in a lead sphere of radius R, such d
that its surface touches the outside surface of the lead sphere and
passes through its centre. The mass of the sphere before hollowing
was M. With what gravitational force will the hollowed-out lead sphere R m
attract a small sphere of mass ‘m’, which lies at a distance d from the
centre of the lead sphere on the straight line connecting the centres of
the spheres and that of the hollow, if d = 2R :
7GMm 7GMm 7GMm 7GMm
(A) (B) (C) (D)
18R2 36R2 9R2 72R2

2. A straight rod of length  extends from x =  to x =  +  as shown in the

figure. If the mass per unit length is (a + bx 2). The gravitational force it exerts
on a point mass m placed at x = 0 is given by
 1 1   Gm(a  bx 2 )
(A) Gm  a    b  (B)
   
2

 1 1     1 1 
(C) Gm      b  (D) Gm  a   b 
 a a      

3. A uniform ring of mass M is lying at a distance 3 R from the centre of a

uniform sphere of mass m just below the sphere as shown in the figure
where R is the radius of the ring as well as that of the sphere. Then
gravitational force exerted by the ring on the sphere is :
GMm GMm
(A) (B)
8R2 3R2
GMm GMm
(C) 3 (D) 3
R2 8R2
4. The gravitational potential of two homogeneous spherical shells A and B (separated by large distance)
of same surface mass density at their respective centres are in the ratio 3 : 4. If the two shells coalesce
into single one such that surface mass density remains same, then the ratio of potential at an internal
point of the new shell to shell A is equal to :
(A) 3 : 2 (B) 4 : 3 (C) 5 : 3 (D) 3 : 5
5. A projectile is fired from the surface of earth of radius R with a speed ke in radially outward direction
(where e is the escape velocity and k < 1). Neglecting air resistance, the maximum hight from centre of
earth is
R R
(A) 2 (B) k2R (C) (D) kR
k 1 1 k2
6. Two small balls of mass m each are suspended side by side by two equal
threads of length L as shown in the figure. If the distance between the
upper ends of the threads be a, the angle  that the threads will make with
the vertical due to attraction between the balls is
(a – x)g mG
(A) tan–1 (B) tan–1
mG (a – x)2 g
(a – x)2 g (a2 – x 2 )g
(C) tan–1 (D) tan–1
mG mG

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7. A block of mass m is lying at a distance r from a spherical shell of
mass m and radius r as shown in the figure. Then
(A) only gravitational field inside the shell is zero
(B) gravitational field and gravitational potential both are zero inside
the shell
(C) gravitational potential as well as gravitational field inside the shell
are not zero
(D) can’t be ascertained.

8. In a spherical region, the density varies inversely with the distance from the centre. Gravitational field at
a distance r from the centre is :
1
(A) proportional to r (B) proportional to (C) proportional to r2 (D) same everywhere
r
9. In above problem, the gravitational potential is -
1
(A) linearly dependent on r (B) proportional to
r
(C) proportional to r2 (D) same every where.
10. A point P lies on the axis of a fixed ring of mass M and radius R, at a distance 2R from its centre O.
A small particle starts from P and reaches O under gravitational attraction only. Its speed at O will be
2GM 2GM 2GM 1
(A) zero (B) (C) ( 5  1) (D) (1  )
R R R 5

11. A body of mass m is lifted up from the surface of earth to a height three times the radius of the earth.
The change in potential energy of the body is (g = gravity field at the surface of the earth)
3 1 2
(A) mgR (B) mgR (C) mgR (D) mgR
4 3 3
12. Assuming that the moon is a sphere of the same mean density as that of the earth and one quarter of
its radius, the length of a seconds pendulum on the moon (its length on the earth’s surface is 99.2 cm) is
99.2
(A) 24.8 cm (B) 49.6 cm (C) 99.2 (D) cm
2
13. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around a planet at a distance r from the centre of the planet.
If the angular velocity of the planet about its axis doubles, a satellite can now be in a geostationary orbit
around the planet if its distance from the centre of the planet is
r r r r
(A) (B) (C) 1/ 3 (D)
2 2 2 (4) (2)1/ 3

14. A geostationary satellite orbits around the earth in a circular orbit of radius 36000 km. Then, the time
period of a spy satellite orbiting a few hundred kilometers above the earth’s surface (R Earth = 6400 km)
will approximately be (Rearth = 6400 km) :
(A) 1/2 hr (B) 1 hr (C) 2 hr (D) 4 hr
15. A satellite of mass m revolves around earth of radius R at a height x from its surface. If g is the
acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth, the orbital speed of the satellite is :
1/ 2
gR gR2  gR2 
(A) gx (B) (C) (D)  
Rx Rx R x 
16._ If Newton's inverse square law of gravitation had some dependence on radial distance other than r –2,
which on of kepler's three laws of planetary motion would remain unchanged? [Olympiad (Stage-1) 2017]
(A) First law on nature of orbits
(B) Second law on constant areal velocity
(C) Third law on dependence of orbital time period on orbit's semi major axis
(D) None of the above
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PART - II : SINGLE AND DOUBLE VALUE INTEGER TYPE
1. A projectile is fired vertically up from the bottom of a crater (big hole) on the moon. The depth of the
crater is R/100, where R is the radius of the moon. If the initial velocity of the projectile is the same as
the escape velocity from the moon surface. The maximum aproximate height attained by the projectile
above the lunar (moon) surface is xR. Find value of x.

2. The time period of a satellite of earth is 5 hours. If the separation between the earth and the satellite is
increased to 4 times the previous value, the new time period becomes (in hrs).

3. If g is the acceleration due to gravity on the earth’s surface, the gain in the potential energy of an object
NmgR
of mass m raised from the surface of the earth to a height equal to the radius R of the earth is.
2
Find the value of N :

4. The gravitational field in a region is given by E  (3iˆ  4ˆj) N/kg. Find out the work done (in joule) in
displacing a particle of mass 1 kg by 1 m along the line 4y = 3x + 9.

5. In a solid sphere of radius ‘R’ and density ‘’ there is a spherical cavity of
radius R/4 as shown in figure. A particle of mass ‘m’ is released from rest
from point ‘B’ (inside the cavity). Find out Velocity (in mm/sec.) of the
particle at the instant when it strikes the cavity
10 20
(R = 3m, =  103 kg/m3, G =  1011 Nm2kg–2)
 3

6. A ring of radius R = 8m is made of a highly dense-material. Mass of the ring is mR = 2.7 × 109 kg distributed
uniformly over its circumference. A particle of mass (dense) mp = 3 × 108 kg is placed on the axis of the ring
at a distance x0 = 6m from the centre. Neglect all other forces except gravitational interaction. Determine
speed (in cm/sec.) of the particle at the instant when it passes through centre of ring. :

7. Our sun, with mass 2 × 1030 kg revolves on the edge of our milky way galaxy, which can be assumed to
be spherical, having radius 1020m. Also assume that many stars, identical to our sun are uniformly
distributed in the spherical milky way galaxy. If the time period of the sun is 10 15 second and number of
20
stars in the galaxy are nearly 3 × 10(a), find value of ‘a’ (take 2 = 10, G = × 10–11 in MKS)
3

8. Assume earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density. The energy needed to completely disassemble
the planet earth against the gravitational pull amongst its constituent particles is x × 10 31 J. Find the
value of x. given the product of mass of earth and radius of earth to be 2.5 × 1031 kg-m and g = 10 m/s

9. The two stars in a certain binary star system move in circular orbits. The first star,  moves in an orbit
of radius 1.00  109 km. The other star,  moves in an orbit of radius 5.00  108 km. What is the ratio of
masses of star  to the star  ?

10. If the radius of earth is R and height of a satellite above earth's surface is R then find the minimum
co-latitude (in degree) which can directly receive a signal from satellite. (Satellite is in equitorial plane)

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PART - III : ONE OR MORE THAN ONE OPTIONS CORRECT TYPE
1. For a satellite to appear stationary w.r.t. an observer on earth
(A) It must be rotating about the earth’s axis.
(B) It must be rotating in the equatorial plane.
(C) Its angular velocity must be from west to east.
(D) Its time period must be 24 hours.

2. Inside an isolated uniform spherical shell :

(A) The gravitation potential is not zero
(B) The gravitational field is not zero
(C) The gravitational potential is same everywhere
(D) The gravitational field is same everywhere.

3. Which of the following statements are correct about a planet rotating around the sun in an elliptic orbit:
(A) its mechanical energy is constant
(B) its angular momentum about the sun is constant
(C) its areal velocity about the sun is constant
(D) its time period is proportional to r3

4. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth at a perpendicular distance R/2 from the earth’s centre. The
wall of the tunnel may be assumed to be frictionless. A particle is released from one end of the tunnel.
The pressing force by the particle on the wall and the acceleration of the particle varies with x (distance
of the particle from the centre) according to :

(A) (B) (C) (D)

5. A planet revolving around sun in an elliptical orbit has a constant

(A) kinetic energy (B) angular momentum about the sun
(C) potential energy (D) Total energy

6. A satellite close to the earth is in orbit above the equator with a period of revolution of 1.5 hours. If it is
above a point P on the equator at some time, it will be above P again after time
(A) 1.5 hours
(B) 1.6 hours if it is rotating from west to east
(C) 24/17 hours if it is rotating from east to west
(D) 24/17 hours if it is rotating from west to east

7. An object is weighed at the equator by a beam balance and a spring balance, giving readings W b and
W s respectively. It is again weighed in the same manner at the north pole, giving readings of W b' and
W s' respectively. Assume that intensity of earth gravitational field is the same every where on the
earth’s surface and that the balances are quite sensitive.
(A) W b = W b' (B) W b = W s (C) W b' = W s' (D) W s' > W s

8. If a body is projected with speed lesser than escape velocity :

(A) the body can reach a certain height and may fall down following a straight line path
(B) the body can reach a certain height and may fall down following a parabolic path
(C) the body may orbit the earth in a circular orbit
(D) the body may orbit the earth in an elliptic orbit

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Gravitation
9. A double star is a system of two stars of masses m and 2m, rotating about their centre of mass only
under their mutual gravitational attraction. If r is the separation between these two stars then their time
period of rotation about their centre of mass will be proportional to
(A) r3/2 (B) r (C) m1/2 (D) m–1/2
10. An orbiting satellite in circular orbit will escape if :
(A) its speed is increased by ( 2  1)100%
(B) its speed in the orbit is made 1.5 times of its initial value
(C) its KE is doubled
(D) it stops moving in the orbit
11. In case of an orbiting satellite if the radius of orbit is decreased :
(A) its Kinetic Energy decreases (B) its Potential Energy decreases
(C) its Mechanical Energy decreases (D) its speed decreases
12. In case of earth :
(A) gravitational field is zero, both at centre and infinity
(B) gravitational potential is zero, both at centre and infinity
(C) gravitational potential is same, both at centre and infinity but not zero
(D) gravitational potential is minimum at the centre

PART - IV : COMPREHENSION
Comprehension - 1 
Many planets are revolving around the fixed sun, in circular orbits of different radius (R) and different
time period (T). To estimate the mass of the sun, the orbital radius (R) and time period (T) of planets
were noted. Then log10 T v/s log10 R curve was plotted.
The curve was found to be approximately straight line (as shown in figure) having y intercept = 6.0
20
(Neglect the gravitational interaction among the planets [Take G =  1011 in MKS, 2 = 10]
3

1. The slope of the line should be :

3 2 19
(A) 1 (B) (C) (D)
2 3 4
2. Estimate the mass of the sun :
(A) 6 × 1029 kg (B) 5 × 1020 kg (C) 8 × 1025 kg (D) 3 × 1035 kg

3. Two planets A and B, having orbital radius R and 4R are initially at the
closest position and rotating in the same direction. If angular velocity of
planet B is 0, then after how much time will both the planets be again in
the closest position ? (Neglect the interaction between planets).
2 2
(A) (B)
70 90
2 2
(C) (D)
0 50

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Gravitation
Comprehension - 2
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 surface of earth. R is the radius of earth and g is acceleration
due to gravity at the surface of earth. (R = 6400 km)

4. Then the distance of satellite from the surface of earth is

(A) 3200 km (B) 6400 km (C) 12800 km (D) 4800 km

5. The time period of revolution of satellite in the given orbit is

2R 4R 8R 6R
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) 2
g g g g

6. If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its orbit and allowed to fall freely onto the earth, the speed with
which it hits the surface of the earth.

gR gR
(A) gR (B) 1.5gR (C) (D)
2 2

Comprehension - 3
A pair of stars rotates about their center of mass. One of the stars has a mass M and the other has
mass m such that M = 2m. The distance between the centres of the stars is d (d being large compared
to the size of either star).

7. The period of rotation of the stars about their common centre of mass (in terms of d, m, G.) is

4 2 3 8 2 3 2 2 3 4 2 3
(A) d (B) d (C) d (D) d
Gm Gm 3Gm 3Gm

8. The ratio of the angular momentum of the two stars about their common centre of mass (L m/ LM) is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 9

9. The ratio of kinetic energies of the two stars (Km/KM) is

(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 9

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Gravitation

 Marked Questions can be used as Revision Questions.

* Marked Questions may have more than one correct option.
PART - I : JEE (ADVANCED) / IIT-JEE PROBLEMS (PREVIOUS YEARS)
1. Column  describes some situations in which a small object moves. Column  describes some
characteristics of these motions. Match the situations in Column  with the characteristics in Column 
[IIT-JEE 2007, 6/162]
Column  Column 
(A) The object moves on the x-axis under a conservative (p) The object executes a simple
force in such a way that its "speed" and "position" harmonic motion.
satisfy v = c1 c 2  x 2 , where c1 and c2
are positive constants.
(B) The object moves on the x–axis in such a way that (q) The object does not change
its velocity and its displacement from the origin satisfy its direction,
v = –kx, where k is a positive constant.
(C) The object is attached to one end of a massless spring (r) The kinetic energy of the
of a given spring constant. The other end of the spring is object keeps on decreasing.
attached to the ceiling of an elevator. Initially everything is
at rest. The elevator starts going upwards with a constant
acceleration a. The motion of the object is observed from
the elevator during the period it maintains this acceleration.
(D) The object is projected from the earth's surface vertically (s) The object can change its
upwards with a speed 2 GMe / Re , where Me is the mass direction only once.
of the earth and Re is the radius of the earth. Neglect forces
from objects other than the earth.
2. A spherically symmetric gravitational system of particles has a mass density [JEE 2008, +3, –1/82]
 for r  R
 0
 0 for r  R
where 0 is a constant. A test mass can undergo circular motion under the influence of the gravitational
field of particles. Its speed V as a function of distance r (0 < r < ) from the centre of the system is
represented by

V V V
V
(A) (B) (C) (D)

R r R r R r R r

3. STATEMENT-1 : An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences weightlessness.
and
STATEMENT-2 : An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth's gravitational force is
in a state of 'free-fall. [JEE 2008,+3, –1/82]
(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
STATEMENT-1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is False
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT-2 is True.

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Gravitation
4. A thin uniform annular disc (see figure) of mass M has outer radius 4R and inner radius 3R. The work
required to take a unit mass from point P on its axis to infinity is : [JEE 2010, 3/163, –1]
P

4R

3R
4R

(A)
2GM
7R
4 2 5  (B) 
2GM
7R

4 2 5  (C)
GM
4R
(D)
2GM
5R
 2 1 
5. A binary star consists of two stars A (mass 2.2 M S) and B (mass 11 MS) where Ms is the mass of the
sun. They are separated by distance d and are rotating about their centre of mass, which is stationary.
The ratio of the total angular momentum of the binary star to the angular momentum of star B about the
centre of mass is : [JEE 2010, 3/163]
6
6. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet is g, where g is the gravitational acceleration
11
2
on the surface of the earth. The average mass density of the planet is times that of the earth. If the
3
escape speed on the surface of the earth is taken to be 11 kms–1, the escape speed on the surface of
the planet in kms–1 will be : [JEE 2010, 3/163]
7. A satellite is moving with a constant speed 'V’ in a circular orbit about the earth. An object of mass ‘m’ is
ejected from the satellite such that it just escapes from the gravitational pull of the earth. At the time of
its ejection, the kinetic energy of the object is [JEE 2011, 3/160, –1]
1 3
(A) mV 2 (B) mV2 (C) mV 2 (D) 2mV2
2 2
8*. Two spherical planets P and Q have the same unfirom density , masses MP and MQ, with surface areas A and
4A, respectively. A spherical planet R also has unfirom density and its mass is (MP + MQ). The escape
velocities from the planets P, Q and R, are VP, VQ and V respectivley. Then [IIT-JEE-2012, Paper-2; 4/66]
(A) VQ > VR > VP (B) VR > VQ > VP (C) VR/VP = 3 (D) VP /VQ = 1/2
9*. Two bodies, each of mass M, are kept fixed with a separation 2L. A particle of mass m is projected from
the midpoint of the line joining their centres, perpendicular to the line. The gravitational constant is G.
The correct statement(s) is (are) : [JEE (Advanced) 2013, 3/60, –1]
GM
(A) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is 4 .
L
GM
(B) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is 2 .
L
2GM
(C) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is .
L
(D) The energy of the mass m remains constant.
1
10. A planet of radius R = × (radius of Earth) has the same mass density as Earth. Scientists dig a well
10
R
of depth on it and lower a wire of the same length and of linear mass density 10 –3 kgm–1 into it. If the
5
wire is not touching anywhere, the force applied at the top of the wire by a person holding it in place is
(take the radius of Earth = 6 × 106 m and the acceleration due to gravity on Earth is 10 ms–2)
[JEE (Advanced) 2014, 3/60, –1]
(A) 96 N (B) 108N (C) 120N (D) 150N
11. A Bullet is fired vertically upwards with velocity v from the surface of a spherical planet. When it reaches
its maximum height, its acceleration due to the planet's gravity is 1/4th of its value at the surface of the
planet. If the escape velocity from the planet is vesc = v N , then the value of N is (ignore energy loss
due to atmosphere) [JEE (Advanced) 2015 ; P-1, 4/88]
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Gravitation
12. A large spherical mass M is fixed at one position and two identical point masses m are kept on a line passing
through the centre of M (see figure). The point masses are connected by a rigid massless rod of length  and this
assembly is free to move along the line connecting them. All three masses interact only through their mutual
gravitational interaction. When the point mass nearer to M is at a distance r = 3 from M, the tension in the rod is
 M 
zero for m = k   . The value of k is [JEE (Advanced) 2015 ; P-2,4/88]
 288 

13*. A spherical body of radius R consists of a fluid of constant density and is in equilibrium under its own
gravity. If P(r) is the pressure at r(r < R), then the correct option(s) is (are)
[JEE (Advanced) 2015 ; P-2,4/88, –2]
P(r  3R / 4) 63 P(r  3R / 5) 16 P(r  R / 2) 20
(A) P(r = 0) = 0 (B)  (C)  (D) 
P(r  2R / 3) 80 P(r  2R / 5) 21 P(r  R / 3) 27
14. A rocket is launched normal to the surface of the Earth, away from the Sun, along the line joining the
Sun and the Earth. The Sun is 3 × 105 times heavier than the Earth and is at a distance 2.5 × 10 4 times
larger than the radius of the Earth. The escape velocity from Earth's gravitational field is ve = 11.2km s–1.
The minimum initial velocity (vs) required for the rocket to be able to leave the Sun-Earth system is closest
to : (Ignore the rotation and revolution of the Earth and the presence of any other planet)
[JEE (Advanced) 2017 ; P-2, 3/61, –1]
(A) vs = 72 km s–1 (B) vs = 22 km s–1 (C) vs = 42 km s–1 (D) vs = 62 km s–1
15. A planet of mass M, has two natural satellites with masses m1 and m2. The radii of their circular orbits
are R1 and R2 respectively. Ignore the gravitational force between the satellites. Define v1, L1, K1 and T1
to be, respectively, the orbital speed, angular momentum, kinetic energy and time period of revolution
of satellite 1; and v2, L2, K2 and T2 to be the corresponding quantities of satellite 2. Given m1/m2 = 2 and
R1/R2 = 1/4, match the ratios in List-I to the numbers in List-II. [JEE (Advanced) 2018; P-2, 3/60, –1]
List-I List-II
v1 1
P. 1.
v2 8
L1
Q. 2. 1
L2
K1
R. 3. 2
K2
T1
S. 4. 8
T2
(A) P → 4 ; Q → 2 ; R → 1 ; S → 3 (B) P → 3 ; Q → 2 ; R → 4 ; S → 1
(C) P → 2 ; Q → 3 ; R → 1 ; S → 4 (D) P → 2 ; Q → 3 ; R → 4 ; S → 1

PART - II : JEE (MAIN) / AIEEE PROBLEMS (PREVIOUS YEARS)

1.  If gE and gm are the accelerations due to gravity on the surfaces of the earth and the moon respectively
and if Millikan's oil drop expriment could be performed on the two surfaces, one will find the ratio
to be [AIEEE-2007, 3/120]
(1) 1 (2) 0 (3) gE/gM (4) gM/gE
2. A planet in a distant solar system is 10 times more massive than the earth and its radius is 10 times
smaller. Given that the escape velocity from the earth is 11 km s –1, the escape velocity from the surface
of the planet would be : [AIEEE-2008, 3/105]
(1) 11 km s–1 (2) 110 km s–1 (3) 0.11 km s–1 (4) 1.1 km s–1

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Gravitation
g
3. The height at which the acceleration due to gravity becomes (where g = the acceleration due to
9
gravity on the surface of the earth) in terms of R, the radius of the earth, is [AIEEE-2009, 4/144]
R R
(1) (2) (3) 2R (4) 2R
2 2

4. Two bodies of masses m and 4 m are placed at a distance r. The gravitational potential at a point on
the line joining them where the gravitational field is zero is : [AIEEE - 2011, 4/120, –1]
4Gm 6Gm 9Gm
(1) zero (2) – (3) – (4) –
r r r
5. Two particles of equal mass ‘m’ go around a circle of radius R under the action of their mutual
gravitational attraction. The speed of each particle with respect to their centre of mass is :
[AIEEE 2011, 11 May; 4/120, –1]
Gm Gm Gm Gm
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4R 3R 2R R

6. The mass of a spaceship is 1000 kg. It is to be launched from the earth's surface out into free space.
The value of 'g' and 'R' (radius of earth) are 10 m/s 2 and 6400 km respectively. The required energy for
this work will be : [AIEEE 2012 ; 4/120, –1]
(1) 6.4 × 1011 Joules (2) 6.4 × 108 Joules (3) 6.4 × 109 Joules (4) 6.4 × 1010 Joules
7. What is the minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of a planet of
mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2R? [JEE (Main) 2013, 4/120, –1]
5GmM 2GmM GmM GmM
(1) (2) (3) (4)
6R 3R 2R 3R
8. Four particles, each of mass M on vertices of a square, move along a circle of radius R under the action
of their mutual gravitational attration. The speed of each particle is : [JEE (Main) 2014, 4/120,–1]

(1)
GM
R
(2) 2 2
GM
R
(3)
GM
R

1 2 2  (4)
1 GM
2 R

1 2 2 
9. From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a spherical portion of radius R/2 is removed, as shown in
the figure. Taking gravitational potential V = 0 at r = , the potential at the centre of the cavity thus
formed is : (G = gravitational constant) [JEE (Main) 2015; 4/120, –1]

GM GM 2GM 2GM

(1) (2) (3) (4)
2R R 3R R
10. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height ‘h’ from the earth’s surface (radius or earth
R ; h << R). The minimum increase in its orbital velocity required, so that the satellite could escape from the
earth’s gravitational field, is close to : (Neglect the effect of atmosphere.) [JEE (Main) 2016; 4/120, –1]
(1) gR (2) gR / 2 (3) gR  
2 –1 (4) 2gR

11. The variation of acceleration due to gravity g with distance d from centre of the earth is best
represented by (R = Earth's radius) [JEE (Main) 2017, 4/120, –1]

g g g g

(1) (2) (3) (4)

d d d d
O R O O R O R

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Gravitation

EXERCISE-1 Section : (D)

D-1. (B) D-2. (D) D-3. (D)
PART - I D-4. (A) D-5. (C)
Section (A)
Section (E)
4 2 2 4
A-1. 4.8 × 10–5 N A-2.  Gr E-1. (A)
9 PART - III
A-3. 31.2 G m/sec2 = 2.1 × 10–9 m/s2, towards mid 1. I II III
point A p w
B r u
Section (B) C q v
D p t
B-1. 20iˆ  40ˆj , | F | = 5 5 N, F  5iˆ  10ˆj 2. (A) – p, r (B) – p, r (C) – q, r (D) – p, r
B-2. 6.3 × 107 J/Kg
EXERCISE-2
PART - I
Section (C)
1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (D)
G(MA  MB ) 4. (C) 5. (C) 6. (B)
C-1. gR C-2. 2
d 7. (C) 8. (D) 9. (A)
Section (D) 10. (D) 11. (B) 12. (A)
D-1. 1.5% 13. (C) 14. (C) 15. (D)
16. (B)
GM2 GM R3
D-2. (a) F = (b) ; T = 4 PART - II
4R 2 4R GM 1. 99 2. 40 3. 1
GM GM2 4GM 4. 0 5. 2 6. 9
(c) (d) (e) 7. 11 8. 15 9. 2
4R3 4R R
10. 30
U 25600
D-3. (a) A = =2 PART - III
UB 12800 1. (ABCD) 2. (ACD) 3. (ABC)
K A m A rB 4. (BC) 5. (BD) 6. (BC)
(b) = =2 7. (ACD) 8. (ABCD) 9. (AD)
K B mB rA
10. (AC) 11. (BC) 12. (AD)
(c) B is having more energy.
D-4. (a) The Saturn (b) The Mars (c) The Mars PART - IV
Section (E) 1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (A)
4. (B) 5. (C) 6. (A)
19
E-1. m/s2 = 9.5 m/s2 7. (D) 8. (B) 9. (B)
2
1 42 103 EXERCISE-3
E-2. T = 1–  6400  = 0.998 s
2 (86400)2 9.8 PART - I
1. (A) (p) ; (B) (q, r) ; (C) (p) ; (D)  (q, r)
PART - II
Section (A) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (A)
5. 6 6. 3 7. (B)
A-1 (A) A-2. (B) A-3. (C)
8. (BD) 9. (BD) 10. (B)
A-4. (B)
11. 2 12. 7 13. (BC)
Section (B) 14. (C) 15. (B)
B-1. (B) B-2. (D) B-3. (D) PART - II
B-4. (D) B-5. (C) B-6. (D)
1. (1) 2. (2) 3. (4)
Section (C) 4. (4) 5. (1) 6. (4)
C-1. (C) C-2. (a) (D), (b) (B), (c) (B), (d) (B) 7. (1) 8. (4) 9. (2)
10. (3) 11. (1)

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Gravitation

SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Let a star be much brighter than our sun but its mass is same as that of sun. If our earth has average
life span of a man as 70 years. In the earth like planet of this star system having double the distance
from our star find the average life span of a man on this planet in terms of year there. (Assuming same
average life).

2. Consider a spacecraft in an elliptical orbit around the earth. At the lowest point or perigee, of its orbit it is
300 km above the earth’s surface at the highest point or apogee, it is 3000 km above the earth’s surface.
(a) What is the period of the spacecraft’s orbit ?
(b) Find the ratio of the spacecraft’s speed at perigee to its speed at apogee.
(c) Find the speed at perigee and the speed at apogee.
(d) It is derised to have the spacecraft escape from the earth completely. If the spacecraft‘s rockets are fired
at perigee, by how much would the speed have to be increased to achieve this ? What if the rockets
were fired at apogee ? Which point in the orbit is the most efficient to use ?
3. A planet A moves along an elliptical orbit around the Sun. At the moment when it was at the distance r 0
from the Sun its velocity was equal to v0 and the angle between the radius vector r 0 and the velocity
vector v0 was equal to . Find the maximum and minimum distance that will separate this planet from
the Sun during its orbital motion. (Mass of Sun = MS)
4. A satellite is put into a circular orbit with the intention that it hover over a certain spot on the earth’s surface.
However, the satellite’s orbital radius is erroneously made 1.0 km too large for this to happen. At what rate
and in what direction does the point directly below the satellite move across the earth’s surface ?
R = Radius of earth = 6400 km
r = radius of orbit of geostationary satellite = 42000 km
T = Time period of earth about its axis = 24 hr.
5. What are : (a) the speed and (b) the period of a 220 kg satellite in an approximately circular orbit
640 km above the surface of the earth ? Suppose the satellite loses mechanical energy at the average
rate of 1.4  105 J per orbital revolution. Adopting the reasonable approximation that due to atmospheric
resistance force, the trajectory is a “circle of slowly diminishing radius”. Determine the satellite’s
(c) altitude (d) speed & (e) period at the end of its 1500th revolution.(f) Is angular momentum
around the earth’s centre conserved for the satellite or the satellite-earth system.
6. A planet of mass m moves along an ellipse around the Sun so that its maximum and minimum distance
from the Sun are equal to r 1 and r2 respectively. Find the angular momentum J of this planet relative to
the centre of the Sun. (Mass of Sun = MS)
7. A solid sphere of mass m and radius r is placed inside a hollow spherical shell of mass 4 m and radius
4r find gravitational field intensity at :
y

x
(a) r < y < 2r (b) 2r < y < 8r (c) y > 8r
here y coordinate is measured from the point of contact of the sphere and the shell.

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8. A sphere of density  and radius a has a concentric cavity of radius b, as shown in the figure.

a
b r
m

(a) Sketch the gravitational force F exerted by the sphere on the particle of mass m, located at a
distance r from the centre of the sphere as a function of r in the range 0  r  .
(b) Sketch the corresponding curve for the potential energy u (r) of the system.
9. (a) What is the escape speed for an object in the same orbit as that of Earth around sun (Take orbital
radius R) but far from the earth ? (mass of the sun = M S)
(b) If an object already has a speed equal to the earth’s orbital speed, what minimum additional speed
must it be given to escape as in (a) ?
10. A cosmic body A moves towards the Sun with velocity v0 (when far from the Sun) and aiming parameter
, the direction of the vector v0 relative to the centre of the Sun as shown in the figure. Find the
minimum distance by which this body will get to the Sun. (Mass of Sun = M S)

11. Two stars of mass M1 & M2 are in circular orbits around their centre of mass. The star of mass M1 has
an orbit of radius R1, the star of mass M2 has an orbit of radius R2. (Assume that their centre of mass is
not accelerating and distance between stars is fixed)
(a) Show that the ratio of the orbital radii of the two stars equals the reciprocal of the ratio of their
masses, that is R1/R2 = M2/M1.
(R1  R2 )3 / 2
(b) Explain why the two stars have the same orbital period and show that the period, T = 2 .
G(M1  M2 )

12. Linked questions (12-16)

A star can be considered as a spherical ball of hot gas of radius R. dMr
Inside the star, the density of the gas is r at a radius r and mass of the r
gas within this region is Mr. The correct differential equation for variation Mr
 dMr 
of mass with respect to radius   is (refer to the adjacent figure) r+dr
 dr 
[OLYMPIAD-2016_STAGE-1_(ASTRONOMY)]

13. A star in its prime age is said to be under equilibrium due to gravitational pull and outward radiation
pressure (p). Consider the shell of thickness dr as in the figure of question (12). If the pressure on this
shell is dp then the correct equation is (G is universal gravitational constant)
[OLYMPIAD-2016_STAGE-1_(ASTRONOMY)]
dp
14. In astronomy order of magnitude estimation plays an important role. The derivative can be taken
dr
P
difference ratio . Consider the star has a radius R, pressure at its centre is P C and pressure at outer
r
M R
layer is zero if the average mass is 0 and average radius 0 then the expression for PC is
2 2
[OLYMPIAD-2016_STAGE-1_(ASTRONOMY)]

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Gravitation
15. The value of mass and radius of sun are given by M 0 = 2 × 1030 kg and R0 = 7 × 105 km respectively.
The pressure at the centre is about (G = 6.67 × 10–11 m3.kg–1.s–2) [OLYMPIAD-2016_STAGE-1_(ASTRONOMY)]
16. Assuming that the gas inside the sun behaves very much like the perfect gas, the temperature at the
2
centre of the sun is nearly (the number density of gas particles  ), Boltzmann constant
MH
kB = 1.4 × 10–23 J.K–1 and mass of proton MH = 1.67 × 10–27 kg) [OLYMPIAD-2016_STAGE-1_(ASTRONOMY)]

70 4 v1 94
1.  25 years. 2. (a) T = a3 / 2 = 7.16  103 sec. (b) = = 1.4
(2)3 / 2 R g v2 67
94 67
(c) Vp = 896×102 m/sec. = 8.35  103 m/s, Va = 896×102 m/sec = 5.95  103 m/s
67  161 94  161
(d) V = 14× 102 67 – VP = 3.09  103 m/s, perigee
r
3. rm = 0 [1 ± 1  (2  ) sin2  ], where  = r0 v02 /GMS.
2
3rR 
4. Vrel. = = m/sec  1.66 cm/sec., to the east along equator
rT 189
448 220
5. (a) km/s = 7.527 km/s (b) 3520 sec.  1.63 hour
3520 7
 22  14  642  7040  448
(c)   6400  km  411.92 km (d) km/sec.  7.67 km/s
 22  14  64  7040  6
2
 3406
1703
(e) 3406 sec.  1.55 hour (f) No
56
6. J = m 2GMSr1r2 /(r1  r2 )
 Gm(y  r) ˆ   Gm   4Gm Gm  ˆ
7. (a)  ( j ) (b)  ( ˆj )  (c)    (  j)
 r3   (y  r)2
  (y  4r)2
(y  r)2 

8. (a) (b)

9. (a)
2GMs
R
(b) 
2 1
GMs
R
 10. rmin = (GMS / v02) [ 1  ( v 02 / GMS )2 – 1]

42 [1.5  1012 ]3

11. M = = 3.376  1029 kg, M = 2M = 6.75  1029 kg
3G[44.5  365  86400]2
dMr dp GM GM02  3 
12. =r4r2 13.  – 2 r r 14. PC =   15. 5 × 1014 N/m2
dr dr r R 04  2 
16. 2.10 × 107

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