AKAsh Gravitation

Chapter 8
Gravitation
Chapter Contents
z Kepler’s laws KEPLER’S LAWS
z Newton’s law of Gravitation (1) Law of orbits : Each planet revolve around the sun in an elliptical
orbit with the Sun at one of the foci of the ellipse.
z Gravitational field

intensity ( I ) F1
Aphelion F2 Perihelion
z Relation between 2b
Acceleration due to Gravity B ea A
Sun
(g) and Gravitational
Constant (G)
z Gravitational potential 2a
energy (2) Law of areas : Line joning sun and planet sweeps out equal area
in equal time interval i.e. Areal speed of the planet is constant.
z Gravitational potential
AB  AB
z Escape speed
Area of portion SAB = Area of portion SAB
z Earth satellite
z Energy of orbiting satellite (t dt)

B
v2
z Shape of Trajectories S A
t t
Corresponding to Different A
Velocities v1
t + dt
B
z Geostationary and polar
satellite
dA 1 L
 vr  = constant
z Binary star system dt 2 2m
v 1r1  v 2 r2
Angular momentum ‘L’ about the Sun for all planets is constant.
(3) Law of periods : The square of time taken (T) for a planet to
complete one revolution about the sun is proportional to cube of
semi-major axis (a) of the elliptical orbit of the planet.
i.e., T 2  a3
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2 Gravitation NEET
Note :
b2
Eccentricity e  1 
a2
S
Aphelion Perihelion
At aphelion At perihelion
GM  1 e  GM  1 e 
v min  v max 
a  1 e  a
 
 1 e 
Kinetic energy minimum Kinetic energy maximum
Potential energy maximum Potential energy minimum
Example 1 : The distance of two planets from the sun are 1013 m and 1012 m respectively. What is the ratio
of their time periods?
Solution : As T2  R3 …(By Kepler’s third law)
T12 R13
 
T22 R23
3
T12  1013 
  
T22  1012 
2
 T1 
    10
3
T2 
T1 10 10
 
T2 1
Example 2 : A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a height 6R above the surface of earth, where R
is radius of earth. What will be the time period of another satellite at a height 2.5 R from the
surface of earth?
Solution : As T2  R3 …(By Kepler’s third law)
T12 R13
 
T22 R23
2 3
 T2   R2 
or    
 T1   R1 
3
 3.5R 
 T22  T12  
 7R 
T12
 T22 
8
T1
 T2 =
2 2
24
T2 = …(∵ T1 = 24 hours)
2 2
 T2 = 6 2 hours
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NEET Gravitation 3
NEWTON’S LAW OF GRAVITATION
The force of attraction between two point masses is directly propotional to product of their masses and inversely
propotional to the square of distance between them.
Gm1m2
F m1 r m2
r2
Where G is universal gravitation constant.
Nm2
G = 6.67 × 10–11 kg2
Newton’s Law in Vector Form
Force on m1 due to m2
Gm m m1 m2
F12   1 32 r12
| r12 | F12 r12
Force on m2 due to m1
Gm m m1 m2
F21   1 32 r21
| r21 | r21 F21
Principle of Superposition of Gravitational Force
If number of masses placed in any region, then the resultant gravitational force on any one of them is the vector
sum of gravitational forces exerted by all the other point masses.
If masses m1, m2, m3 .... mn are placed in any region.
Then gravitational force on m1 is

F1  F12  F13  ... F1n
Example 3 : If the masses of two spherical bodies are quadrupled and the distance between their centres is
doubled, then how many times the force of gravitation between them will be changed?
Gm1m2
Solution : F1 
r2
Gm1m2
F2 
R2
Here, M1 = 4m1, M2 = 4m2 and R = 2r
G( 4m1 )( 4m2 )
 F2 
(2r )2
16Gm1m2
=
4r 2
 F2 = 4F1
Hence, the gravitational force will increase to four times the initial magnitude.
4 Gravitation NEET

GRAVITATIONAL FIELD INTENSITY (l )
The intensity of the gravitational field at any point P is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass at that
point.

F
I 
m
The intensity of gravitational field is simply called “gravitational field”. Its SI unit is newton per kilogram
(N/kg) and the dimensional formula is [LT –2]. It is a vector quantity.
(i) Gravitational field intensity of point mass (m) at distance 'r'
Gm
I
r2
(ii) Gravitational field intensity of uniform spherical shell at distance 'r' from its centre
(a) If r < R [where R is radius of shell]
I
I=0
GM
(b) If r R 2
R
Gm
I
r2 r
O R
(iii) Gravitational field intensity of uniform solid sphere at distance 'r' from its centre
(a) If r < R
GMr I
I 3
R GM
2
(b) If r  R R
Gm
I r
r2 O R
Example 4 : Three equal masses 2m each are placed at the vertices an equilateral triangle PQR
(i) What is the force acting on a mass m placed at the centroid G of the triangle?
(ii) What is the force on mass m if the mass at the vertex P is quadrupled?
Take PG = QG = RG = 1 m
y
P 2m
G x
m 30°
Q R
2m 2m
Solution : (i) The angle between GR and the positive x-axis is 30°. Similarly the angle between GQ and
negative x-axis is 30°.
G(2m )m ˆ
Now, FGP  j  (i.e., along positive y-axis)
1
NEET Gravitation 5
G(2m )m ˆ
FGQ  ( i cos30  jˆ sin30)
1
G(2m )m ˆ
FGR  (i cos30  ˆj sin30)
1
By principle of superposition, we get

FR  FGP  FGQ  FGR

 FR  2Gm2 jˆ  2Gm2 ( iˆ cos30  jˆ sin30)  2Gm2 (iˆ cos30  jˆ sin30)  0
(ii) By symmetry all the x-component of the force will cancel out each other.

 FR  8Gm 2 jˆ – 2Gm2 ĵ sin 30° – 2Gm2 ĵ sin 30°
= 8Gm2 jˆ – 4Gm2 sin 30°
= 8Gm 2 jˆ  2Gm 2 jˆ
= 6Gm2 jˆ
Example 5 : Two particles of equal mass m are moving round a circle of radius r due to their mutual
gravitational interaction. Find the time period of each particle.
Solution : Two particles will always remain on diametrically v
opposite points so that the gravitational force is m
centripetal. Here mutual gravitational force is
r
F
2 r O
Gmm Gm …(i)
F   F
(2r ) 2
4r 2 m
v
If the speed of each particle is v, then the centripetal force
mv 2
F  …(ii)
r
Gm
Equating (i) and (ii), we get v 
4r
2r 2r 4
 The time period T    r 3/2
v Gm Gm
4r
Example 6 : Two bodies A and B having masses M and 3M respectively are kept at a distance 2.73 m apart.
A small particle of mass m is to be placed so that the net gravitational force on it is zero. What
will be its distance from body A?
A x m (y – x) B
Solution : M C 3M
y

Now, FCA  FCB
GMm G3Mm
 
x2 ( y  x )2
6 Gravitation NEET
1 3
 
x 2 ( y  x )2
 y–x= 3x
 y = ( 3  1)x
y
 x
3 1
y

1.732  1
y
 x
2.732
2.73
 1m
2.732
 A particle of mass m should be placed at 1 m apart from body A.
Example 7 : A particle of mass m is placed at a distance d from one end of a uniform rod with length L
and mass M as shown in the figure. Find the magnitude of the gravitational force on the particle
due to the rod.
m M
d L
Solution : Let us consider an elementary mass dm of length dr at a distance r from the particle of
M
mass m. Here dm  dr . The gravitational force dF on m due to this elementary mass dm is
L
Gm G mM
dF  2
dm  dr
r Lr 2
L d L d
GmM dr GmM  1 m
 F 
L  r2

L  r 
 d r
d dr
 GmM  1 1
 L  d  d 
L  
GmM

d (L  d )
RELATION BETWEEN ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY (g) AND GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT (G)
Acceleration Due to Gravity at Earth Surface

GMe Re
g
Re2
C
4 Me
g  GRe 
3
 is Average density of earth = 5.5 × 103 kg/m3
z Dependence of value of g : Value of g depends on four factor
NEET Gravitation 7
(1) Shape of earth : Radius of earth at equator is greater than that at poles
Pole
RE > RP
RP
 gE < gP
C RE Equator
(2) Effect of height :
2
 h  A
g   g 1   (h = height above earth surface.) h
 Re 
Re
If h << Re,
O
 2h 
g   g 1  
 Re 
Example 8 : At what altitude, the acceleration due to gravity reduces to half of its value as that on the surface
of the earth? Take radius of earth as 6.4 × 106 m, g on the surface of the earth as 9.8 m/s2.
Solution : We have given that
2
 R 
gh  g  
R  h 
2
gh  R 
 
g R  h 
1  R 
 
2  R  h 
 R+h= 2R
h = ( 2  1)R
 h = (1.414 – 1) 6.4 × 106

 h = 2.65 × 106 m
Acceleration due to gravity is reduced to half its value on the earth’s surface at an altitude of
2.65 × 106 m.
(3) Effect of depth d

A
 d 
g   g 1   Re
 Re
d is depth below the earth surface

Note :
(i) Value of g becomes zero at centre of earth (d = Re)
(ii) Value of g will not be zero at any finite height.
(iii) Value of g decreases either we go above earth’s surface or below earth’s surface.
8 Gravitation NEET
1
Example 9 : At what depth from the surface of the earth, the acceleration due to gravity will be th the value
4
of g on the surface of the earth?
 d 
Solution : As g = g 1  R 
 e 
According to question,
g
g 
4
g  d 
  g 1  
4  Re 
1 d
  1
4 Re
d 1
  1
Re 4
 d = 0.75 R.
(4) Effect of Rotation of Earth 

Earth rotates from west to east in anticolckwise sense. 2
mr
(i) The value of acceleration due to gravity at an angle of latitude  mg

g   g  Re 2 cos2 
(ii) Effect of rotation is not same at all the places. It is maximum at equator Re
and minimum (zero) at poles
(iii) At poles,  = 90°
g = g
(iv) At equator,  = 0
g = g – Re2
For earth Re 2 = 3.4 cm/s2
(v) If earth stop to rotate, then value of g increase at all the places except at poles.
(vi) If earth rotates, with an imaginary speed, such that a body at equator experience weightlessness, then
the duration of day will be 1.41 h or 84.6 minutes
(vii) If angular speed of earth increases 17 times of present value then body at equator experience
weightlessness.
Example 10 : Calculate the angular speed of rotation of the Earth so that the apparent g at the equator becomes
zero. Also calculate the length of the day in this situation.
Solution : The apparent g = g0 – 2R = 0
g0 9.8ms 2
   = 1.237 × 10–3 rad/s.
R 6.4  10 6 m
The length of the day = Time period of rotation of the Earth
2 R
  2 = 1.41 hour.
 g0
NEET Gravitation 9
EXERCISE
1. A body weighs 144 N at the surface of earth. When it is taken to a height of h = 3R, where R is radius of
earth, it would weigh
(1) 48 N (2) 36 N
(3) 16 N (4) 9N
2. If masses of two point objects are tripled and distance between them is doubled, then gravitational force of
attraction between them will
(1) Increase by 225% (2) Decrease by 56%
(3) Increase by 125% (4) Decrease by 144%
G
3. If G is universal gravitation constant and g is acceleration due to gravity, then dimensions of will be
g
(1) [M–1 L2] (2) [M–1 L]
(3) [M–2 L] (4) [M–1 L–2]
1
4. What is the weight of a 70 kg body on the surface of a planet whose mass is th that of earth and radius
7
is half of earth?
(1) 20 kgf (2) 40 kgf
(3) 70 kgf (4) 140 kgf
5. If spinning speed of the earth is decreased, then weight of the body at the poles
(1) Does not change
(2) Decreases
(3) Increases
(4) May increase or decrease
6. If radius of earth contracted by 0.1%, its mass remaining same, then weight of the body at earth’s surface
will increase by
(1) 0.1% (2) 0.2%
(3) 0.3% (4) Remains same
7. If mass of earth decreases by 25% and its radius increases by 50%, then acceleration due to gravity at its
surface decreases by nearly
(1) 89% (2) 67%
(3) 33% (4) 11%
8. Two point objects of mass 2x and 3x are separated by a distance r. Keeping the distance fixed, how much
mass should be transferred from 3x to 2x, so that gravitational force between them becomes maximum?
x x
(1) (2)
4 3
x 2x
(3) (4)
2 3
10 Gravitation NEET
9. Acceleration due to gravity at surface of a planet is equal to that at surface of earth and density is
1.5 times that of earth. If radius of earth is R, radius of planet is
3 2 9 4
(1) R (2) R (3) R (4) R
2 3 4 9
10. Weight of a body decreases by 1.5%, when it is raised to a height h above the surface of earth. When the
same body is taken to same depth h in a mine, its weight will show
(1) 0.75% increase (2) 3.0% decrease
(3) 0.75% decrease (4) 1.5% decrease
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
Gravitational potential energy at any point is the amount of work done in bringing a body from infinity to that
point slowly, under the influence of other body.
(i) Gravitation as potential energy due to earth field at height h above the earth’s surface
GMe m
Uh  
Re  h
(ii) Potential energy at infinity is assumed to be zero, so at all finite height it will be less than zero or negative.
(iii) Change in Gravitational potential energy for a body taken to height h above the earth’s surface from earth’s
surface is
mgh
U  Uh  U 
h
1
Re
If h << Re
U = mgh
(iv) if a body projected with high speed, then maximum height attained can be calculate by using energy
conservation law.
Loss of kinetic energy = Gain in potential energy
1 mgh
mv 2 
2 h
1
Re
(v) Gravitational potential energy of system of masses is the sum of potential energy of all pairs of masses.
U = U12 + U13 + U23 .... M2
r12 r23
 GM1M2 GM1M3 GM1M2 
U      ...
r
 12 r13 r23  M1 M3
r13
Example 11 : Three particles of masses m, 2m and 3m are placed at the corners of an equilateral triangle of
side a. Calculate:
(i) The potential energy of the system
(ii) The work done on the system if the side of the triangle is changed from a to 2a. Assume
the potential energy to be zero when the separation is infinity.
Solution : (i) The potential energy of the system = Sum of the potential energies of all the three possible
distinct pairs.
NEET Gravitation 11
i.e., U = UAB + UBC + UCA 3m
C
G(m )(2m ) G(2m ) (3m ) G(3m ) (m )
=  
a a a a a
 11Gm 2
= A B
a m a 2m
 11Gm 2
when the side a is changed to 2a, the potential energy U  
2a
(ii) The work done on the system = U' – U
11Gm 2
=
2a
Note :
The work done by the system = The work done by the gravitational force
= –(U' – U)
 11 Gm 2
=
2a
The work done on the system = The work done against the gravitational force
= The work done by the external force
= U  U
11Gm 2
=
2a
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
“The gravitational potential at a point is defined as the work done per unit mass by an external agent (or
against the gravitational force) in bringing a particle slowly from the reference point to the given point”.
W
V 
m
J
The SI unit of gravitational potential is . It is a scaler quantity.
kg
(1) Potential due to a point mass : Suppose a particle of mass M lies at O. We want to know the
gravitational potential at a point P at a distant r from O.
If we take the reference point of zero potential at infinity
M
U  U  GM
 The potential at P is V   O r P
m r
(2) Potential due to a uniform thin spherical shell : Let us take a thin uniform spherical shell of mass
M and radius R with centre at O.
Case I : when P is outside the shell
O r
GM R P
V 
r
(As if whole mass M is assumed to be concentrated at the centre)
12 Gravitation NEET
Case II : when P is inside the shell
GM r
V  R
R P
This is independent of the location of P inside the spherical shell.
(3) Potential due to a uniform solid sphere : Let us consider V

R
a uniform solid sphere of mass M and radius R. r
O
Case I : when P is outside the sphere 1
Vr
–GM
GM R
V 
r
Variation of V with r
(As if whole mass is assumed to be concentrated at its centre)
Case II : when P is inside the sphere O r

R P
GM 2 2
V  [3R  r ]
2R 3
Special case
(i) At the centre of sphere r = 0

r
3GM R P
Vcentre 
2R
(ii) At the surface of sphere V
GM R r
Vsurface  O
R
(hyperbolic)
– GM
3 R
 Vcentre  Vsurface
2
– 3 GM (parabolic)
(4) Relation between gravitational potential (V) and 2 R
gravitatinoal field (I) : Variation of V with r
 V ˆ V ˆ V 
l   i  j kˆ 
 x y z 
Example 12 : Two heavy spheres of masses 104 kg and 106 kg and each of radius 20 cm are separated by a
distance of 100 m. What will be the potential at the mid-point of the line joining their centres?
Solution : The total potential at A
A
GmP GmQ
V = VP + VQ =   50 m 50 m
r r P Q
100 m
6.67  10 –11
 V=  [10 4  106 ]
50
 V = 1.35 × 10–6 J/kg.
NEET Gravitation 13
ESCAPE SPEED
The minimum speed with which a body must be projected upwards in order that it may just escape the
gravitational pull of the earth is known as escape speed.
The answer to this question may be explained by using the principle of conservation of energy. Consider earth
to be a sphere of mass Me and radius Re.
Suppose a body of mass m is thrown vertically upwards with initial speed of ve from a point at a distance h
above the surface of earth such that it reaches infinity where its final speed becomes zero.
1 GMe m
m v e2 
2 (Re  h )
ve
2GMe h
ve 
(Re  h )
Me
If h = 0 (from earth surface)
Re
2GMe
ve   2gRe
Re
Important Points on Escape Speed
2GM
(i) The formula v e  can be applied to any astronomical body provided we substitute the mass M
R
and radius R of that body.
For Moon, M = 7.36 × 1022 kg, R = 1.74 × 106 m and hence ve = 2.38 km/s
(ii) The escape speed does not depends on the direction in which the projectile is fired. However, attaining
that speed is easier if the projectile is fired in the direction, the launch site is moving as the Earth rotates
about its axis.
(iii) The value of escape speed is independent of the mass of the projectile. It depends on the mass and
radius of the planet from which it is being projected.
(iv) If a body falls freely from infinite height, then it will reach the surface of the Earth with a speed
approximately equal to the average escape speed ve = 11.2 km/s.
(v) For earth to become black hole, the escape speed must become equal or more than speed of light i.e.
2GM
 c. In that case radius R of the earth will become that of the size of a grape.
R
(vi) The atmosphere on a planet is possible only if vrms < vescape; where vrms is root mean square speed of
gas molecules.
(vii) If a body is projected with speed v greater than escape speed (ve), then interstellar speed is given by
v  v 2  v e2 .
Example 13 : An object is dropped from height h = 2R on the surface of earth. Find the speed with which it will
collide with ground by neglecting effect of air. [where R is radius of earth, take mass of earth M]
GMm
Solution : The initial potential energy (Ui) of object is, Ui  
3R
GMm
Final potential energy Uf  
R
14 Gravitation NEET
By law of conservation of energy, KE = – P.E.

1
 mv 2   [Uf  Ui ]  Ui  Uf
2
1 GMm GMm
 mv 2   
2 3R R
1 2 2GM
 v 
2 3R
4GM GM
 v 2
3R 3R
Example 14 : The ratio of the masses and radii of two planets are 2 : 3 and 4 : 9. What is the ratio of the
escape speed at their surface?
V1 M 2 R 4
Solution : ?, 1  and 1 
V2 M2 3 R2 9
2GM
As we know V 
R
V1 M1 R2
  
V2 M2 R1
2 9 3
=  
3 4 2
 V1 : V2 = 3: 2
EARTH SATELLITE
Orbital Speed
For any satellite to orbit around earth in a stable orbit, it must move in such an orbit, so that the centre of
earth lies at the centre of the orbit.
Satellite is a body which revolves continuously in an orbit around a comparatively much larger body.
Let us consider a satellite of mass m revolving around earth with a speed of v0 in a circular orbit of radius
(Re + h) where Re is the radius of the earth. Consider the mass of earth as Me.
mv 02 GMe m

(Re  h ) (Re  h )2 (Re+ h) h
GMe Re
 v 02 
(Re  h ) Re
GMe
v0 
(Re  h )
Very close to earth h << Re
GM e
v0 =  gRe
Re
ve = 2 v0
NEET Gravitation 15
Hence, we may say that the escape speed is 2 times the orbital speed. So if the speed of an orbitting
satellite is increased by approximately 41.4%, the satellite will escape from its orbit.
Time period of a satellite :
2(Re  h )3/2 2(Re  h )3/2

T  
GMe Re g
very close to earth h << Re
Re
T  2
g
Example 15 : The value of escape speed from certain planet is 4 km/s. What will be the orbital speed of a
satellite orbiting close to its surface?
Ve
Solution : As V0 =
2
4
 V0 =
2
= 2 2 km/s
1
Example 16 : Assume that the force of gravitation F  . Then show that the orbital speed in a circular orbit
rn
1
of radius r is proportional to ( n 1) / 2 , while its time period T is proportional to r(n + 1)/2.
r
K mv 02 K 1 1
Solution : F  or, v0  . ,  v0  ( n 1) / 2
n
r r m r ( n 1) / 2 r
2r 2r
T   or, T  r (n + 1)/2
v0 K 1
. ( n 1) / 2
m r
1
Note : If n = 1, i.e., F  , v0 becomes independent of the orbital radius and T  r.
r
ENERGY OF ORBITING SATELLITE
Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy and Total Energy
The kinetic energy of a satellite revolving around the earth with orbital speed v0 is
GMe m
 KE = 2(R  h )
e
Now, the potential energy at distance (Re + h) from the centre of the earth is
GMe m
PE =  R  h
e
16 Gravitation NEET
Total energy = PE + KE
GMe m GMe m
=  
Re  h 2(Re  h )
GMe m
= 
2(Re  h )
KE = –TE
PE = 2TE
Thus, we get that the total energy of circularly orbiting satellite is negative. As the satellites are at finite
distance so their energy can never be positive or zero. If that happens then satellite escape to infinity.
EXERCISE
11. Let escape velocity of a body kept at surface of a planet is u. If it is projected at a speed of 200% more than
the escape speed, then its speed in interstellar space will be
(1) u (2) 3u
(3) 2u (4) 2 2u
12. Let kinetic energy of a satellite is x, then its time of revolution T is proportional to
(1) x–3 (2) x–3/2
(3) x–1 (4) x
13. An artificial satellite is moving around earth in a circular orbit with speed equal to one fourth the escape speed
of a body from the surface of earth. The height of satellite above earth’s surface is (R is radius of earth)
(1) 3R (2) 5R
(3) 7R (4) 8R
14. Which graph best represents the variation of radius r of a circular orbit of a satellite against its time period T?
r (1) (2)
(3)
(4)
T
(1) 1 (2) 2
(3) 3 (4) 4
15. A satellite of mass 200 kg revolves around a planet of mass 5 × 10 30 kg in a circular orbit of radius
6.6 × 106 m. Binding energy of the satellite is
(1) 5 × 1015 J (2) – 5 × 1015 J
(3) 1016 J (4) – 1016 J

NEET Gravitation 17
16. Two satellites A and B go round the planet P in circular orbits having radii 4R and R respectively. If the speed
of the satellite A is 3v, the speed of satellite B will be
(1) 12 v (2) 6v
4v 3v
(3) (4)
3 2
17. Escape velocity of an atmospheric particle which is 1000 km above the earth’s surface, is (radius of earth is
6400 km and g = 9.8 m/s2)
(1) 6.5 km/s (2) 8 km/s
(3) 10 km/s (4) 11.2 km/s
18. The ratio of kinetic energy required to be given to the satellite to escape from earth’s surface to the kinetic
energy required to be given to the same satellite to revolve round the earth in an orbit just above earth’s
surface, is
(1) 1:1 (2) 2:1
(3) 2 :1 (4) 4:1
19. A satellite is revolving around earth in a circular orbit at a uniform speed v. If gravitational force suddenly
disappears, speed of the satellite will be
(1) Zero (2) v
(3) 2v (4) Infinity
20. Mark the correct statement
(i) Escape velocity does not depend on mass of body
(ii) If total energy of a satellite becomes positive, it escapes from earth
(iii) Orbit of geostationary orbit is called parking orbit
(1) (i) only (2) (i), (ii) only
(3) (i), (ii) and (iii) (4) (i), (iii) only
SHAPE OF TRAJECTORIES CORRESPONDING TO DIFFERENT VELOCITIES
The figure shows the trajectories (1) to (6) of a projectile launched from A in the direction tangent to the Earth
surface, corresponding to increasing initial speed v.
A
Earth
R
18 Gravitation NEET
GM
Suppose the orbital speed for the circular orbit of radius r = R + h is v0. Then v 0  .
Rh
Trajectory (1) : It corresponds to v << v0 in which the projectile falls to the Earth’s surface. Usually, it is a
segment of an ellipse which would be completed if the Earth were a point mass at O. In the case when
h << R, we assume g as constant and then the trajectory is a parabola. Total mechanical energy is negative.
Trajectory (2) : It corresponds to v < v0 in which the projectile completed the elliptical orbit. If the orbit passes
through the atmosphere, the path will be spiral and finally the projectile falls on the Earth. Total mechanical
energy is negative.
Trajectory (3) : It corresponds to v = v0 in which the projectile moves in close circular orbit. Remember
that a circle is also an ellipse having eccentricity e = 0. Total mechanical energy is negative.
2GM
Trajectory (4) : It corresponds to v0 < v < ve, where v e  is the escape speed. The closed orbit is
Rh
an ellipse having e < 1. Total mechanical energy is negative.
Trajectory (5) : It corresponds to v = ve in which the trajectory is an open orbit which is a parabola having
e = 1. Total mechanical energy is zero.
Trajectory (6) : It corresponds to v > ve in which the trajectory is an open orbit which is a hyperbola having
e > 1. Total mechanical energy is positive.
Note :
(i) Closed orbits are always elliptical and total mechanical energy is always negative.
(ii) Open orbits are either parabolic or hyperbolic and total mechanical energy are always non-negative.
(iii) When the mechanical energy of a satellite is zero or positive, it escapes away from the gravitational
field of the central planet.
(iv) When a satellite is orbiting then no energy is required to keep moving in its orbit.
(v) When the speed of satellite in circular orbit is increased, then its energy increases. It starts moving
in an elliptical path of greater semimajor axis.
(vi) When the height of a satellite is increased, its potential energy increases and kinetic energy
decreases.
(vii) The numerical value of negative potential energy of a satellite orbiting in circular orbit is always more
than its kinetic energy.
GEOSTATIONARY AND POLAR SATELLITES
z Geostationary Satellites : For a satellite to be geostationary following conditions must be satisfied.

(i) The plane of the orbit lies in equatorial plane of earth.
(ii) Height from the earth surface is about 36000 km. This orbit is called parking orbit.
(iii) Orbital speed is nearly 3 km/s.
(iv) Time period is equal to that of earth rotation i.e., 24 hours.
(v) Satellite revolve from west to east in anticlockwise sense.
z Polar Satellite : For a satellite to be polar satellite following conditions must be satisfied.
(i) These are low altitude satellites (h 500 m  800 km)
(ii) These satellites orbit around the poles is a (N–S) direction

(iii) These satellites have very less time period about 100 minutes
(iv) These are mainly used in remote sensing, metrology as well as for environmental studies of the earth.
NEET Gravitation 19
BINARY STAR SYSTEM
Two stars of masses M1 and M2 form a stable system when they move in circular orbit about their centre of
mass under their mutual gravitational attraction.
v2
M1 M2
cm
v1 r1 r2
GM1M 2
(i) F  , where r is distance between them (i.e., r = r1 + r2)
r2
(ii) M1r1 = M2r2
GM1M2 M1v12
(iii) 
r2 r1
GM1M2 M2v 22
(iv) 
r2 r22
M2r M1r
(v) r1  M  M , r2  M  M
1 2 1 2
G G
 v1  M2 (M  M )r , v 2  M1 (M  M )r
1 2 1 2
z When M1 = M2 = M
GM
v1  v 2 
2r

t
en
nm nment
sig ssig
As A Assignment
Assignment
5. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a
SECTION - A
height of 6R above the surface of earth. The time
NCERT Based MCQs period of another satellite at 3.5R from the centre
of earth is (where R is the radius of earth)
1. Choose the correct statements(s)
[NCERT Pg. 196]
[NCERT Pg. 197]
(1) Polar satellites go around the poles of earth in (1) 2 2 h (2) 5 2 h
north-south direction
(3) 6 2 h (4) 3 2 h
(2) Time period of polar satellite is approximately
100 minutes 6. A particle is projected vertically upwards from the
surface of earth (radius of earth is R) with a kinetic
(3) Polar satellites are low altitude satellites
energy equal to one fourth of the minimum value
(4) All of these needed for it to escape. The height to which it rises
2. Two particles of masses m and M are placed at a above the surface of earth is [NCERT Pg. 193]
distance r. The ratio of gravitational force on mass
m due to mass M and on mass M due to mass R
(1) (2) R
m is [NCERT Pg. 187] 2
(1) M : m (2) M 2 : m 2
2R R
(3) (4)
(3) 1 : 1 (4) m : M 3 3
3. The variation of acceleration due to gravity of earth as 7. A satellite revolving around earth has kinetic energy
one moves away from earth’s center to surface of E0, then its potential energy and total energy will
earth is given by (Where R is radius of earth) be [NCERT Pg. 196]
[NCERT Pg. 191] (1) –E0, –2E0 (2) –2E0, –E0
g g
(3) E0, –2E0 (4) –E0, 2E0
8. The distance of two planets from the sun are
1012 m and 1011 m. The ratio of their time period is
(1) (2)
[NCERT Pg. 184]
r r
R R
(1) 10 10 : 1 (2) 1 : 10
g g
(3) 10 : 1 (4) 10 : 1
9. The escape speed of a projectile on earth’s surface
(3) (4) is 11.2 km/s. A body is projected out with twice of
r r this speed. The speed of body far away from the
R R earth is (Ignore the presence of other bodies)
4. A particle is projected vertically upwards with a
[NCERT Pg. 202]
speed of gR from earth’s surface. The maximum
height attained by it is (Where R is the radius of (1) 15 km/s
earth) [NCERT Pg. 196] (2) 19.4 km/s
(1) R/2 (2) R (3) 11.2 km/s
(3) 2R (4) R/4 (4) 22.4 km/s
Aakash Educational Services Limited - Regd. Office : Aakash Tower, 8, Pusa Road, New Delhi-110005 Ph. 011-47623456
NEET Gravitation 21
10. Two planets have the same average mass density 15. A satellite of mass m0 is orbiting around the earth
but their radii are in the ratio 1 : 2. The ratio of at a height h above the surface of the earth. If the
their respective acceleration due to gravity is mass of the earth is M and its radius is R, then
[NCERT Pg. 150] angular momentum of the satellite is
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 1 : 4 [NCERT Pg. 194]
(3) 4 : 1 (4) 1 : 8
(1) m0 GMR (2) m0 GM (R  h)
11. The kinetic energies of a planet in an elliptical orbit
about the sun at positions A, B and C are KA, KB
and KC respectively. If AC is the major axis and SB GM GM
(3) m0 (4) m0
is perpendicular to AC at the position of the sun S R Rh
as shown in the figure, then [NCERT Pg. 190]
B SECTION - B
Objective Type Questions
A
1. The distance between sun and a planet is r. The
S C
angular momentum of planet around the sun in
circular orbit is proportional to
(1) KA > KB > KC (2) KB > KA > KC (1) r
(3) KB > KC > KA (4) KB < KA < KC (2) r – 1
12. A planet is revolving around the sun in an elliptical
(3) r 0
orbit. Select the correct option. [NCERT Pg. 184]
1
(1) Total energy of planet is negative at all points (4)
r2
on its trajectory
2. The kinetic energy needed to project a body of
(2) Net torque on planet about sun is zero
(3) Linear momentum of the planet is not R
mass m at rest from a point P at height from
conserved 2
(4) All of these surface of earth to infinity (R = radius of earth, M
= mass of earth) is
13. A body is projected vertically upward with speed v0
(v0 < vescape) from surface of earth. The speed of 2GMm
(1)
body at h height is (where R is radius of earth and 3R
g is acceleration due to gravity at earth’s surface)
GMm
[NCERT Pg. 194] (2)
3R
2 gh 4 gh 2GmM
v 02  v 02  (3)
 h  h R
(1) 1   (2) 1   (4) Zero
 R  R
3. Two satellites of earth are of equal masses. They
4 gh revolve in orbits of radius ratio 1 : 2 with same
2 gh v 02 
v 02  time period, then their
(3)  h (4)  h
1   1  
 R  R (1) Angular speeds are equal
(2) Linear speed ratio is 1 : 2
14. A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius
4RE. How much energy is required to transfer it to (3) Acceleration ratio is 1 : 2
a circular orbit of radius 7RE? [NCERT Pg. 196] (4) All of these
(RE is radius of earth, M is mass of earth). 4. Inside a uniform spherical shell
GMm 3GMm (1) Gravitational field is zero
(1) (2)
56 RE 56 RE (2) Gravitational potential is same everywhere
GMm GMm (3) Force on a test mass inside sphere is zero
(3) (4)
28 RE 14 RE (4) All of these
22 Gravitation NEET
5. Which of the following graphs correctly represents 9. When earth revolves around the sun then
the variation of gravitation field with position due to (1) Angular momentum is conserved
spherical shell? (Symbols have usual meanings)
(2) Linear momentum is not conserved
(1) I (2) I (3) External torque is zero
(4) All of these
r r
10. If density of earth is , radius is R e then its
Re
gravitational field at distance from centre will be
4
(3) I (4)
GRe GRe
(1) (2)
I 3 12
r r
GRe GRe
(3) (4)
4 6
6. A particle of mass ‘m’ moves on the axis of a ring 11. If the gravitational potential due to the earth on its
of radius ‘R’ and mass M. If particle at rest is surface is assumed to be zero, then gravitational
released from ‘P’ then its kinetic energy at centre potential at height 2Re from surface will be
c will be (Re : Radius of the earth; g : acceleration due to
M gravity on earth surface)
R gRe gRe
m (1) (2) 
c 3 3
3R P
2gRe 2gRe
(3) (4) 
3 3
GMm GMm
(1) (2) 12. In earth-sun system, if sun starts to shrink then
R 2R
force on earth due to sun (Assuming that mass of
2GMm GMm sun is constant)
(3) (4)
R 3R (1) Decreases
7. A satellite of mass ‘m’ is revolving in an orbit of (2) Increases
radius ‘R’ around a planet of mass ‘M’. It lost
(3) Remains same
some energy against the work in air resistance and
(4) First decreases then increases
R
shifts to an orbit of radius . The lost energy is
2 7
13. If the gravitational force had varied as r 2 instead
GmM GmM of r –2 , the potential energy of a particle at a
(1) (2)
2R R distance r from centre of earth would be
proportional to
GmM 2GmM
(3) (4) 5
4R R
(1) r –1 (2) r 2
8. If an object is projected from surface of earth with
3
speed v  6gR , then interstellar speed of object (3) r 2 (4) r –2
(g = acceleration due to gravity at surface of earth, 14. An object is launched with a velocity less than
R = Radius of earth) escape velocity. The sum of its kinetic energy and
potential energy is (Assume potential energy is
(1) 2 gR zero at infinity)
(2) gR (1) Positive
(2) Negative
(3) 2gR
(3) Zero
(4) 5gR (4) May be positive or negative
NEET Gravitation 23
15. A body starts from rest from a point distant 4R from 21. Gravitational potential in a region is given by
the centre of the earth. It reaches the surface of v = (3x + 4y + 12z) J/kg. The modulus of
the earth whose radius is R. The speed acquired gravitational field at (x = 1, y = 0, z = 3) is
by the body is
(1) 20 N/kg (2) 13 N/kg
3GM 3GM (3) 12 N/kg (4) 5 N/kg
(1) (2)
2R R
22. Consider earth as a uniform solid sphere.
6GM 3GM Gravitational potential at its surface is v.
(3) (4) Gravitational potential at its cente is
R 4R
(1) v (2) Zero
16. If the earth stops rotating about its axis, then the
acceleration due to gravity will undergo maximum v 3
change at (3) (4) v
2 2
(1) Poles (2) Equator 23. A body of mass m kg starts falling from a point at
(3) At latitude 30° (4) At latitude 45° height 2R above earth’s surface. Find its kinetic
energy when it has fallen to a point at height R
17. The escape speed for a planet is v0. What is the above earth’s surface. (R = Radius of earth)
escape speed corresponding to another planet of
twice the radius and half the density? 1 GMm 1 GMm
(1) (2)
2 R 6 R
v0
(1) 2v 0 (2)
2 2 GMm 1 GMm
(3) (4)
(3) 2v0 (4) 4v0 3 R 3 R
18. The radii of two planets are R1 and R2 respectively 24. If radius of earth reduces by 4% and density
with density  1 and  2 . Then find ratio of remains same, then find escape velocity change.
acceleration due to gravity at their surfaces?
(1) Reduce by 2% (2) Increase by 2%
1
(3) Reduce by 4% (4) Increase by 4%
R12 R1R2
(1) (2) 12 25. A “double star” is a composite system of two stars
2
rotating about their centre of mass under their
R22 mutual gravitational attraction. Let us consider such
R12 R11 a double star which has two stars of masses m
(3) R  (4) R  each at separation l. If T is the time period of
2 1 2 2 rotation about their centre of mass then find T.
19. If the distance between centres of earth and moon
is D and mass of earth is 81 times the mass of l3 l3
moon then at what distance from centre of earth (1) T  2 (2) T  2
mG 2mG
gravitational field is zero?
D 2D l3 l3
(1) (2) (3) T  2 (4) T  2
2 3 3mG 4mG
4D 9D 26. A satellite is revolving round the earth in an orbit of

(3) (4) radius r with time period T. If the satellite is
3 10
revolving round the earth in an orbit of radius r + r
20. Infinite number of point masses each equal to m (r << r) with time period T + T(T << T) then
are placed at x =1, x = 2, x = 4, x = 8……, what
is the total gravitational potential at x = 0? T
find .
T
(1) – Gm
(2) – 2Gm 3 r 2 r
(1) (2)
2 r 3 r
(3) – 4Gm
r 2 r
(4) – 8Gm (3) (4)
r r
24 Gravitation NEET
27. A homogeneous bar of length L and mass M is at 31. A projectile, fired vertically upwards with escape
a distance h from a point mass m a shown. The speed (v) from earth. If it is fired at 45° to the
force on m is F, then find F. horizontal, what should be its speed so that it
M escapes from earth?
m
v
h L (1) v (2)
2
GMm GMm (3) 2v (4) 2v
(1)
h  L 2 (2)
h2 32. Three particles each having a mass of 100 g are
placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of
GMm GMm side 20 cm. The work done in increasing the side
(3) h  h  L  (4)
L2 of this triangle to 40 cm is
(1) 5 × 10–12 J
28. An artificial satellite moving in circular orbit around
earth has a total (kinetic + potential) energy E0. (2) 2.25 × 10–10 J
Find its potential energy and kinetic energy (3) 4 × 10–11 J
respectively.
(4) 6 × 10–15 J
(1) 2E0 and – 2E0 (2) –2E0 and 3E0
33. A planet of mass m moves round the sun of mass
(3) 2E0 and –E0 (4) –2E0 and –E0
M in a circular orbit of radius r with angular speed
29. The magnitudes of gravitational field at distance r1 . Another planet of mass 2m moves round the
and r2 from centre of uniform solid sphere of radius sun in circular orbit of radius 4r with angular speed
R and mass M are F1 and F2 respectively, then

find ratio of F1 and F2. . Find the ratio of .
'
F1 r1 1
(1) F  r if r1  R and r2  R (1) 4 (2)
2 2 4
1
F1 r22 (3) 8 (4)
8
(2) F  2 if r1  R and r2  R
2 r1
34. A satellite of mass m is in the orbit round the earth
at a distance of 2.5R above its surface. If
F1 r1
(3) F  r if r1  R and r2  R
gravitational field strength at surface of earth is g
2 2 calculate the centripetal force acting on the
satellite.
F1 r12
(4) F  2 if r1  R and r2  R mg 4mg
2 r2
(1) (2)
2 25
30. Which of the following represents the variation of
gravitational field (E) versus distance (r) from the 4mg mg
(3) (4)
centre of a spherical shell of radius R? 49 25
E E 35. Three uniform spheres of mass M and radius R

each are kept in such a way that each touches the
other two. Find the magnitude of gravitational force
(1) (2)
r
on any of sphere due to other two spheres.
r
O R O R
3 GM 2 3 GM 2
(1) (2)
E E 4 R2 2 R2
O
(3) (4) 3GM 2 3GM 2
(3) (4)
R R r R2 2R 2
r
NEET Gravitation 25
36. The gravitational potential at surface of earth is
SECTION - C
–v0. The mass of the earth is M and its radius is
R. Find gravitational potential at centre of earth. Previous Years Questions
1. Assuming that the gravitational potential energy of
(1) Zero (2) –v0
an object at infinity is zero, the change in potential
energy (final – initial) of an object of mass m, when
 GM   GM 
(3)   v 0  (4)  v 0  taken to a height h from the surface of earth (of
 2R   2R 
radius R), is given by [NEET-2019 (Odisha)]
37. R is the radius of earth and  is its angular GMm GMm
(1) (2) 
velocity and gE is the acceleration of gravity at Rh Rh
equator. The effective value of acceleration due to GMmh
gravity at the latitude = 30° will be equal to what? (3)
R (R  h )
(4) mgh
3 2 3 2. The time period of a geostationary satellite is 24 h,

(1) gE  R (2) gE  R2 at a height 6RE(RE is radius of earth) from surface
4 4
of earth. The time period of another satellite whose
height is 2.5 RE from surface will be
2R 2R
(3) gE  (4) gE  [NEET-2019 (Odisha)]
4 4
12
(1) h (2) 6 2 h
38. A satellite is revolving around earth with orbital 2.5
speed v 0. If it stops suddenly, find the speed
24
with which it will strike the surface of earth. (3) 12 2 h (4) h
2.5
(ve = escape velocity)
3. A body weighs 200 N on the surface of the earth.
v e2 How much will it weigh half way down to the centre
(1) (2) v0 of the earth ? [NEET-2019]
v0
(1) 150 N (2) 200 N
(3) v e2  v 02 (4) v e2  2v 02
(3) 250 N (4) 100 N
39. Find the minimum energy required to launch a 4. The work done to raise a mass m from the surface
satellite of mass m from the surface of earth of mass of the earth to a height h, which is equal to the
M and radius R in a circular orbit at altitude 2R. radius of the earth, is: [NEET-2019]
5GMm (1) mgR (2) 2mgR
(1)
6R
1 3
2GMm (3) mgR (4) mgR
(2) 2 2
3R
5. The kinetic energies of a planet in an elliptical orbit
GMm about the Sun, at positions A, B and C are KA, KB
(3)
2R and KC, respectively. AC is the major axis and SB
GMm is perpendicular to AC at the position of the Sun
(4) S as shown in the figure. Then [NEET-2018]
3R
B
40. A planet of mass M is in an elliptical orbit around the
sun with time period T. The semi major axis and semi
A C
minor axis are equal to a and b respectively. The S
angular momentum of the planet is
(1) KA < KB < KC
2M ab
(1) (2) Mab (2) KA > KB > KC
T
M ab (3) KB > KA > KC
(3) (4) 2abT
2T (4) KB < KA < KC
26 Gravitation NEET
6. If the mass of the Sun were ten times smaller and 10. A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth (of radius
the universal gravitational constant were ten times R) at a height h from its surface. The total energy
larger in magnitude, which of the following is not of the satellite in terms of g 0 , the value of
correct? [NEET-2018] acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface,
is [NEET (Phase-2) 2016]
(1) Raindrops will fall faster
mg0 R 2
(2) Walking on the ground would become more (1)
2(R  h )
difficult
(3) ‘g’ on the Earth will not change mg 0 R 2

(2) 
2(R  h )
(4) Time period of a simple pendulum on the Earth
would decrease 2mg0 R 2
(3)
7. The acceleration due to gravity at a height 1 km Rh
above the earth is the same as at a depth d below 2mg0 R 2
the surface of earth. Then [NEET-2017] (4) 
Rh
1 11. At what height from the surface of earth the
(1) d  km
2 gravitation potential and the value of g are
(2) d = 1 km –5.4 × 107 J kg–1 and 6.0 m s–2 respectively? Take
the radius of earth as 6400 km [NEET-2016]
3
(3) d  km (1) 2000 km
2
(2) 2600 km
(4) d = 2 km
(3) 1600 km
8. Two astronauts are floating in gravitational free
space after having lost contact with their (4) 1400 km
spaceship. The two will [NEET-2017] 12. The ratio of escape velocity at earth (ve) to the
escape velocity at a planet (vp) whose radius and
(1) Keep floating at the same distance between
mean density are twice as that of earth is
them
[NEET-2016]
(2) Move towards each other
(1) 1: 2
(3) Move away from each other
(2) 1 : 2
(4) Will become stationary
(3) 1: 2 2
9. Starting from the centre of the earth having radius
(4) 1 : 4
R, the variation of g (acceleration due to gravity) is
shown by [NEET (Phase-2) 2016] 13. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around
the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small
compared to the mass of the earth. Then
g g [Re-AIPMT-2015]
(1) The acceleration of S is always directed
(1) (2)
towards the centre of the earth
O O
R r R r (2) The angular momentum of S about the centre
of the earth changes in direction, but its
magnitude remains constant
g g (3) The total mechanical energy of S varies
periodically with time
(3) (4)
(4) The linear momentum of S remains constant in
O O
R r R r magnitude
NEET Gravitation 27
14. A remote-sensing satellite of earth revolves in a 18. A body of mass m is taken from the earth’s surface
circular orbit at a height of 0.25 × 106 m above the to the height equal to twice the radius (R) of the
surface of earth. If earth's radius is 6.38 × 106 m earth. The change in potential energy of body will
and g = 9.8 m s–2, then the orbital speed of the be [NEET-2013]
satellite is [Re-AIPMT-2015]
2
(1) 6.67 km s–1 (1) mgR
3
(2) 7.76 km s–1
(2) 3mgR
(3) 8.56 km s–1
1
(4) 9.13 km s–1 (3) mgR
3
15. Kepler's third law states that square of period of
(4) mg2R
revolution (T) of a planet around the sun, is
proportional to third power of average distance r 19. Infinite number of bodies, each of mass 2 kg are
between sun and planet, i.e., T2 = Kr3, here K is situated on x-axis at distances 1 m, 2 m, 4 m,
constant. If the masses of sun and planet are M 8 m, ....., respectively, from the origin. The resulting
and m respectively then as per Newton's law of gravitational potential due to this system at the
gravitation force of attraction between them is origin will be [NEET-2013]
GMm
F , here G is gravitational constant. The 8
r2 (1) – G
relation between G and K is described as 3
[AIPMT-2015] 4
(2) – G
1 3
(1) K  (2) GK = 42
G (3) – 4G
(3) GMK = 42 (4) K = G (4) – G
16. A black hole is an object whose gravitational field 20. A spherical planet has a mass Mp and diameter Dp.
is so strong that even light cannot escape from it. A particle of mass m falling freely near the surface
To what approximate radius would earth of this planet will experience an acceleration due
(mass = 5.98 × 1024 kg) have to be compresed to to gravity, equal to [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
be a black hole? [AIPMT-2014]
(1) GMp / Dp2 (2) 4GMpm / Dp2
(1) 10–9 m (2) 10–6 m
(3) 4GMp / Dp2 (4) GMpm / Dp2
(3) 10–2 m (4) 100 m
21. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a
height of 5R above that surface of the earth, R being
17. Dependence of intensity of gravitational field ( E ) of
the radius of the earth. The time period of another
earth with distance (r) from centre of earth is
correctly respresented by [AIPMT-2014] satellite in hours at a height of 2R from the surface
of the earth is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
E E 6
(1) 6 2 (2)
R 2
O r O r
(1) (2) R
(3) 5 (4) 10
22. The height at which the weight of a body becomes
1
th, its weight on the surface of earth (radius R),
E E 16
R is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2012]
O r O r
(3) (4) R (1) 3R (2) 4R
(3) 5R (4) 15R
28 Gravitation NEET
23. If ve is escape velocity and vo is orbital velocity of a 27. A particle of mass m is thrown upwards from the
satellite for orbit close to the earth’s surface, then surface of the earth, with a velocity u. The mass and
these are related by [AIPMT (Mains)-2012] the radius of the earth are, respectively, M and R. G
is gravitational constant and g is acceleration due to
(1) v o  2 v e (2) vo = ve gravity on the surface of the earth. The minimum
value of u so that the particle does not return back
(3) v e  2 v o (4) v e  2 v o to earth, is [AIPMT (Mains)-2011]
2GM
24. Which one of the following plots represents the (1) 2gR 2 (2)
variation of gravitational field with distance r due to R2
a thin spherical shell of radius R? (r is measured 2gM
2GM
from the centre of the spherical shell) (3) (4)
R R2
[AIPMT (Mains)-2012]
28. The radii of circular orbits of two satellites A and B
of the earth, are 4R and R, respectively. If the speed
F F of satellite A is 3v, then the speed of satellite B will
be [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]
(1) (2) 3v
(1) (2) 6v
O O 4
R r R r
3v
(3) 12v (4)
F F 2
29. A particle of mass M is situated at the centre of a
spherical shell of same mass and radius a. The
(3) (4)
a
O O gravitational potential at a point situated at
R r R r 2
distance from the centre, will be
25. A planet moving along an elliptical orbit is closest
to the sun at a distance r1 and farthest away at a [AIPMT (Prelims)-2010]
distance of r2. If v1 and v2 are the linear velocities
3GM 2GM
v1 (1)  (2) 
a a
at these points respectively, then the ratio v is
2
GM 4GM
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2011] (3)  (4) 
a a
2
r1  r1  30. The additional kinetic energy to be provided to a
(1) r (2)  
2  r2  satellite of mass m revolving around a planet of
mass M, to transfer it from a circular orbit of radius
2
r2  r2  R1 to another of radius R2 (R2 > R1) is
(3) r (4)  
1  r1  [AIPMT (Mains)-2010]
26. A particle of mass M is situated at the centre of a  1 1 

(1) GmM  2  2 
spherical shell of same mass and radius a. The
 R1 R2 
magnitude of the gravitational potential at a point
a  1 1 
situated at distance from the centre, will be (2) GmM   
2  R1 R2 
[AIPMT (Mains)-2011]
 1 1 
4GM GM (3) 2GmM   
(1) (2)  R1 R2 
a a
1  1 1 
2GM 3GM (4) GmM   
(3)
a
(4)
a 2  R1 R2 
NEET Gravitation 29
31. The dependence of acceleration due to gravity g on 34. The Earth is assumed to be a sphere of radius R.
the distance r from the centre of the earth, assumed A platform is arranged at a height R from the
to be a sphere of radius R of uniform density is as surface of the Earth. The escape velocity of a body
shown in figures below from this platform is fv, where v is its escape
velocity from the surface of the Earth. The value of
f is [AIPMT (Prelims)-2006]
1
g g (1) 2 (2)
2
(a) (b)
r r
R R 1 1
(3) (4)
3 2
35. Imagine a new planet having the same density as
that of earth but it is 3 times bigger than the earth
g
(d) g
in size. If the acceleration due to gravity on the
(c)
surface of earth is g and that on the surface of the
r r new planet is g’, then [AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
R R
g
The correct figure is [AIPMT (Mains)-2010] (1) g= 3g (2) g=
9
(1) (d) (2) (a)
(3) g= 9g (4) g= 27g
(3) (b) (4) (c)
36. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth,
32. The figure shows elliptical orbit of a planet m about the ratio of kinetic energy to potential energy is :
the sun S. The shaded area SCD is twice the
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2005]
shaded area SAB. If t1 is the time for the planet to
move from C to D and t2 is the time to move from A 1
(1) 2 (2)
to B then 2
m v 1
C
(3)
2
(4) 2
B
Questions asked Prior to Medical Ent. Exams. 2005
S
A D 37. The radius of a planet is twice the radius of earth.
Both have almost equal average mass-densities. If
[AIPMT (Prelims)-2009] vP and vE are escape velocities of the planet and
the earth, respectively, then
(1) t1 = 4t2
(1) vE = 1.5vP (2) vP = 1.5vE
(2) t1 = 2t2
(3) vP = 2vE (4) vE = 3vP
(3) t1 = t2
38. A particle of mass 'm' is kept at rest at a height
(4) t1 > t2 3R from the surface of earth, where 'R' is radius of
33. Two satellites of earth S1 and S2 are moving in the earth and 'M' is mass of earth. The minimum
same orbit. The mass of S1 is four times the mass speed with which it should be projected, so that it
of S2. Which one of the following statements is does not return back, is
true? [AIPMT (Prelims)-2007] (g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of
(1) The potential energies of earth and satellite in earth)
the two cases are equal 1 1
 GM  2  GM  2
(2) S1 and S2 are moving with the same speed (1)   (2)  
 R   2R 
(3) The kinetic energies of the two satellites are
1 1
equal  gR  2  2g  2
(3)   (4)  
(4) The time period of S1 is four times that of S2  4   R 
30 Gravitation NEET
39. Which of the following graphs shows the variation 43. The radius of earth is about 6400 km and that of
of acceleration due to gravity g with depth h from Mars is 3200 km. The mass of the earth is about
the surface of the earth? 10 times the mass of Mars. An object weighs
200 N on the surface of Earth. Its weight on the
(a) (b)
surface of mars will be
(1) 20 N (2) 8 N
g g
(3) 80 N (4) 40 N
44. The earth (mass = 6 × 1024 kg) revolves around
h the sun with an angular velocity of 2 × 10–7 rad/s
h
in a circular orbit of radius 1.5 × 108 km. The force
(c) (d) exerted by the sun on the earth, in newtons, is
(1) 36 × 1021 (2) 27 × 1039
g g (3) Zero (4) 18 × 1025

45. Two particles of equal mass m go around a circle
of radius R under the action of their mutual
h h gravitational attraction. The speed v of each
particle is
(1) (a) (2) (b)
(3) (c) (4) (d) 1 Gm 4Gm
(1) (2)
40. At what altitude (h) above the earth’s surface would 2 R R
the acceleration due to gravity be one fourth of its
value at the earth’s surface? 1 1 Gm
(3) (4)
2R Gm 2R
(1) h = R
46. The acceleration due to gravity g and mean
(2) h = 4R
density of the earth  are related by which of the
(3) h = 2R following relations? (where G is the gravitational
(4) h = 16R constant and R is the radius of the earth.)
41. If the gravitational force between two objects were 3g 3g

(1)   (2)  
proportional to 1/R (and not as 1/R2), where R is 4 GR 4 GR 3
the distance between them, then a particle in a
circular path (under such a force) would have its 4 gR 2 4 gR 3
orbital speed v, proportional to (3)   (4)  
3G 3G
(1) R 47. What will be the formula of mass of the earth in
(2) R0 (independent of R) terms of g, R and G?
1 R R2
(3) (1) G (2) g
R2 g G
1 2 R R
(4) (3) g (4) G
R G g2
42. The distance of two planets from the sun are 48. The period of revolution of planet A around the sun
1013 m and 1012 m respectively. The ratio of time is 8 times that of B. The distance of A from the
periods of the planets is sun is how many times greater than that of B
from the sun?
(1) 10 : 1
(1) 4
(2) 10 10 : 1 (2) 5
(3) 2
(3) 10 : 1
(4) 3
(4) 1 : 1
NEET Gravitation 31
49. The escape velocity of a body on the surface of 55. The acceleration due to gravity on a planet A is
the earth is 11.2 km/s. If the earth’s mass 9 times the acceleration due to gravity on planet
increases to twice its present value and radius of B. A man jumps to a height of 2 m on the surface
the earth becomes half, the escape velocity of A. What is the height of jump by the same
becomes person on the planet B?
(1) 22.4 km/s
(1) 2/9 m (2) 18 m
(2) 44.8 km/s
(3) 6 m (4) 2/3 m
(3) 5.6 km/s
56. Two spheres of masses m and M are situated in
(4) 11.2 km/s
air and the gravitational force between them is F.
50. The escape velocity of a sphere of mass m from The space around the masses is now filled with a
the surface of earth is given by (G = Universal liquid of specific gravity 3. The gravitational force
gravitational constant; M= Mass of the earth and will now be
Re = Radius of the earth)
(1) 3F
2GMm 2GM
(1) Re (2) Re (2) F
(3) F / 3
GM 2GM  R e
(3) Re (4) Re (4) F / 9
51. A body of weight 72 N moves from the surface of 57. The density of a newly discovered planet is twice
earth at a height half of the radius of earth, then that of earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the
gravitational force exerted on it will be surface of the planet is equal to that at the surface
of the earth. If the radius of the earth is R, then
(1) 36 N (2) 32 N
the radius of the planet would be
(3) 144 N (4) 50 N
(1) 2R (2) 4R
52. A planet has mass equal to mass of the earth but
radius one fourth of radius of the earth. Then 1 1
(3) R (4) R
escape velocity at the surface of this planet will be 4 2
(1) 11.2 km/s (2) 22.4 km/s 58. A ball is dropped from a spacecraft revolving
(3) 5.6 km/s (4) 44.8 km/s around the earth at a height of 120 km. What will
happen to the ball?
53. With what velocity should a particle be projected so
that its height becomes equal to radius of earth? (1) It will fall down to the earth gradually
1/ 2 1/ 2 (2) It will go very far in the space
 GM   8GM 
(1)   (2)   (3) It will continue to move with the same speed
 R   R 
along the original orbit of spacecraft
1/ 2 1/ 2
 2GM   4GM 
(3)   (4)   (4) It will move with the same speed, tangentially
 R   R 
to the spacecraft
54. A body of mass m is placed on earth surface
which is taken from earth surface to a height of SECTION - D
h = 3R, then change in gravitational potential
energy is NEET Booster Questions
mgR 1. If g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of

(1) the earth, G is universal gravitational constant and
4
R is radius of the earth then mean density  of the
2 mgR earth can be expressed as
(2)
3
3G 3g
3 mgR (1) (2)
(3)
4 4gR 4GR
mgR 4g 4G
(4) (3) (4)
2 3 GR 3gR
32 Gravitation NEET
2. If a body is projected vertically upwards with 9. A satellite is revolving round the earth with the
velocity v = Nve, where N < 1 and ve is escape orbital speed v0. If suddenly its speed becomes
velocity from the surface of the earth, then 2v0, then it will
maximum altitude h attained by the body is given
(1) Move in elliptical path
as (R : Radius of the earth)
(2) Move in circular path
R RN 2
(1) (2) (3) Have parabolic escape
1  N2 1  N2
(4) Have hyperbolic escape
RN R
(3) (4) 10. If R is radius of the earth and g is acceleration due
1 N 1 N
to gravity on the surface of the earth, then the time
3. A satellite rotating very close to the surface of the period of rotation of the earth so that a body kept
earth has approximate linear speed equal to on equator feels weightless is
(1) 5 km/s (2) 6 km/s
R R
(3) 7 km/s (4) 8 km/s (1)  (2) 2
g g
4. If R is radius of the earth then approximate altitude
of a geosynchronus satellite is R 1 R
(3) 4 (4)
(1) 4R (2) 6R g 2 g
(3) 8R (4) 9R 11. If g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of
the earth and a particle of mass m is raised up by
5. If a planet of mass M has angular momentum L
about sun, then its areal speed is given by R
an altitude h = , where R is radius of the earth,
L L 3
(1) (2)
M 2M then the potential energy increase of the particle is
2L L mgh
(3) (4) (1) mgh (2)
M 4M 3
6. In a model of universe, two particles each of mass mgh 3mgh
M are revolving in a circle of radius R under mutual (3) (4)
4 4
gravitational attraction. Their linear speed are
12. A particle is thrown vertically up at a speed 2ve,
GM GM where ve is escape speed from the surface of the
(1) (2)
R 2R earth then its left over speed in the interstellar
space at infinity will be
GM 2GM
(3) (4)
4R R (1) ve (2) 2 ve
7. If acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the
earth is g then its value at an altitude equal to ve
radius of the earth R is (3) 3 ve (4)
2
g 13. Assume that the gravitational force is proportional
(1) g (2)
2 to rn then time period of an orbiting object will be
g g proportional to
(3) (4)
4 8 (1) r(1 – n) (2) r (1  n )/2
8. A particle is thrown vertically up from the surface
(3) r(n – 1) (4) r(n – 1)/2
of the earth at a very large speed equal togR ,
14. If the altitude of a rotating satellite is decreased,
where g is acceleration due to gravity on the then its
surface of the earth of radius R, then maximum
altitude attained by the particle is (1) Total mechanical energy increases
R (2) Potential energy increases

(1) (2) R
2 (3) Kinetic energy increases
(3) 2R (4) 4R (4) All of these
NEET Gravitation 33
15. Variation of magnitude of gravitational field E with 20. With what angular velocity, the earth should spin
distance r from the centre of a solid sphere of in order that a body lying at 30° latitude may
mass M and radius R is best shown as become weightless (R is radius of earth and g is
acceleration due to gravity)
E E
2g g
(1) (2)
3R R
(1) (2)
g 4g
r r (3) (4)
O R O R 3R 3R
21. Three point masses, M each, are moving in a
E E
circle, each with a speed v, under their mutual
gravitational attractive force. The distance between
any two masses must be
(3) (4)
2GM 3GM
O r r (1) (2)
R O R v2 v2
16. Two particles each of mass m kg are placed at P
3G 3 GM
and Q such that PO = OQ = L. The gravitational (3) (4)
force experienced by another M kg mass placed at v 2
v2
R, where OR = L is 22. What is the minimum energy required to launch a
satellite of mass m from the surface of a planet of
M R mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an
L altitude of 2R?
m m GMm 5GMm
P L O L Q (1) (2)
3R 6R
GMm 2GMm GMm
(1) Zero (2) along RO (3) (4)
2L2 3R 2R
GMm GMm 23. How much deep inside the earth should a man go
(3) along OP (4) along OQ so that his weight becomes one-fourth of that at a
2L2 L2
point which is at a height R above the surface of
17. A planet moves around the sun in an elliptical orbit earth? (R = Radius of earth)
of eccentricity e. If v is the velocity at perihelion,
then the velocity of planet at aphelion is given by R 15R
(1) (2)
4 16
 1 e   1– e  3R R
(1)  v (2)  v
1– e  1 e  (3) (4)
4 2
 e  24. At what distance from the centre of the moon is
(3)  v (4) v the point at which the resultant gravitational field
1 e 
due to moon and earth is equal to zero? The
18. The value of acceleration due to gravity will be 1% earth’s mass is 81 times that of moon and the
of its value at the surface of earth at a height of distance between their centres is 60R where R is
(Re = 6400 km) radius of earth
(1) 6400 km (2) 57600 km (1) 6R (2) 4R
(3) 2560 km (4) 8400 km (3) 3R (4) 5R
19. Which of the following statement is correct about 25. If the gravitational force between the planet and the
a satellite moving around a planet in circular orbit? sun were proportional to R–5/2, then T would be
proportional to
(1) Its time period is proportional to cube of radius
7 3
(2) Its linear momentum is conserved
(1) R 4 (2) R 5
(3) Its areal velocity is constant 7 3
(4) Its mechanical energy decreases (3) R 2 (4) R 2
34 Gravitation NEET
26. A particle is fired vertically upward from earth’s 33. Consider a planet moving around a star in an
surface and it goes up to a height equal to earth’s elliptical orbit with period T. The area of the elliptical
radius. Find the initial speed of the particle (Radius orbit is proportional to
of earth = 6400 km)
(1) T4/3 (2) T
(1) 6 km/s (2) 7.9 km/s
2/3
(3) T (4) T 1/2
(3) 8.4 km/s (4) 5.2 km/s
27. A particle is fired vertically upward with a speed of 34. If all objects on the equator of earth feel weightless
15 km/s. With what speed will it move in then the duration of the day will nearly become
interstellar space? (1) 6.2 h (2) 4.4 h
(1) Zero (2) 7 km/s
(3) 2.2 h (4) 1.41 h
(3) 5 km/s (4) 10 km/s
35. A satellite of mass m is revolving close to surface
28. A uniform solid sphere of mass M and radius R is of a planet of density d with time period T. The
surrounded symmetrically by a uniform thin value of universal gravitational constant on planet is
spherical shell of equal mass and radius 2R. The given by
3
value of gravitational potential at a distance R (1) 2d2T (2) dT2
2
from the centre is
1 3
2 GM 5 GM (3) (4)
(1) – (2) –
2
d T dT 2
3 R 6 R
36. If gravitational field intensity is E at distance R/2
4 GM 7 GM
(3) – (4) – outside from then surface of a thin shell of radius
3 R 6 R R, the gravitational field intensity at distance R/2
29. The ratio of kinetic energy of a planet at perigee from its centre is
and apogee during its motion around the sun in
(1) Zero (2) 2E
elliptical orbit of eccentricity e is
1 e 2E 3E
(1) 1 : e (2) (3) (4)
1 e 3 2
2 2 37. If acceleration due to gravity at distance d[< R]
 1 e   1 e 
(3)   (4)   from the centre of earth is , then its value at
 1 e   1 e  distance d above the surface of earth will be [where
30. An earth satellite X is revolving around earth in an R is radius of earth]
orbit whose radius is one-fourth the radius of orbit of
a communication satellite. Time period of revolution R 2 R
(1) 3
(2)
of X is (R  d ) 2d
(1) 3 h (2) 6 h
d R 3
(3) 4 days (4) 72 days (3) 2 (4)
(R  d ) d (R  d )2
31. Two satellites of equal mass are revolving around
38. Gravitational potential in a region is given by
earth in elliptical orbits of different semi-major axis.
V = –(x + y + z) J/kg. Find the gravitational intensity
If their angular momenta about earth centre are in
at (2, 2, 2)
the ratio 3 : 4 then ratio of their areal velocity is
3 2 (1) (iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg (2) 2(iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg

(1) (2)
4 3
(3) 3(iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg (4) 4(iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg
1 4
(3) (4)
3 3 39. A body weighs 72 N on surface of the earth. When it
32. When a satellite moves around the earth in a certain is taken to a height of h = 2R, where R is radius of
orbit, the quantity which remains constant is earth, it would weigh
(1) Angular velocity (2) Kinetic energy (1) 36 N (2) 18 N
(3) Areal velocity (4) Potential energy (3) 9 N (4) 8 N
NEET Gravitation 35
40. A body is projected vertically upwards with a speed 45. If radius of an orbiting satellite is decreased, then its
kinetic energy
GM
of (M is mass and R is radius of earth). The (1) And potential energy decrease
R
(2) And potential energy increase
body will attain a height of
(3) Decreases and potential energy increases
R
(1) (2) R (4) Increases and potential energy decreases
2
46. Two point masses having mass M and 4M are
5 3R
(3) R (4) placed at distance r. The gravitational potential at
4 2 a point, where gravitational field intensity zero is
41. If the gravitational potential energy of two point
9GM 2GM
masses infinitely away is taken to be zero then (1) (2)
gravitational potential energy of a galaxy is r 3r
(1) Zero (2) Positive 3GM 6GM

(3) (4)
r 5r
(3) Negative (4) Can have any value
47. If potential at the surface of earth is assigned zero
42. A particle of mass m is dropped from a height
value, then potential at centre of earth will be
R equal to the radius of the earth above the tunnel
(Mass = M, Radius = R)
dug through the earth as shown in the figure. Hence
the correct statement is GM
(1) 0 (2) 
m 2R
R 3GM 3GM
(3)  (4)
2R 2R
48. If potential energy of a body of mass m on the
R surface of earth is taken as zero then its potential
energy at height h above the surface of earth is [R
C
is radius of earth and M is mass of earth]
GMm GMm
(1) (2)
(1) Particle will oscillate through the earth to a height Rh h
h = R on both sides GMmh GMmh
(3) (4)
(2) Motion of the particle is periodic R (R  h ) h  2R
(3) Motion of the particle is simple harmonic 49. A particle is projected vertically up with velocity
(4) Both (1) & (2) 4g R e
v from earth surface. The velocity of
43. The particles A and B of mass m each are separated 3
by a distance r. Another particle C of mass M is particle at height equal to half of the maximum
placed at the midpoint of A and B. Find the work height reached by it
done in taking C to a point equidistant r from A and
B without acceleration (G = Gravitational constant g Re g Re
(1) (2)
and only gravitational interaction between A, B and 2 3
C is considered)
2g Re
GMm 2GMm (3) g Re (4)
(1) (2) 3
r r
50. The orbital speed of a satellite revolving around a
3GMm 4GMm planet in a circular orbit is v 0. If its speed is
(3) (4)
r r increased by 10%, then
44. The magnitude of potential energy per unit mass of (1) It will escape from its orbit
an object at the surface of earth is E, then the
(2) It will start rotating in an elliptical orbit
escape velocity of the object is
(3) It will continue to move in the same orbit
(1) 2E (2) 4E2
(4) It will move in a circular orbit of radius 20%
(3) E (4) 2E more than radius of initial orbit
36 Gravitation NEET
51. If L is the angular momentum of a satellite revolving 53. When energy of a satellite-planet system is positive
around earth is a circular orbit of radius r with then satellite will
speed v, then
(1) Move around planet in circular orbit
(1) L  v
(2) Move around planet in elliptical orbit
(2) L  r
(3) Escape out with minimum speed
(3) L  r (4) Escape out with speed greater than escape
velocity
(4) L  v
54. An object is projected horizontally with speed
52. Two satellites of mass m and 2m are revolving in
1 GM
two circular orbits of radii r and 2r around an , from a point at height 3R [where R is
imaginary planet, on the surface of with 2 R
gravitational force is inversely proportional to radius and M is mass of earth, then object will]
distance from its centre. The ratio of orbital speed
(1) Fall back on surface of earth by following
of satellites is
parabolic path
(1) 1 : 1
(2) Fall back on surface of earth by following
(2) 1 : 2 hyperbolic path
(3) 2 : 1 (3) Start rotating around earth in a circular orbit
(4) 1: 2 (4) Escape from gravitational field of earth


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Chapter 8

z Energy of orbiting satellite (t dt)

Newton’s Law in Vector Form

Principle of Superposition of Gravitational Force

If masses m1, m2, m3 .... mn are placed in any region.

Then gravitational force on m1 is

= 8Gm2 jˆ – 4Gm2 sin 30°

Acceleration Due to Gravity at Earth Surface

 h = (1.414 – 1) 6.4 × 106

(3) Effect of depth d

d is depth below the earth surface

(4) Effect of Rotation of Earth 

GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

Case II : when P is inside the shell

This is independent of the location of P inside the spherical shell.

(3) Potential due to a uniform solid sphere : Let us consider V

Case II : when P is inside the sphere O r

(i) At the centre of sphere r = 0

(ii) At the surface of sphere V

Important Points on Escape Speed

By law of conservation of energy, KE = – P.E.

Time period of a satellite :

2(Re  h )3/2 2(Re  h )3/2

ENERGY OF ORBITING SATELLITE

Potential Energy, Kinetic Energy and Total Energy

(1) x–3 (2) x–3/2

(3) x–1 (4) x

(1) 5 × 1015 J (2) – 5 × 1015 J

(3) 1016 J (4) – 1016 J

SHAPE OF TRAJECTORIES CORRESPONDING TO DIFFERENT VELOCITIES

GEOSTATIONARY AND POLAR SATELLITES

z Geostationary Satellites : For a satellite to be geostationary following conditions must be satisfied.

(i) These are low altitude satellites (h 500 m  800 km)

(ii) These satellites orbit around the poles is a (N–S) direction

4D 9D 26. A satellite is revolving round the earth in an orbit of

E E 35. Three uniform spheres of mass M and radius R

3 2 3 2. The time period of a geostationary satellite is 24 h,

(3) ‘g’ on the Earth will not change mg 0 R 2

26. A particle of mass M is situated at the centre of a  1 1 

g g (3) Zero (4) 18 × 1025

41. If the gravitational force between two objects were 3g 3g

mgR 1. If g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of

R (2) Potential energy increases

(4) Its mechanical energy decreases (3) R 2 (4) R 2

3 2 (1) (iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg (2) 2(iˆ  jˆ  kˆ ) N/kg

(1) Zero (2) Positive 3GM 6GM

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