Gravitation 3.

INTRODUCTION Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation &

Gravitational Field, Potential
Newton observed that an object, an apple, when & Potential energy
released near the earth surface is accelerated towards
1.1 Newtons's L aw of Un iversal
the earth. As acceleration is caused by an unbalanced
Gravitation
force, there must be a force pulling objects towards
All physical bodies are subjected to the action of the
the earth. If someone throws a projectile with some forces of mutual gravitational attraction. The basic
initial velocity, then instead of that object moving law describing the gravitational forces was stated by
off into space in a straight line, it is continously acted Sir Issac Newton and it is called Newton's Law. of
on by a force pulling it back to earth. If we throw Universal gravitation.
the projectile with greater velocity then the path of The law is stated as : "Between any two particles of
projectile would be different as well and its range is masses mI and m2 at separation r from each other
 
also increased with initial velocity. If the projection there exist attractive forces FAB and FBA directed
velocity is further increased until at some initial from one body to the other and equal in magnitude
velocity, the body would not hit the earth at all but which is directly proportional to the product of the
would go right around it in an orbit. But at any point masses of the bodies and inversely proportional to
along its path the projectile would still have a force the square of the distance between the two". Thus
we can write
acting on it pulling it toward the surface of earth.
Newton was led to the conclusion that the same m1m 2
FAB  FBA  G ...(1)
force that causes the apple to fall to the earth also r2
causes the moon to be pulled to the earth. Thus the Where G is called universal gravitational constant.
moon moves in its orbit about the earth because it is Its value is equal to 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg. The law
pulled toward the earth. But if there is a force of gravitation can be applied to the bodies whose
dimensions are small as compared to the separation
between the moon and the earth, why not a force
between the two or when bodies can be treated as
between the sun and the earth or why not a force
point particles.
between the sun and the other planets ? Newton
 
proposed that the same force, named gravitational m1 FAB FBA m2
force which acts on objects near the earth surface
A B
also acts on all the heavenly bodies. He proposed r
that there was a force of gravitation between each
If the bodies are not very small sized, we can not
and every mass in the universe.
directly apply the expression in equation-(1) to find
 Theory and Exercise Book

their natural gravitational attraction. In this case we 

if a test mass m0, experiences a force F , then at
use the following procedure to find the same. The
bodies are initially split into small parts or a large that point in space, gravitational field strength which
number of point masses. 

 F
Now using equation-(1) the force of attraction is denoted by g , is given as g 
exerted on a particle of one body by a particle of m0
another body can be obtained. Now we add all

forces vectorially which are exerted by all Gravitational field strength g is a vector quantity
independent particles of second body on the particle
and has same direction as that of the force on the
of first body. Finally the resultants of these forces
test mass in field.
is summed over all particles of the first body to obtain
Generally magnitude of test mass is very small such
the net force experinced by the bodies. In general
that its gravitational field does not modify the field
we use integration or basic summation of these
that is being measured. It should be also noted that
forces.
gravitational field strength is just the acceleration
 Gravitational force is a conservative force.
that a unit mass would experience at that point in
 Gravitational force is a central force. space.
 Gravitational force is equal in magnitude & opposite
in direction
2.2 Gravitational Field Strength of Point
 Gravitational forces are action - reaction pair. Mass
 Gravitational force acts along the line joining the As per our previous discussion we can state that
two masses. every point mass also produces a gravitational field
 Gravitational force doesn't depend upon the medium in its surrounding. To find the gravitational field
 Gravitational force is an attractive force. strength due to a point mass, we put a test mass m0
at a point P at distance x from a point mass m then
 –Gm1m 2 r force on m0 is given as
F 
| r |3
Fg m0
[Head of r is placed at that position where we have
x
to evaluate force]

m
2. GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
We can state by Newton's universal law of gravitation Gmm0
that every mass M produces, in the region around Fg 
x2
it, a physical situation in which, whenever any other
mass is placed, force acts on it, is called gravitational Now if at point P, gravitational field strength due to
field. This field is recognized by the force that the m is gp then it is given as
mass M exerts another mass, such as m, brought
Fg Gm
into the region. gp  
m0 x2

2.1 Strength of Gravitational Field The expression written in above equation gives the
We define gravitational field strength at any point gravitational field strength at a point due to a point
in space to be the gravitational force per unit mass mass. It should be noted that the expression in
on a test mass (mass brought into the field for equation written above is only applicable for
experimental observation). Thus for a point in space gravitational field strength due to point masses. It
 Gravitation

should not be used for extended bodies. (c) for inner points = 0 (As no mass is enclosed
However, the expression for the gravitational field within it)
strength produced by extended masses has already 8. Due to solid sphere
been derived in electrostatics section.
–GM
[Just replace k by –G & Q by M in those expression] (a) For outer points = (Behaving as a point
x2
So we will just revise the expression of gravitational
mass)
field strength at points due to various extended
masses. Gravitational field strength : –GM
(b) For points on surface = (Behaving as a
R2
–GMx
1. At a point on the axis of Ring = point mass)
(x  R 2 )3 / 2
2

2. At a point on the axis of disc

2GM  x  x
= 1 – 
R 2  R 2  x 2  g
1
gx g
–GM  1 1  –GM x2
3. At an axial point of a rod = –
L  x x  L  R2

–2GM sin( / 2)
4. Due to a circular Arc =
R 2 –GMx
(c) For inner points =
R3
–2G
5. Due to a long infinite thread =
x
6. Due to long solid cylinder 3. INTERACTION ENERGY
–2GR 2 This energy exists in a system of particles due to the
(a) at an outer point = interaction forces between the particles of system.
x
Analytically this term is defined as the work done
(where  is mass density per volume)
against the interaction of system forces in assembling
(b) at an inner point = – 2G x
the given configuration of particles. To understand
7. Due to hollow sphere :
this we take a simple example of interaction energy
–GM of two points masses.
(a) for outer points = (Behaving as a point
x2 Figure (a) shows a system of two point
mass) masses m1 and m2 placed at a distance r apart in
–GM space. here if we wish to find the interaction potential
(b) for points on surface = (Behaving as a energy of the two masses, this must be the work
R2
done in bringing the two masses from infinity (zero
point mass)
interaction state) to this configuration. For this we
first fix m1 at its position and bring m2 slowly from
infinity to its location. If in the process m2 is at a
R x distance x from m1 then force on it is
g

Gm1m 2 ˆ
1 F – i
–GM
g x2
x2
2
R
Theory and Exercise Book

m1 if in a given system of particles, the system forces

m2
r are repulsive, then in assembling a system some
external forces have to be work against the system
(a)
forces and in this case some work must be done by
external forces on the system hence finally the
m1 m2
r interaction energy of the system of particles must
Fdx be positive.
(b) In above example as work is done by the gravitaional
forces of the system of two masses, the interaction
This force is applied by the gravitational field of m1
energy of system must be negative and it can be
to m2. If it is further displaced by a distance dx
given as
towards m1 then work done by the field is
Gm1m 2
 Gm1m 2 U12  – ...(1)
dx
dW  F .dx = x2
r
As gravitational forces are always attractive, the
Now in bringing m2 from infinity to a position at a
gravitational potential energy is always taken
distance r from m1, the total work done by the field is
negative.
r
Gm1m 2 3.1 Interaction Energy of a System of

W  dW –  x2
dx
 Particles
If in a system there are more than two particles then
r
 1 we can find the interaction energy of particle in pairs
= – G m1 m2  – 
 x  using equation (1) and finally sum up all the results
to get the total energy of the system. For example in
Gm1m 2 a system of N particles with masses m1, m2........mn
W
r separated from each other by a distance r12........
where r12 is the separation between m1 and m2 and
Thus during the process field of system has done
so on.
Gm1m 2 In the above case the total interaction energy of
amount of work. The work is positive
r system is given as
because the displacement of body is in the direction
N N Gmi m j
of force. 1
U–
2
 rij
Initially when the separation between m1 and m2 i 1 j1

was very large (at infinity) there was no interaction

between them. We conversely say that as a reference 1
In this expression the factor is taken because
when there is no interaction the interaction energy 2
of the system is zero and during the process system the interaction energy for each possible pair of
forces (gravitational forces) are doing work so system is taken twice during summation as for mass
system energy will decrease and becomes negative m1 and m3
(as initial energy was zero). As a consequence we
can state that in general if system forces are Gm1m 3 Gm3 m1
U– = –
attractive, in assembling a system of particles work r13 r31
will be done by the system and it will spend energy
Now to understand the applications of interaction
in assembling itself. Thus finally the interaction
energy we take few examples.
energy of system will be negative. On the other hand
 Gravitation

EXAMPLE 1 As no other force is present we have according to

momentum conservation
Three particles each of the mass m are placed at the
m1v1 = m2v2
corners of an equilateral triangle of side d and shown
in figure. Calculate (a) the potential energy of the From equations written above
system, (b) work done on this system if the side of
1 1 m12 2 Gm1m 2
the triangle is changed from d to 2d. m1v12  v1 
2 2 m2 d
Cm

60° 2Gm 22 2G
or v1   m2
d d(m1  m 2 ) d(m1  m 2 )

And on further solving we get

B
A
m m 2G
v2  m1
d(m1  m 2 )
Sol. (a) As in case of two-particle system potential energy is
given by (–Gm1m2/r), so Thus approach velocity is given as
U = U12 + U23 + U31
2G(m1  m 2 )
2
v ap  v1  v 2 
Gmm 3Gm d
or Ui  –3 –
d d
(b) When d is changed to 2d, EXAMPLE 3

3Gm 2 If a particle of mass 'm' is projected from a surface

Uf = – of bigger sphere of mass '16M' and radius '2a' then
2d
find out the minimum velocity of the paticle such
Thus work done in changing in potential energy is that the particle reaches the surface of the smaller
given as sphere of mass M and radius 'a'. Given that the
distance between the centres of two spheres is 10 a.
3Gm 2
W = Uf – Ui = Sol. When the particle is at the surface of bigger sphere
2d
it is attracted more by the bigger sphere and less by
the smaller sphere. As it is projected the force of
EXAMPLE 2 attraction from bigger sphere decreases and that from
smaller sphere increass and thus the particle reaches
Two particles m1 and m2 are initially at rest at infinite
the state of equilibrium at distance x
distance. Find their relative velocity of approach due
to gravitational atraction when their separation is d. from the centre smaller sphere

Sol. Initiallly when the separation was large there was 16M
M
no interaction energy and when they get closer the 2a
a x
system gravitational energy decreases and the kinetic m
energy increases. 10a
When separation between the two particles is d, then
according to energy conservation we have
GMm G(16M)m

1 1 Gm1m 2 x2 (10a – x)2
m1v12  m 2 v 22 – 0
2 2 d
(10a – x)2 = 16x2
 Theory and Exercise Book

M m 16M When a unit mass is brought to a point in a


2a 8a gravitational field, force on the unit mass is g at a
10a – x = 4x  x = 2a point in the field. Thus the work done in bringing
After this point the attraction on the particle from this unit mass from infinity to a point P in gravitational
the smaller sphere becomes more than that from field or gravitational potential at point P is given as
the bigger sphere and the particle will automatically
P 
move towards the smaller sphere. Hence the
minimum velocity to reach the smaller sphere is the 
VP  – g .dx

veloicty required to reach the equilibrium state
according to energy conservation, we have, Here negative sign shown that VP is the negative
of work done by gravitation field or it is the external
G(16M)m GMm 1 –G(16M)m GMm required work for the purpose against gravitational
– –  mv 2  –
2a 8a 2 8a 2a forces.

G(16M)m GMm 1 2 –G(16M)m GMm 4.1 Gravitational Potential due to a Point

– –  mv  –
2a 8a 2 8a 2a Mass
We know that in the surrounding of a point mass it
45GM
v2  produces its gravitational field. If we wish to find
4a the gravitational potential at a point P situated at a
distance r from it as shown in figure, we place a
45GM test mass m0 at P and we find the interaction energy
 v
4a of m0 with the field of m, which is given as

Gmm 0
U–
4 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL r
The gravitational potential at a point in gravitational
Now the gravitational potential at P due to m can
field is the gravitional potenial energy per unit mass
be written as
placed at that point in gravitational field. Thus at a
P
certain point in gravitational field, a mass m0 has a
potential energy U then the gravitational potential at U Gm
r V –
that point is given as m0 r

U m
V= m
0 The expression of gravitational potential in equation
or if at a point in gravitational field gravitational is a standard result due to a point mass which can
potential V is known then the interaction potential be used as an elemental form to find other complex
energy of a point mass m0 at that point in the field is results, we'll see later. The same thing can also be
given as obtained by using equation

U = m0v P 
Interaction energy of a point mass m0 in a field is defined VP   g .dx

as work done in bringing that mass from infinity to
that point. In the same fashion we can define
r
Gm
gravitational potential at a point in field, alternatively as
or VP   2
dx or VP  – Gm
"Work done in bringing a unit mass from infinity to 
x r
that point against gravitational forces."
 Gravitation

–GM
4.2 Gravitational potential For inner points = (3R 2 – r 2 )
2R 3

 a l 
1. Due to a rod at an a xial point = – Gln   –GM 2
 a  Potential energy of hollow sphere =
2R

–GM
2. Due to ring at an axial point = –3GM 2
2
R x 2 Potential energy of solid sphere =
5R

–GM
3. Due to ring at the centre = Note
R

4. Due to Disc = –G2[ R 2  x 2 – x]

(where  is mass density per unit area)

Section B - Variations in 'g'
5. Due to hollow sphere

–GM 5. GR AVITATIO NAL LINES OF

for outer points = FORCES
r
Gravitational field can also be represented by lines
–GM of force. A line of force is drawn in such a way that
For surface points =
R at each point the direction of field is tangent to line
that passes through the point. Thus tangent to any
R point on a line of force gives the direction of
gravitational field at that point. By convention lines
Vg
of force are drawn in such a way that their density
–GM
is proportional to the strength of field. Figure shown
R
shows the field of a point mass in its surrounding.
We can see that the lines of force are radially inward
giving direction of field and as we go closer to the
GM mass the density of lines is more which shows that
For inner points = –
R field strength is increasing.

6. Due to solid sphere

–GM
For outer points =
r

–GM
For surface points =
R

r=R r
Vg

Figure shown shows the configuration of field lines

–3GM
for a system of two equal masses separated by a
2R
given distance.
Theory and Exercise Book

5.3 Value of g at a Height h Above the

Earth's Surface:
If we wish to find the value of g at a point P as
shown in figure shown at a height h above the Eath's
surface. Then the value can be obtained as

GM e
gs 
(R e  h) 2
Here we can see that there is no point where any
two lines of force intersects or meet. The reason is
obvious that at one point in space there can never GM e gs
or gs  2
 2
be two direction of gravitational fields. It should be  h   h 
R e2 1   1  
noted that a line of force gives the direction of net  R e   R e 
gravitational field in the region. Like electric field
gravitational field never exists in closed loops.
  P
• Gravitational Flux :   g .ds  g h
Me
 
• Gravitational Gauss law :  g .ds  –4 GM in
Re

Here g is the gravitational field due to all the masses.

Min is the mass inside the assumed gaussian surface.

5.1 Gravitational Field Strength of Earth:

If point P is very close to Earth's surface then for h
We can consider earth to be a very large sphere of
<< Re we can rewrite the expression in given equation as
mass Me and radius Re. Gravitational field strength
due to earth is also regarded as acceleration due to –2
 h  ~
 2h 
gravity or gravitational acceleration. Now we find g h  gs  1   – g s 1 – 
values of g at different points due to earth.  R e   Re 

• Earth behaves as a non conducting solid sphere [Using binomial approximation] ...(2)

5.2 Value of g on Earth's Surface :

5.4 Value of g at a Depth h Below the
If gs be the gravitational field strength at a point A
Earth's Surface
on the surface of earth, then it can be easily obtained
by using the result of a solid sphere. Thus for earth, If we find the value of g inside the volume of earth
value of gs can be given as at a depth h below the earth's surface at point P as
shown in figure, then we can use the result of g
A
Me inside a solid sphere as
gs
Re
GM e x
g in 
R 3e
Earth
Here x, the distance of point from centre of earth is
given as
GM e
gs  ...(1)
R 2e
 Gravitation

Me g eff  g 2  2e2 R e sin 2 g

h

Re–h Re 1/ 2
 22 R sin 2  
g eff  g 1  e e 
 g 

 g – e2 R sin2 ...(i)

From equation (1) we can find the value of effective
x = Re – h
gravity at poles and equatorial points on Earth as
Thus we have
At poles  = 0  gpoles = gs = 9.83 m/s2
GM e (R e – h)  h 
gh   g s 1 –  ...(3) 
3 At equator  =
Re  Re  2
From equation (1), (2) and (3) we can say that the  gequator = gs – 2Re = 9.78 m/s2
value of g at eath's surface is maximum and Thus we can see that the body if placed at poles of
as we move above the earth's surface or we go below Earth, it will only have a spin, not circular motion
the surface of earth, the value of g decrease. so there is no reduction in value of g at poles due to
rotation of earth. Thus at poles value of g on Earth
5.5 Effect of Earth's Rotation on Value of g surface is maximum and at equator it is minimum.
But an average we take 9.8 m/s2, the value of g
Let us consider a body of mass m placed on Earth's
everywhere on earth's surface.
surface at a latitude  as shown in figure. This mass
experiences a force mgs towards the centre of earth
and a centrifugal force mwe2 Re sin  relative to 5.6 Effect of Shape of Earth on Value of g
Earth's surface as shown in figure. If we consider Till now we considered that earth is spherical in its
geff as the effective value of g on earth shape but this is not actually true. Due to some
surface at a latitude  then we can write geological and astromonical reasons, the shape of
 earth is not exact spherical. It is ellipsoidal.
Fnet
geff = = As we've discussed that the value of g at a
m
point on earth surface depends on radius of Earth.It
geff  (2e Re sin )2  g2  22e Re sin .gcos(90  ) is observed that the approximate difference in earth's
radius at different points on equator and poles is
e re – r p ~ 21 to 34 km. Due to this the difference in
–
pole
value of g at poles and equatorial points is
R e sin m
m 2Re sin approximately gp – ge ~
– 0.02 to 0.04 m/s2, which is
mg very small. So for numerical calculations, generally,
Re we ignore this factor while taking the value of g and
equator
we assume Earth is spherical in shape.

EXAMPLE 4

Calculate the mass and density of the earth. Given

that Gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/
e4 is very very small kg2, the radius of the earth = 6.37 × 106 m and
So we can write g = 9.8 m/s2.
 Theory and Exercise Book

Sol. The acceleration due to gravity on earth surface is 2

given as  1 
or g'  g 
 0.99 
GMe
ge = or g = 1.02 g
R e2
Thus, the value of g is increased by 2%.

g s R e2 9.8  (6.37  106 )2

or Me  
G 6.67  10 –11 EXAMPLE 6

= 6 × 1024 kg At what rate should the earth rotate so that the

apparent g at the equator becomes zero? What will
If  be the density of earth, then
be the length of the day in this situation ?
4 3 Sol. At earth's equator effective value of gravity is
M= R  
3 geq = gs – 2Re
If geff at equator is zero, we have
3M
or = gs = 2Re
4R 3
gs
3  (6  1024 ) or 
= Re
4  3.14  (6.37  106 )3
Thus length of the day will be
= 5.5 × 103 kg/m3
2 Re
T  2
 gs
EXAMPLE 5
If the radius of the earth were to shrink by one
percent, its mass remaining the same, what would 6.4  106
= 2 × 3.14  5074.77s
happen to the acceleration due to gravity on the 9.8
earth's surface? ~
– 84.57 min.
Sol. Consider the case of body of mass m placed on the
earth's surface (mass of the earth M and radius R).
If g is acceleration due to gravity, then we known EXAMPLE 7
that Calculate the acceleration due to gravity at the
surface of Mars if its diameter is 6760 km and mass
GMe
gs = ...(1) is one-tenth that of earth. The diameter of earth is
R e2
12742 km and acceleration due to gravity on earth
Now, when the radius is reduced by 1%, i.e. radius is 9.8 m/s2.
becomes 0.99 R, let acceleration due to gravity be
g', then  GM 
We know that g 2 
 R 
GM
g'  ...(2)
(0.99R)2 2 2
g M  M M  R E   1  12742 
So,    
From equation (1) and (2), we get g E  M E  R M   10  
 6760 

g' R2 1 gM
   0.35 or g = 9.8 × 0.35 = 3.48 m/s2
g (0.99R) (0.99)2 
gE M
 Gravitation

EXAMPLE 8 Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity,

Escape velocity, Geo -
Calculate the apparent weight of a body of mass m
Stationary Satellites
at a latitude  when it is moving with speed v on the
surface of the earth from west to east at the same
6. SATELLITE AND
latitude.
Sol. If W be the apparent weight of body at a latitude  PLANETARY MOTION
then from figure shown, we have
6.1 Motion of a Satellite in a Circular Orbit
W = mg – m2R cos2 ...(1)
To understand how a satellite continously moves in
When body moves at speed v from west to east relative
its orbit, we consider the projection of a body
to earth, its net angular speed  can be given as
horizontally from the top of a high mountain on earth
v as shown in figure. Here till our discussion ends we
  e  [  earth's angular velocity]
R cos  e neglect air friction. The distance the projectile travels
before hitting the ground depends on the launching
Now from equation (1) we have
speed. The greater the speed, the greater the distance.
Re cos  The distance the projectile travels before hitting the
ground is also affected by the curvature of earth as
N
shown in figure shown. This figure was given by
R e cos m  newton in his explanantion of laws of gravitation. it
m 2Re cos 
mgs shows different trajectories for diferent launching
 speeds. As the launching speed is made greater, a
Re speed is reached where by the projectile's path follow
equator the curvature of the earth. This is the launching speed
which places the projectile in a circular orbit. Thus
an object in circular orbit may be regarded as falling,
e but as it falls its path is concentric with the earth's
spherical surface and the object maintains a fixed
distance from the earth's centre. Since the motion
2
 v  may continue indefinitely, we may say that the orbit
W  mg – m e  R cos 2 
 R cos   is stable.
v
 v2 2e v 
or W  mg – m e2  2 2
 2
 R cos 
 R cos  R cos  

mv 2
 mg – me2 R cos 2  – – 2me vcos 
R Earth

 w 2 R cos 2  2e v cos  

 mg 1 – e – 
 g g  Let's find the speed of a satellite of mass m in a
circular orbit around the earth. Consider a satellite
mv 2 revolving around the earth in a circular orbit of radius
[Neglecting as being very small]
R r as shown in figure.
If its orbit is stable during its motion, the net
Note gravitational force on it must be balanced by the
centrifugal force on it
 Theory and Exercise Book

relative to the rotating frame as From equation (1), (2) and (3) we can see that

Fe U
m | k | | E |
v 2
FG
r The above relation in magnitude of total, kinetic and
Me
potential energies of a satelline is very useful in
Re numerical problem so it is advised to keep this
relation in mind while handing satellite problems
related to energy.
Earth
Now to understand satellite and planetary motion in
detail, we take few example.

GM e m mv 2
 EXAMPLE 9
r2 r
Estimate the mass of the sun, assuming the orbit of
GMe the earth round the sun to be a circle. The distance
or v between the sun and earth is 1.49 × 1011 m and
r
G = 6.66 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2.
Expression in above equation gives the speed of a
Sol. Here the revolving speed of earth can be given as
statellite in a stable circular orbit of radius r.
GM
6.2 Energies of a Satellite in a Circular v [Orbital speed]
r
Orbit
When there is a satellite revolving in a stable circular Where M is the mass of sun and r is the orbit radius
orbit of radius r around the earth, its speed is given of earth.
by above equation. During its motion the kinetic We known time period of earth around sun is T =
energy of the satellite can be given as 365 days, thus we have

1 1 GM e m 2r r 42 r 3
K  mv 2  ...(1) T= or T  2r or M =
2 2 r v GM GT 2
As gravitational force on satellite due to earth is the
only force it experiences during motion, it has 4  (3.14)2  (1.49  1011 )3
=
gravitational interaction energy in the field of earth, (365  24  3600) 2  (6.66  10 –11 )
which is given as
= 1.972 × 1022 kg
GMe m
U– ...(2)
r
EXAMPLE 10
Thus the total energy of a satellite in an orbit of
If the earth be one-half of its present distance from
radius r can be given as
the sun, how many days will be in one year ?
Total energy E = Kinetic energy K + Potential
Sol. If orbit of earth's radius is R, in previous example
Energy U
we've discussed that time period is given as
1 GM e m GMe m
 – r 2 3 / 2
2 r r T  2r  r
Gm GM
1 GMe m
or E– ...(3)
2 r
 Gravitation

r 4 2 (2  107 )3  1 1 
2
If radius changes or r  = , new time period  
2 (6.67  10 ) 11.6  3600 24  3600 
–11 

becomes
= 6.0 × 1024 kg
2 3 / 2
T'  r'
GM
EXAMPLE 12
From above equations, we have
A satellite of mass m is moving in a circular orbit of
3/ 2 radius r. Calculate its angular momentum with
T r
  respect to the centre of the orbit in terms of the
T'  r'
mass of the earth.
3/ 2 Sol. The situation is shown in figure
 r' 
or T'  T  The angular momentum of the satellite with respect
r
to the centre of orbit is given by
3/2   
1 365
= 365    days L  r m v
2 2 2

Where r is the position vector of satellite with
respect to the centre
EXAMPLE 11

A satellite revolving in a circular equatorial orbit of of orbit and v is its velocity vector of satellite.
radius r = 2.00 × 104 km from west to east appear
over a certain point at the equator every t = 11.6 In case of circular orbit, the angle between 
r and
hours. Using this data, calculate the mass of the
 is 90°. Hence
earth. The gravitational constant is supposed to be v
known.

Sol. Here the absolute angular velocity of satellite is given v
by Satellite
 = s + E .m
Where E is the angular velocity of earth, which is 
from west to east. r
M

2 2
or   Earth
t T
[Where t = 11.6 hr. and T = 24 hr.]
L = m v r sin 90° = m v r ...(1)
GM The direction is perpendicular to the plane of the
From Kepler's III law, we have   3/ 2
r orbit.
We know orbital speed of satellite is
GM 2 2
Thus we have  
r 3/ 2 t T GM
v ...(2)
r
2
42 r 3  1 1 
or M  From equation (1) and (2), we get
G  t T 
 Theory and Exercise Book

GM  m 2 d  2 Gm1m 2
Lm  L  (GMm2 r)1 / 2 or m1   
r  m1  m 2  d2
Now we will understand the concept of double star
system through an example. 2  G(m1  m 2 ) 
This gives  = =  
T  d3 
EXAMPLE 13
or Period of revolution
In a double star, two stars of masses m1 and m2.
distance d apart revolve about their common centre  d3 
T  2  
of mass under the influence of their mutual G(m  m )
 1 2 
gravitational attraction. Find an expression for the
period T in terms of masses m1, m2 and d. Find the Ratio of Angular Momenta is
ratio of their angular momenta about centre of mass
and also the ratio of their kinetic energies. 2
 m2d 
Sol. The centre of mass of double star from mass m1 is m1  
J1 I1 I1
    m1  m 2   m 2
given by 2
J 2 I2  I 2  m1d  m1
m2  
rcm 
m1r1  m 2 r2 m1  0  m 2 d
 
m2d  m1  m 2 
m1  m 2 m1  m 2 m1  m 2
Ratio of kinetic energies is
 Distance of centre of mass from m2 is

1
I 2
K1 2 1 I m
  1  2
K 2 1 I 2 I 2 m1
2
2
 m2d m1d
m 1  m 2 m1  m 2 7. MOTION OF A SATELLITE
m1 m2
IN ELLIPTICAL PATH
C
Whenever a satellite is in a circular or elliptical path,
d these orbits are called bounded orbits as satellite is
 moving in an orbit bounded to earth. The bound
nature of orbit means that the kinetic energy of
satellite is not enough at any point in the orbit to
take the satellite to infinity. In equation shown
negative total energy of a revolving satellite shows
m2d m1d
r 'cm  d – rcm  d –  its boundness to earth. Even when a body is in
m1  m 2 m1  m 2
elliptical path around the earth, its total energy must
Both the stars rotate around centre of mass in their be negative. Lets first discuss how a satellite or a
own circular orbits with the same angular speed . body can be in elliptical path.
the gravitational force acting on each star provides Consider a body (satellite) of mass m in a
the necessary centripetal force. if we consider the circular path of radius r around the earth as shown
rotation of mass m1, then in figure. we've discussed that in circular path the
net gravitational frame on body is exactly balancing
Gm1m 2
m1 (rcm )2  the centrifugal force on it in radial direction relative
d2 to a rotating frame with the body.
 Gravitation

GM e
Fe
and its value is lesser than and the speed
r
m
v is decreased to such a value that the elliptical orbit
FG will intersect the earth's surface as shown in figure,
then body will follow an arc of ellipse and will fall
r back to earth.
Me

Re GMe
v0 
C path-I r

arc of
r v<v0 ellipse
path-II
Me

Re
C

If suddenly the velocity of body decreases then the

centrifugal force on it becomes less then the
gravitational force acting on it and due to this it can 7.2 Satellite Motion and Angular
not continue in the circular orbit and will come inward
Momentum Conservation
from the circular orbit due to unbalanced force.
Mathematical analysis shown that this path-I along We've discussed that when a body is in bounded
which the body is now moving is an ellipse. orbit around a planet it can be in circular or elliptical
path depending on its kinetic energy at the time of
The analytical calculations of the laws for this path
launching. Lets consider a case when a satellite is
is beyond the scope of this book. But it should be
launched in an orbit around the earth.
kept in mind that if velocity of a body at a distance r
from earth's centre tangential to the circular orbit is A satellite S is first fired away from earth source in
vertical direction to penetrate the earth's atmosphere.
GM e When it reaches point A, it is imparted a velocity in
less than then its path will be elliptical with
r tangential direction to start its revolution around the
earth centre at one of the foci of the ellipse. earth in its orbit.

GM e
Similarly if the speed of body exceeds then
r v
it must move out of the circular path due to v1 >v0 r Fg
unbalancing of forces again but this time Fe > Fg. Me
Due to this if speed of body is not increased by S C
A B
such a value that its kinetic energy can take the
r1 r2
particle to infinity then it will follow in a bigger
Earth
elliptical orbit as shown in figure in path-II, with v2
earth's at one of the foci of the orbit.
In above case when speed of body was decreased
 Theory and Exercise Book

This velocity is termed as insertion velocity, if the 7.3 Projec tion of Sate llit es a nd
Spaceships From Earth
GMe
velocity imparted to satellite is v 0  To project a body into space, first it should be taken
r1 then it
to a height where no atmopshere is present then it is
starts following the circular path shown in figure. If projected with some initial speed. The path followed
velocity imparted is v1 > v0 then it will trace the by the body also depends on the projection speed.
elliptical path shown. During this motion the only Lets discuss the cases step by step.
force acting on satellite is the gravitational force due Consider the situation shown in figure. A body of
to earth which is acting along the line joining satellite mass m is taken to a height h above the surface of
and centre of earth. earth to a point A and then projected with an insertion
velocity vp as shown in figure.
As the force on satellite always passes through centre
of earth during motion, we can say that on satellite
there is no torque acting about centre of earth thus A vp
total angular momentum of satellite during orbital
motion remains constant about earth's centre. h

As no external force is involved for earth-satellite

R
system, no external work is being done here so we
R
can also state that total mechanical energy of system
also remains conserved.
In the elliptical path of satellite shown in figure if r1
Earth
and r2 are the shortest distance (perigee) and farthest
distance (appogee) of satellite from earth and at the
points, velocities of satellite are v1 and v2 then we
have according to conservation of angular
If we wish to launch the body as an earth's satellite
momentum, the angular momentum of satellite at a
in circular path the velocity of projection must be
general point is given as
L = mv1r1 = mv2r2 = mvr sin  GM e
vp  ...(1)
Re  h
During motion the total mechanical energy of satellite
(kinetic + potential) also remains conserved. Thus If h is small compared to radius of earth, we have
the total energy of satellite can be given as
GMe
1 GM e m 1 GM e m 1 GM e m v1 = vp =  g s R e = 7.93 km/s.
E  mv1 – 2
 mv 2 – 2 2
 mv – Re
2 r1 2 r2 2 r
This velocity v1 = 7.93 km/s with which, when a
1 GM e m 1 2 GM e m 1 GMe m body is thrown from earth's surface tangentially so
E  mv12 –  mv 2 –  mv 2 – that after projection it becomes a satellite of earth in
2 r1 2 r2 2 r
a circular orbit around it, is called orbital speed or
first cosmic velocity.
1 GMe m 1 GMe m 1 2 GMe m
 mv 2 –  mv 2 –  mv – We've already discussed that if projection speed is
2 r 2 r 2 r
lesser the orbital speed, body will start following the
Using the above relations in equation written above inner ellipse and if velocity of projection is increased
we can find velocities v1 and v2 of satellite at nearest the body will follow the outer ellipse. If projection
speed of the satellite is further increased, the outer
and farthest locations in terms of r1 and r2.
 Gravitation

ellipse will also become bigger and at a particular

higher projection speed, it may also be possible that v
v>vII
body will go to infinity and will never come back to
earth again.
hyperbolic
We have discussed that negative total energy of body trajectory
shows its boundness. If we write the total energy of
vll
a body projected from point A as shown in figure is C v<v1 hyperbolic
trajectory
1 GMe m
E mv 2p – inner ellipse
2 Re  h

If after projection body becomes a satellite of earth circle v=v1

then it implies it is bounded to earth and its total
vl < v < vll
energy is negative. If at point A, that much of kinetic outer ellipse
energy is imparted to the body so that total energy
of body becomes zero then it implies that the body
All the calculations we've performed till now do
will reach to infinity and escape from gravitational
not take into account the influence of the sun and
field of earth. If vII is such a velocity then we have
of the planets on the motion of the projected body.
1 GMe m In other words we have assumed that the reference
mv 2II – 0 frame connected with the earth is an inertial frame
2 Re  h
and the body moves relative to it. But in reality the
whole system body and the earth is in a non inertial
2GMe
or v II   2v1 .....(2) frame which is permanently accelerated relative to
Re  h
sun.
For h << Re, we have Lets take some examples to understand some basic
concepts related to gravitational energy and
2GM e projection.
v II   2g s R e  11.2 km / s .....(3)
Re

Thus from earth's surface a body is thrown at a EXAMPLE 14

speed of 11.2 km/s, it will escape from earth's A spaceship is launched into a circular orbit close
gravitation. If the projection speed of body is less to the earth's surface. What additional velocity has
than this value total energy of body is negative and now to be imparted to the spaceship in the orbit of
it wil orbit the earth in elliptical orbit. This velocity overcome the gravitational pull. (Radius of the earth
is referred as the second cosmic velocity or escape = 6400 km and g = 9.8 m/sec.)
velocity. When a body is thrown with this speed, it
Sol. In an orbit close to earth's surface velocity of space
follows a parabolic trajectory and will become free
from earth's gravitational attraction. GM
ship is v   gR
When body is thrown with speed more then vII then R
it moves along a hyperbolic trajectory and also leaves
the region where the earth's gravitational attraction We know escape velocity is v II  2gR
acts. Also when it reaches infinity some kinetic Hence additional velocity required to be imparted
energy will be left in it and it becomes a satellite of
sun, that is small artificial planet. is v = vII – v  ( 2 – 1) gR

= ( 2 – 1) 3
9.8  6400  103 = 3.28 × 10 m/s
 Theory and Exercise Book

EXAMPLE 15
GMe
v
A particle is fired vertically upward with a speed of r
9.8 km/s. Find the maximum height attained by the
When satellite approaches earth's surface, if its
particle. Radius of the earth = 6400 km and g at the
velocity becomes v', then it is given as
surface = 9.8 m/s2. Consider only earth's gravitation.
Sol. Initial energy of particle on earth's surface is GMe
v' 
Re
1 GMm
E r  mu 2 –
2 R The total initial energy of satellite at a distance r is
If the particle reaches upto a height h above the
ETf  K f  U r
surface of earth then its final energy will only be the
gravitational potential energy.
1 GM e m
 mv 2 –
GMm 2 Re
Ef  –
Rh
1 GM e m
According to energy conservation, we have –
2 r
Et = Ef
The total final energy of satellite at a distance Re is
1 GMm GMm
or mu 2 – – ETf  K f  U r
2 R R h

1 GM e m
1 2 gR 2  mv '2 –
or u – gR  – 2 Re
2 Rh

2gR 2 1 GM e m
h –R –
or 2 Re
2gR – u 2
As satellite is loosing energy at rate C, if it takes a
3 2
2  9.8  (6400  10 ) time t in reaching earth, we have
 – 6400  103
2  9.8  6400  103 – (9.8)2
Ct  ETi – ETf
= (27300 – 6400) × 103 = 20900 km
1  1 1
= GM e m  – 
2  Re r 
EXAMPLE 16

A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth in a circular

orbit of radius r. It starts losing energy slowly at a GM e m  1 1 
 t=  – 
constant rate C due to friction. If Me and Re denote 2C  R e r 
the mass and radius of the earth respectively, show
the the satellite falls on the earth in a limit t given by
EXAMPLE 17
G m Me  1 1  An artifical satellite is moving in a circular orbit
t  – 
2C  R e r  around the earth with a speed equal to half the
magnitude of escape velocity from the earth.
Sol. Let velocity of satellite in its orbit of radius r be v
then we have (i) Determine the height of the satellite above earth's
surface.
 Gravitation

(ii) If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its orbit and

allowed to fall freely onto the earth, find the speed
with which it hits the surface of the earth.
Sol. (i) Let M and R be the mass and radius of the earth
respectively. If m be the mass of satellite, then escape
velocity from earth vc = 2g R e

gR e
velocity of satellite =
2
First the information is sent to the nearest satellite
Further we know orbital speed of satallite at a height
in the range of earth station by means of
h is
electromanetic waves then that satellite broadcasts
the signal to the region of earth exposed to this
 GM e   R 2g  satellite and also send the same signal to other
vs      e 
 r   Re  h  satellite for broadcasting in other parts of the globe.

R 2g 8.1 Geostationary Satellite and Parking

or vs2 
R h Orbit
There are so many types of communication satellites
From equation written above, we get
revolving around the arth in different orbits at
h = R = 6400 km different heights depending on their utility. Some of
(ii) Now total energy at height h = total energy at which are Geostationary satellites, which appears at
earth's surface (principle of conservation of energy) rest relative to earth or which have same angular
velocity as that of earth's rotation i.e., with a time
m 1 m peiod of 24 hr. such satellite must be orbiting in an
or 0 – G Me  mv 2 – GM e
Rh 2 Re orbit of specific radius. This orbit is called parking
orbit. If a Geostationary satellite is at a height h
above the earth's surface then its orbiting speed is
1 GMe m GM e m
or mv 2  – given as
2 Re 2R e
[As h = R] GMe
v gs 
(R e  h)
Solving we get v  g Re
The time period of its revolution can be given
or 9.8  6400  10 = 7.919 km/s
3 Kepler's third law as

4 2
T2  (R e  h)3
GM e
8. COMMUNICATION SATELLITES
Communication satellite around the earth are used 42
by Information Technology for spreading information or T2  (R e  h)3
g s R e2
through out the globe.
Figure shows as to how using satellites an information 1/ 3
 g R2 
from an earth station, located at a point on earth's or h   s 2e T 2  – Re
surface ca be sent throughout the world.  4 
 Theory and Exercise Book

 = 2 (1 – cos)
1/3
 9.8  [6.4  106 ]  [86400]2 
or h  –6.4 × 106
 4  (3.14)2   Re  2h
 2  1 – 
 Re  h  Re  h
= 35954.6 km ~ 36000 km
–
Thus the area of earth's surface to geostationary
Thus when a satellite is launched in an orbit at a satellite is
height of about 36000 km above the quator then it
will appear to be at rest with respect to a point on 2hR e2
S  R e2 
Earth's surface. A Geostationary satellite must have Re  h
in orbit in equatorial plane due to the geographic
limitation because of irregular geometry of earth Lets take some examples to understand the concept
(ellipsoidal shape.) in detail.

In short
• Plane of the satellite should pass through centre of EXAMPLE 18
the planet A satellite is revolving around the earth in an orbit
• For geostationary satallites plane should be equatorial of radius double that of the parking orbit and
plane revolving in same sense. Find the periodic time
• Time peirod should be 24 hrs & direction should be duration between two instants when this satallite is
west to east closest to a geostationary satellite.
• For any point on the earth, geostationary satellite is Sol. We know that the time period of revolution of a
stationary. satellite is given as

4 2 3
8.2 Broadcasting Region of a Satellite T2  r [Kepler's III law]
GM e
Now as we known the height of a geostationary
satellite we can easily find the area of earth exposed For satellite given in problem and for a geostationary
to the satellite or area of the region in which the satellite we have
comunication can be mode using this satellite. Figure 3 3
shown earth and its exposed area to a geostationary T1  r1  r 
  or T1   1   T2
satellite. Here the angle  can be given as T2  r2   r2 

 Re  = (2)3 × 24 = 192 hr
  cos –1  
 Re  h  If t be the time between two sucessive instants
when the satellite are closed then we must have
Now we can find the solid angle  which the exposed
area subtend on earth's centre as  2   2
t   
1 2 2 – 1
Axis of rotation
of earth
Where 1 and 2 are the angular speeds of the two
Re planets
 h
Re
EXAMPLE 19

Find the minimum colatitude which can directly

Earth receive a signal from a geostationary satellite.
 Gravitation

Sol. The farthest point on earth, which can receive signals When satellite moves from a point above north pole
from the parking orbit is the point where a length is to a point above equator, it traverses an angle /2,
drawn on earth surface from satellite as shown in this time taken is
figure. The colatitude  of point P can be obtained
/2
from figure as t = 21600 s = 6 hrs.


P
EXAMPLE 21
R h A satellite is orbiting around the earth in an orbit in
equatorial plane of radius 2Re where Re is the radius
Parking orbit
of earth. Find the area on earth, this satellite covers
for communication purpose in its complete
revolution.
AOR
Sol. As shown in figure when statelite S revolves, it
Re covers a complete circular belt on earth's surface
1
sin  = R  h ~ for communication. If the colatitude of the farthest
–
e 7
point on surface upto which singals can be received
We known for a parking orbit h ~– 6Re (point P) is  then we have

Re 1 
1 –1 
sin    or =
Thus we have   sin   2R e 2 6
7

EXAMPLE 20 patch-1
N
If a satellite is revolving around the earth in a circular P
orbit in a plane containing earth's axis of rotation. if 
the angular speed of satellite is equal to that of earth,  2Re C Re
find the time it takes to move from a point above
north pole of a point above the equator.
Sol. A satellite which rotates with angular speed equal to S
patch-2
earth's rotation has an orbit radius 7 Re and the
AOR
angular speed of revolution is

2 2
   7.27  10 –5 rad / s During revolution satellite leaves two spherical
T 86400
patches 1 and 2 on earth surface at north and south
orbit poles where no signals can be transmitted due to
N curvature. The areas of these patches can be
obtained by solid angles. The solid angle subtended
Re
by a patch on earth's centre is
 = 2 (1 – cos ) =  (2 – 3 ) st.
Area of patch 1 and 2 is
S

AOR A P  R e2  (2 – 3)R e2

Theory and Exercise Book

Thus total area on earth's surface to which orbit its angular speed changes continuously as it
communication can be made is moves in the orbit. The point of nearest approach
of the planet to the sun is termed perihelion. The
AC  4R e2 – 2A P
point of greatest seperation is termed aphelion. Hence
 4R 2e – 2(2 – 3)R e2 by angular momentum conservation we can state
that the planet moves with maximum speed when it
 2R 2e (2 – 2  3) = 2 3 R e2 is near perihelion and moves with slowest speed
when it is near aphelion.

9. KEPLER'S LAWS OF PLANETARY

v D  C
MOTION  
v2
Sun d E Aphelion
The motions of planet in universe have always been A r1 r r2
B
a puzzle. In 17th century Johannes Kepler, after a S
Perihelion v
life time of study worded out some empirical laws 1

based on the analysis of astronomical measurements (a)

of Tycho Brahe. Kepler formulated his laws, which
are kinematical description of planetary motion. Now
we discuss these laws step by step.
Sun
9.1 Kepler's First Law [The Law of Orbits]
Kepler's first law is illustrated in the image shown in
figure. It states that "All the planets move around
the sun in ellipitcal orbits with sun at one of the (b)

focus not at centre of orbit."

It is observed that the orbits of planets around sun Kepler's second law states that "The line joining
are very less ecentric or approximately circular the sun and planet sweeps out equal areas in equal
time or the rate of sweeping area by the position
vector of the planet with respect to sun remains
constant. "This is shown in figure (b).
Planet
The above statement of Kepler's second law can be
verified by the law of conservation of angular
momentum. To verify this consider the moving planet
Sun around the sun at a general point C in the orbit at
Focus
speed v. Let at this instant the distance of planet from

sun is r. If  be the angle between position vector r

of planet and its velocity vector then the angular
momentum of planet at this instant is
9.2 Kepler's Second Law [The Law of
L = mvr sin  ...(1)
Areas]
In an elemental time the planet will cover a small
Kepler's second Law is basically an alternative
distance CD = dl and will travel to another adjacent
statement of law of conservation of momentum. It
point D as shown in figure (a), thus the distance CD
is illustrated in the image shown in figure(a). We
know from angular momentum conservation, in = vdt. In this duration dt, the position vector r
elliptical orbit plane will move faster when it is nearer sweeps out an area equal to that of triangle SCD,
to the sun. Thus when a planet executes elliptical which is calculated as
 Gravitation

Squaring equation written above, we get

1
Area of triangle SCD is dA = × r × vdt sin ( – )
2 42 3
T2  r ...(1)
GM s
1
= r v sin . dt
2 Equation (1) verifies the statement of Kepler's third
Thus the rate of sweeping area by the position vector law for circular orbits. Similarly we can also verify
it for elliptical orbits. For this we start from the

r is relation we've derived earlier for rate of sweeping
area by the position vector of planet with respect to
dA 1 sun which is given as
 rvsin 
dt 2
dA L
Now from equation (1) 
dt 2m
dA L
  cons tan t ...(2) EXAMPLE 22
dt 2m
The moon revolves around the earth 13 times per
The expression in equation (2) verifies the statement
year. If the ratio of the distance of the earth from
of Kepler' II law of planetary motion.
the sun to the distance of the moon from the earth
9.3 Kepler's Third law [The Law of is 392, find the ratio of mass of the sun to the mass
Periods] of the earth.

Kepler's Third Law is concerned with the time period Sol. The time period Te of earth around sun of mass Ms
of revolution of planets. It states that "The time is given by
period of revolution of a planet in its orbit around
42
the sun is directly proportional to the cube of Te2   re3 ...(1)
GM s
semi-major axis of the elliptical path around the sun"
If 'T' is the period of revolution and 'a' be the semi- Where re is the radius of the earth.
major axis of the path of planet then according to Similarly, time period Tm of moon around earth is
Kepler's III law, we have given by
T2  a3
42
For circular orbits, it is a special case of ellipse when Tm2   rm3 ...(2)
GM e
its major and minor axis are equal. If a planet is in a
circular orbit of radius r around the sun then its Dividing equation(1) by equation (2), we get
revolution speed must be given as
2 3
 Te   M e   re 
GMs     
v  Tm   M s   rm 
r

Where Ms is the mass of sun. Here you can recall 2 3

 Ms   Tm   re 
that this speed is independent from the mass of or      ...(3)
planet. Here the time period of revolution can be  Me   Te   rm 
given as
Substituting the given values, we get

2r 2r
T or T  M s   (13) 2 3 5
v GM s     (392)  3.56  10
 Me   1 
r
 Theory and Exercise Book

EXAMPLE 23 Sol. As gravitation provides centripetal force

A satellite revolves around a planet in an elliptical mv 2 K

orbit. Its maximum and minimum distances from  5/2 ,
r r
the planet are 1.5 × 10 7 m and 0.5 × 10 7 m
respectively. If the speed of the satellite at the farthest K
point be 5 × 103 m/s, calculate the speed at the i.e., v2 
mr 3/ 2
nearest point.
Sol. 2r mr 3/ 2
So that T =  2r
v K

4 2 m 7 / 2
or T2  r ; so T2  r7/2
K

EXAMPLE 25
A satellite is revolving round the earth in a circular
orbit of radius a with velocity v0 . A particle is
projected from the satellite in forward direction with
In case of elliptical orbit, the speed of satellite varies relative velocity v  ( 5 / 4 – 1) v 0 . Calculate,
constantly as shown in figure. Thus according to
during subsequent motion of the particle its minimum
the law of conservation of angular momentum, the
and maximum distances from earth's centre. The
satellite must move faster at a point of closest
corresponding situation is shown in figure.
approach (Perigee) than at a farthest point (Appogee).
    GM 
We know that, L  r m v Initial velocity of satellite v 0   
 a 
Hence, at the two points,
L = m v1 r1 = m v2 r2 v+v0

v1 r2 Me
or  a
v2 r1
Re
C
Substituting the given values, we get

5  103 0.5  107


v2 1.5  107

 v2 = 1.5 × 104 m/s

r

EXAMPLE 24 v1
Imagine a light planet revolving around a very
When particle is thrown with the velocity v relative
massive star in a circular orbit of radius r with a
to satellite, the resultant velocity of particle will
period of revolution T. On what power of r, will the
become
square of time period depend if the gravitational force
vR = v0 + v
of attraction between the planet and the star is
proportional to r–5/2.
 Gravitation

5  5 GM  5a
or r = a or
=   v0    3
4 4 a 
Thus minimum distance of the particle = a
As the particle velocity is greater than the velocity
required for circular orbit, hence the particle path 5a
And maximum distance of the particle =
deviates from circular path to elliptical path. At 3
position of minimum and maximum distance velocity
vectors are perpendicular to instantaneous radius
vector. In this elliptical path the minimum distance EXAMPLE 26
of particle from earth's centre is a and maximum A sky lab of mass 2 × 103 kg is first launched from
speed in thepathisvR and let the maximum distance the surface of earth in a circular orbit of radius 2 R
and minimum speed in the path is r and v 1 (from the centre of earth) and then it is shifted from
respectively. this circular orbit to another circular orbit of radius
Now as angular momentum and total energy 3 R. Calculate the minimum energy required (a) to
remain conserved. Applying the law of conservation place the lab in the first orbit (b) to shift the lab
of angular momentum, we have from first orbit to the second orbit. Given, R = 6400
m v1 r = m(v0 + v) a km and g = 10 m/s2.
[m = mass of particle] Sol. (a) The energy of the sky lab on the surface of
earth
(v 0  v)a
or v1 
r  GMm  GMm
ES = KE + PE = 0 +  – = –
 R  R
a   5 GM   And the total energy of the sky lab in an orbit of
   
r   4 a   radius 2 R is

GMm
1  5 E1  –
 4R
= r   4  GMa  
   
So the energy required to placed the lab from the
Applying the law of conservation of energy surface of earth to the orbit of radius 2R is given as

1 GMm 1 GMm GMm  GMm  3 GMm

mv12 –  m(v 0  v) 2 – E1 – Es = – – – 
2 r 2 a 4R  R  4 R

1  5 GMa  G M m 1  5 GM  GMm 3m 3
or m – m – or E   gR 2  mgR
2  4 r 2  r 2  4 a  a 4R 4

 GM 
1  5 GMa  G M m 1  5 G M  G M m
m  As g  R 2 
2  4  – r  2 m 4 a  – a  
  

3
5 a 1 5 1 1 3 or E = (2 × 103 × 10 × 6.4 × 106)
 –   – – 4
8 r2 r 8 a a 8a

or 3r2 – 8 ar + 5 a2 = 0 3
= (12.8 × 1010) = 9.6 × 1010 J
4
 Theory and Exercise Book

(b) As for II orbit of radius 3R the total energy of Sol. As in case of elliptic orbit with semi major axes a,
sky lab is of a satellite total mechanical energy remains
constant, at any position of satellite in the orbit, given
GMm GMm as
E2  – –
2(3R) 6R
GMm
E–
GMm  GMm  1 GMm 2a
or E2 – E1 = – –– 
6R  4R  12 R
GMm
or KE + PE = – ...(1)
2a
1
or E = mgR
12 Now, if at position r, v is the orbital speed of satellite,
we have
1
= (12.8  1010 ) 1 2 GMm
12 KE = mv and PE = – ...(2)
2 r
= 1.1 × 1010 J
So from equation (1) and (2), we have
EXAMPLE 27
1 GMm GMm
A satellite is revolving around a planet of mass M mv 2 – = – ,
in an elliptic orbit of semimajor axis a. Show that 2 r 2a
the orbital speed of the satellite when it is at a
2 1
distance r from the focus will be given by : i.e., v 2  GM  – 
r a
2 1
v 2  GM  – 
r a Note
 Gravitation

Exercise - 1 Objective Problems | JEE Main

Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation & 6. Statement - I : Assuming zero potential at infinity,
Gravitational Field, Potential gravitational potential at a point cannot be positive.
& Potential energy Statement - 2 : Magnitude of gravitational force
between two particle has inverse square dependence
1. On doubling the distance between two masses the on distance between two particles.
gravitational force between them will - (A) Statement - 1 is true, statement-2 is true and
(A) remain unchanged (B) become one-fourth statement-2 is correct explanation for statement-1
(C) become half (D) become double (B) Statement -1 is true, statement-2 is true and
statement - 2 is NOT the correct explanation for
statement-1
2. A hollow spherical shell is compressed to half its
(C) Statement - 1 is true, statement - 2 is false.
radius. The gravitational potential at the centre
(D) Statement - 1 is false, statement - 2 is true.
(A) increases
(B) decreases
7. A particle of mass M is at a distance a from surface of a
(C) remains same thin spherical shell of equal mass and having radius a.
(D) during the compression increases then returns
M
at the previous value
M

3. Two different masses are dropped from same a

heights, then just before these strike the ground, the
(A) Gravitational field and potential both are zero at
following is same :
centre of the shell
(A) kinetic energy (B) potential energy
(B) Gravitational field is zero not only inside the
(C) linear momentum (D) Acceleration shell but at a point outside the shell also
(C) Inside the shell, gravitational field alone is zero
4. A body of mass m rises to height h = R/5 from the (D) Neither gravitational field nor gravitational
earth’s surface, where R is earth’s radius. If g is potential is zero inside the shell
acceleration due to gravity at earth’s surface, the
increase in potential energy is 8. Work done in taking a body of mass m to a height nR
above surface of earth will be : (R = radius of earth)
5
(A) mg/h (B) mgh (A) mgnR (B) mgR (n/n + 1)
6
(n  1) m gR
3 6 (C) mgR (D)
n n (n + 1 )
(C) mgh (D) mgh
5 7

9. If the distance between sun and earth is made 3

5. A planet has mass 1/10 of that of earth, while radius times of the present value then gravitational force
is 1/3 that of earth. If a person can throw a stone on between them will become :
earth surface to a height of 90m, then he will be
1
able to throw the stone on that planet to a height (A) 9 times (B) times
9
(A) 90m (B) 40 m
(C) 100 m (D) 45 m 1
(C) times (D) 3 times
3
 Theory and Exercise Book

10. Two point masses of mass 4m and m respectively Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity,
separated by d distance are revolving under mutual force Escape velocity, Geo -
of attraction. Ratio of their kinetic energies will be Stationary Satellites
(A) 1 : 4 (B) 1 : 5
16. The potential energy of a body of mass 3kg on the
(C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 2 surface of a planet is 54 joule. The escape velocity
will be -

Section B - Variations in 'g' (A) 18m/s (B) 162 m/s

(C) 36 m/s (D) 6 m/s
11. If R is the radius of the earth and g the acceleration
due to gravity on the earth’s surface, the mean 17. If the kinetic energy of a satellite orbiting around
density of the earth is the earth is doubled then -
(A) 4G/3gR (B) 3R/4gG (A) the satellite will escape into the space.
(C) 3g/4RG (D) Rg/12G (B) the satellite will fall down on the earth
(C) radius of its orbit will be doubled
(D) radius of its orbit will become half.
12. The height above surface of earth where the value
of gravitational acceleration is one fourth of that at
surface, will be 18. The escape velocity from a planet is v0. The escape
velocity from a planet having twice the radius but
(A) Re/4 (B) Re/2
same density will be -
(C) 3Re/4 (D) Re
(A) 0.5 v0 (B) v0
(C) 2v0 (D) 4v0
13. The decrease in the value of g on going to a height
R/2 above the earth’s surface will be - 19. Two planets A and B have the same material density.
If the radius of A is twice that of B, then the ratio of
5g
(A) g/2 (B)
9 vA
the escape velocity v is
B
4g g
(C) (D) (A) 2 (B)
9 3 2

(C) 1 / 2 (D) 1/2

14. At what altitude will the acceleration due to gravity
be 25% of that at the earth’s surface (given radius 20. Select the correct choice(s) :
of earth is R) ? (A) The gravitational field inside a spherical cavity,
(A) R/4 (B) R within a spherical planet must be non zero and
(C) 3R/8 (D) R/2 uniform.
(B) When a body is projected horizontally at an
appreciable large height above the earth, with a
15. If the radius of the earth be increased by a factor of
velocity less than for a circular orbit, it will fall to
5, by what factor its density be changed to keep the the earth along a parabolic path
value of g the same ?
(C) A body of zero total mechanical energy placed
(A) 1/25 (B) 1/5 in a gravitational field will escape the field
(C) 1 / 5 (D) 5 (D) Earth’s satellite must be in equatorial plane.
 Gravitation

21. A (nonrotating) star collapses onto itself from an 23. A satellite revolves in the geostationary orbit but in a
initial radius Ri with its mass remaining unchanged. direction east to west. The time interval between its
Which curve in figure best gives the gravitational successive passing about a point on the equator is
acceleration ag on the surface of the star as a function (A) 48 hrs (B) 24 hrs
of the radius of the star during the collapse ?
(C) 12 hrs (D) never

ag 24. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around

b d earth at a distance r from the centre. If the angular
a velocity of earth about its axis doubles, a satellite
c can now be in a geostationary orbit around earth if
its distance from the center is
R
Ri
r r
(A) (B)
2 2 2
(A) a (B) b
(C) c (D) d
r r
(C) (D)
(4)1/ 3 (2)1/ 3
22. A satellite of the earth is revolving in circular orbit
with a uniform velocity V. If the gravitational force
suddenly disappears, the statellite will 25. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular
orbit just above the earth’s surface is . For a satellite
(A) continue to move with the same velocity in the
same orbit orbiting at an altitude of half of the earth’s radius,
the orbital velocity is –
(B) move tangentially to the original orbit with
velocity V 3 3
(A)  (B) 
(C) fall down with increasing velocity 2 2
(D) come to a stop somewhere in its original orbit
2 2
(C)  (D) 
3 3
 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 2 (Leve-I) Objective Problems | JEE Main

Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation & 4. The maximum separation between their centres after
Gravitational Field, Potential their first collision
& Potential energy (A) 4R (B) 6R
(C) 8R (D) 12R
1. Two masses m1 & m2 are initially at rest and are
separated by a very large distance. If the masses
approach each other subsequently, due to 5. A mass is at the center of a square, with four masses
gravitational attraction between them, their relative at the corners as shown.
velocity of approach at a separation distance of d is
5M 3M 2M 3M
2Gd (m1  m 2 )G
(A) (m  m ) (B) M M
1 2 2d (A) (B)
M 5M M 2M
1/ 2
 2G 
(C) (m1  m2 ) (D) (m1 + m2)1/2 2Gd 5M 3M 2M 3M
 d 
2M 2M
(C) (D)
M 5M M 2M
2. A man of mass m starts falling towards a planet of
mass M and radius R. As he reaches near to the Rank the choices according to the magnitude of the
surface, he realizes that he will pass through a small gravitational force on the center mass.
hole in the planet. As he enters the hole, he sees that
the planet is really made of two pieces a spherical (A) FA = FB < FC = FD (B) FA > FB < FD < FC
shell of negligible thickness of mass 2M/3 and a (C) FA = FB > FC = FD (D) none
point mass M/3 at the centre. Change in the force
of gravity experienced by the man is
6. A planet has twice the density of earth but the
2 GMm acceleration due to gravity on its surface is exactly
(A) (B) 0
3 R2 the same as on the surface of earth. Its radius in
terms of earth R will be
1 GMm 4 GMm
(C) (D) (A) R/4 (B) R/2
3 R2 3 R2
(C) R/3 (D) R/8

Paragraph Q. 3 & Q. 4
7. There are two spheres of radii R and 2R having
Two uniform spherical stars made of same material
have radii R and 2R. Mass of the smaller planet is Q
charges Q and respectively. These two spheres
m. They start moving from rest towards each other 2
from a large distance under mutual force of gravity. are connected with a cell of emf V volts as shown
The collision between the stars is inelastic with in figure. When switch is closed, the final charge on
coefficient of restitution 1/2.
8πε0RV
sphere of radius 2R is Q+ . Then find the
3. Kinetic energy of the system just after the collision is n
value of n.
8Gm 2 2Gm 2 Q
(A) (B) (A) 4 Q/2
3R 3R 2R V
R
(B) 11
2
4Gm (C) 6
(C) (D) cannot be determined
3R
(D) 3
 Gravitation

8. On the surface of earth acceleration due to gravity 10. Figure shows the variation of energy with the orbit
is g and gravitational potential is V.R. is the radius radius r of a satellite in a circular motion. Select the
of earth. Match the following : correct statement.

energy
Column I Column II (A) Z is total energy, Y is
kinetic energy and X is X
(A) At height h = R, (P) Decreases by a factor
potential energy
magnitude of 1/4 as compared to Z
(B) X is kinetic energy, Y Y
acceleration due at
is total energy and Z is
surface to gravity potential energy
(B) At depth (Q) Decreases by a factor (C) X is kinetic energy, Y is potential energy and Z
h = R/2, magnitude 1/2 as compared to is total energy
of acceleration due at surface (D) Z is kinetic energy, X is potential energy and Y
to gravity is total energy

(C) At height (R) Increases by a

11. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around
h = R,magnitude factor 2 as compared
the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small
of potential due to at surface compared to the mass of the earth
to gravity (A) the acceleration of S is always directed towards
(D) Magnitude of (S) Increase by a factor the centre of the earth
potential V at the 3/2 as compared to at (B) the angular momentum of S about the centre of
centre of earth surface the earth changes in direction, but its magnitude
remains constant
(A) A  P ; B  Q ; C  R ; D  S
(B) A  P ; B  Q ; C  S ; D  R (C) the total mechanical energy of S varies
periodically with time
(C) A  P ; B  Q ; C  Q ; D  S
(D) the linear momentum of S remains constant in
(R) A  R ; B  P ; C  Q ; D  S
magnitude

Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity, 12. An earth satellite is moved from one stable circular
Escape velocity, Geo - orbit to another larger and stable circular orbit. The
Stationary Satellites following quantities increase for the satellite as a
result of this change
9. Figure shows the orbit of a planet P round the sun S.
(A) gravitational potential energy
AB and CD are the minor and major axes of the ellipse.
(B) angular velocity
(C) linear orbital velocity
A P
(D) centripetal acceleration
D C
S
13. A spherical uniform planet is rotating about its axis. The
B velocity of a point on its equator is V. Due to the rotation
of planet about its axis the acceleration due to gravity g
If U is the potential energy and K kinetic energy at equator is 1/2 of g at poles. The escape velocity of a
then |U| > |K| at particle on the pole of planet in terms of V.

(A) Only D (B) Only C (A) Ve = 2V (B) Ve = V

(C) both D & C (D) neither D nor C (C) Ve = V/2 (D) Ve = 3V

 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 2 (Level-II) Multiple Correct | JEE Advanced

Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation & 4. Three mass ‘m’ each are kept at corner of a
Gravitational Field, Potential equilateral triangle and are rotating under effect of
& Potential energy mutual gravitational force -
(A) Radius of circular path followed by mass is a/2
1. Two masses m1 and m2 (m1 < m2) are released from
rest from a finite distance. They start under their Gm
(B) Velocity of mass is
a
mutual gravitational attraction
(A) acceleration of m1 is more than that of m2
1.5Gm 2
(C) Binding energy of system is
(B) acceleration of m2 is more than that of m1 a

(C) centre of mass of system will remain at rest in

all the references frame a 3
(D) Time period of mass is
2Gm
(D) total energy of system remains constant
5. The gravitational potential changes uniformly from
20 j/kg to 40 J/kg as one moves along x-axis from
2. In side a hollow spherical shell x = 1m to x = +1m. Then gravitational field at origin
(A) everywhere gravitational potential is zero (A) must be equal to 10 N/kg
(B) everywhere gravitational field is zero (B) may be equal to 10 N/kg
(C) everywhere gravitational potential is same (C) may be greater than 10 N/kg
(D) everywhere gravitational field is same (D) may be less than 10 N/kg

Section B - Variations in 'g' 6. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth at a

perpendicular distance R/2 from the earth’s centre. The
3. The magnitudes of the gravitational field at distance wall of the funnel may be assumed to be frictionless. A
r1 and r2 from the centre of a uniform sphere of particle is released from one end of the tunnel. The
radius R and mass M are F1 and F2 respectively. pressing force by the particle on the wall and the
Then : acceleration of the particle varies with x (distance of
the particle from the centre) according to:
F1 r1 Pressing force Pressing force
(A) F = r if r1 < R and r2 < R
2 2

F1 r22
(B) F = 2 If r1 > R and r2 > R (A) (B)
2 r1
X X
X=R/2 X=R X=R/2 X=R
F1 r1
(C) F = r If r1 > R and r2 > R acceleration acceleration
2 2

F1 r12
(D) F = 2 If r1 < R and r2 < R
2 r2
(C) (D)
X X
X=R/2 X=R X=R/2 X=R
 Gravitation

7. Two tunnels are dug across the earth as shown in (A) its kinetic energy increases
figure. Two particles P1 and P2 are oscillating from (B) its kinetic energy decreases
one end to the other of tunnel T1 and T2 respectively.
(C) its angular momentum about the earth decreases
At some instant particles are at position shown in
(D) its period of revolution around the earth increases
figure. Then -

10. A communications Earth satellite

T1 (A) goes round the earth from east to west
(B) can be in the equatorial plane only
T2 (C) can be vertically above any place on the earth
P 1 (D) goes round the earth from west to east
v2
v1 P 2
60°
11. A geostationary satellite is at a height h above the
surface of earth. If earth radius is R
J

R
(A) Phase difference between the particle P1 and P2
R h
is 180°
(B) Phase difference between the particle P1 and P2
is 120°
(C) Ratio of maximum velocity of particle P1 is to (A) The minimum colatitude on earth upto which
P2 is 2 : 1 the satellite can be used for communication is sin–1
(D) Particle P1 and P2 may meet at the junction of (R/R + h)
the tunnels after some instant (B) The maximum colatitudes on earth upto which
the satellite can be used for communication is sin–1
Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity, (R/R + h)
Escape velocity, Geo - (C) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is
Stationary Satellites given as 2R2(1 + sin)
(D) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is
8. If a satellite orbits as close to the earth’s surface as given as 2R2(1 + cos)
possible,
(A) its speed is maximum
12. For a satellite to orbit around the earth, which of the
(B) time period of its rotation is minimum following must be true ?
(C) the total energy of the ‘earth plus satellite’ system (A) It must be above the equator at some time
is minimum
(B) It cannot pass over the poles at any time
(D) the total energy of the ‘earth plus satellite’ system
(C) Its height above the surface cannot exceed 36,000 km
is maximum
(D) Its period of rotation must be  2 R / g where
9. When a satellite in a circular orbit around the earth R is radius of earth
enters the atmospheric region, it encounters small
air resistance to its motion. Then
 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 3 | Level-I Subjective | JEE Advanced

Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation & 7. A sphere of radius R has its centre at the origin. It
Gravitational Field, Potential has a uniform mass density 0 except that there is a
& Potential energy spherical hole of radius r = R/2 whose centre is at
x = R/2 as in fig. (a) Find gravitational field at points
1. Four masses (each of m) are placed at the vertices on the axis for x > R
(b) Show that the
of a regular pyramid m
gravitational field
(triangular base) of side inside the hole is
‘a’. Find the work done by O x
uniform, find its
the system while taking m magnitude and
m
them apart so that they direction.
form the pyramid of side a
‘2a’. m Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity,
Escape velocity, Geo -
Stationary Satellites
2. A small mass and a thin uniform rod each of mass
8. A satellite close to the earth is in orbit above the
‘m’ are positioned along the same straight line as
equator with a period of rotation of 1.5 hours. If it
shown. Find the force of gravitational attraction
is above a point P on the equator at some time, it
exerted by the rod on the small mass. will be above P again after time ___________.
2L
L 9. A satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth.
m m The total energy of the satellite is E = –2 ×105 J. The
amount of energy to be imparted to the satellite to
transfer it to a circular orbit where its potential energy
3. Find the gravitational field is U = –2×105J is equal to ___________.
strength and potential at
the centre of arc of linear 10. Consider two satellitesA and
mass density  subtending 2
B of equal mass m, moving
R in the same circular orbit of r
A B
an angle 2 at the centre.
radius r around the earth E
Me
but in opposite sense of
4. Find the potential energy of a system of eight particles rotation and therefore on a
placed at the vertices of a cube of side L. Neglect collision course (see figure).
the self energy of the particles. (a) In terms of G, Me, m and r find the total mechanical
energy EA + EB of the two satellite plus earth system
before collision.
5. Calculate the distance from the surface of the earth (b) If the collision is completely inelastic so that
at which above and below the surface acceleration wreckage remains as one piece of tangle d material
due to gravity is the same. (mass = 2m), find the total mechanical energy
immediately after collision.

Section B - Variations in 'g'

11. A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth in a circular
6. An object is projected vertically upward from the orbit of radius r. It starts losing energy due to small
surface of the earth of mass M with a velocity such air resistance at the rate of C J/s. Then the time taken
that the maximum height reached is eight times the for the satellite to reach the earth is ________.
radius R of the earth. Calculate: 12. A remote sensing satellite is revolving in an orbit of
(i) the initial speed of projection radius x the equator of earth. Find the area on earth
surface in which satellite can not send message.
(ii) the speed at half the maximum height.
 Gravitation

Exercise - 3 | Level-II Subjective | JEE Advanced

Section A - Newton's law of Gravitation & 6. A certain triple-star system
Gravitational Field, Potential consists of two stars, each of m
& Potential energy r
mass m, revolving about a M
1. Find the gravitational force of interaction between central star, mass M, in the
the mass m and an infinite rod of varying mass density
same circular orbit. The two
 such that (x) = /x, where x is the distance from
mass m. Given that mass m is placed at a distance d stars stay at opposite ends of a m
from the end of the rod on its axis as shown in figure. diameter of the circular orbit,
x see figure. Derive an expression for the period of
d
O revolution of the stars; the radius of the orbit is r.
m 
 ( x) 
x
7. A man can jump over b = 4m wide trench on earth.
If mean density of an imaginary planet is twice that
2. Calculate the ratio of the mean densities of the earth
and the sun from the following approximate data. of the earth, calculate its maximum possible radius
 = angular diameter of the sun seen from the earth so that he may escape from it by jumping. Given
1 radius of earth = 6400 km.
= º .  = length of 1º of latitude on the earth’ss
2
surface = 100 km. 8. A launching pad with a spaceship is moving along a
T = one year = 3 × 107s. circular orbit of the moon, whose radius R is triple that
g = 10 ms–2. of moon Rm. The ship leaves the launching pad with
a relative velocity equal to the launching pad’s initial
3. Find the gravitational force between a point like mass

M and an infinitely long, thin rod, of mass density orbital velocity v 0 and the launching pad then falls to
, which is at a distance L from the mass M.
the moon. Determine the angle  with the horizontal at
which the launching pad crashes into the surface if its
Section B - Variations in 'g'
mass is twice that of the spaceship m.
4. A ring of radius R is made from a thin wire of radius r.
If  is the density of the material of wire then what will
be the gravitational force exerted by the ring on the 9. A satellite of mass m is in an elliptical orbit around the
material particle of mass m placed on the axis of ring at earth of mass M(M >>m). The speed of the satellite at
a distance x from its centre. Show that the force will
be maximum when x  R / 2 and the maximum value 6GM
its nearest point to the earth (perigee) is where
5R
42 Gr 2 m
of force will be given as Fmax  R = its closest distance to the earth. It is desired to
(3) 3/ 2 R
transfer this satellite into a circular orbit around the
Section C - Kepler's law, Orbital velocity, earth of radius equal its largest distance from the earth.
Escape velocity, Geo -
Find the increase in its speed to be imparted at the
Stationary Satellites
apogee (farthest point on the elliptical orbit).
5. A satellite P is revolving
around the earth at a height
h = radius of earth (R) Earth P Q 10. Assume that a tunnel is dug across the earth
above equator. Another M (radius = R) passing through its centre. Find the
satellite Q is at a height 2h time a particle takes to reach centre of earth if it is
r evol vi ng i n opposit e projected into the tunnel from surface of earth with
direction. At an instant the two are at same vertical
speed needed for it to escape the gravitational field
line passing through centre of sphere. Find the least
time of after which again they are in this is situation. of earth.
 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 4 | Level-I Previous Year | JEE Main

1. A particle of mass 10 g is kept on the surface of a (A) Statement I is true; Statement II is true;
uniform sphere of mass 100 kg and radius 10 cm. Statement II is not a correct explanation for
Find the work to be done against the gravitational force Statement I.
between them, to take the particle far away from the (B) Statement I is true; Statement II is false.
sphere, (you may take G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg–2)
(C) Statement I is false; Statement II is true.
[AIEEE 2005]
(D) Statement I is true; Statement II is true; Statement
(A) 13.34 × 10–10 J (B) 3.33 × 10–10 J
II is a correct explanation for Statement I.
(C) 6.67 × 10–9J (D) 6.67 × 10–10 J

5. Statement I : For a mass M kept at the centre of

2. The change in the value of g at a height h above the
a cube of side a, the flux of gravitational field passing
surface of the earth is the same as at a depth d
through its sides is 4 GM.
below the surface of earth. When both d and h are
much smaller than the radius of earth, then which and
one of the following is correct ? [AIEEE 2005] Statement II : If the direction of a field due to a
point source is radial and its dependence on the
h 3h
(A) d  (B) d  1
2 2 distance r from the source is given as , its flux
r2
(C) d = 2h (D) d = h
through a closed surface depends only on the
strength of the source enclosed by the surface
3. Average density of the earth [AIEEE 2005]
and not on the size or shape of the surface.
(A) does not depend on g
[AIEEE 2008]
(B) is a complex function of g
(C) is directly proportional to g
(D) is inversely proportional to g 6. 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
4. If gE and gM are the accelerations due to gravity on
earth is 11 kms–1 , the escape velocity from the
the surfaces of the earth and the moon respectively
surface of the planet would be [AIEEE 2008]
and if Millikan's oil drop experiment could be
performed on the two surfaces, one will find the ratio (A) 1.1 kms–1 (B) 11 kms–1
(C) 110 kms–1 (D) 0.11 kms–1
electronic charge on the moon
electronic charge on the earth to be [AIEEE 2007]
7. The height at which the acceleration due to gravity
(A) 1 (B) zero
g
gE gM becomes (where g = the acceleration due to
(C) g (D) g 9
M E
gravity on the surface of the earth) in terms of R,
the radius of the earth is [AIEEE 2009]
Directions Question number 6 is Assertion-Reason type
question. This question contains two statements : R
(A) 2R (B)
Statement I (Assertion) and Statement II (Reason). 3
The question also has four alternative choices, only
one of which is the correct answer. You have to select R
(C) (D) 2R
the correct choice. 2
 Gravitation

8. Two bodies of masses m and 4 m are placed at a 13. Two cars of masses m1 and m2 are moving in circles
distance r. The gravitational potential at a point on of radii r1 and r2, respectively. Their speeds are such
the line joining them where the gravitational field is that they make complete circles in the same time t.
zero, is [AIEEE 2011] The ratio of their centripetal acceleration is
4Gm 6Gm (A) m1r1 : m2 r1 (B) m1 : m2
(A)  (B) 
r r (C) r1 : r2 (D) 1 : 1
9Gm
(C)  (D) zero 14. From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a
r
R
9. Two particles of equal mass m go around a circle spherical portion of radius   is removed as
2
of radius R under action of their mutual gravitational shown in the figure. Taking gravitational potential
attraction. The speed of each particle with respect V = 0 at r = , the potential at the centre of the
to their centre of mass is [AIEEE 2011]
cavity thus formed is (G = gravitational constant)
Gm Gm [JEE Main 2015]
(A) (B)
R 4R

Gm Gm
(C) (D)
3R 2R

10. The mass of a spaceship is 1000kg. It is to be

GM GM
launched from the earth's surface out into free (A) (B)
R 2R
space. The value of g and R (radius of earth) are
2GM 2GM
10 m/s2 and 6400 Km respectively. The required (C) (D)
3R R
energy for this work will be [AIEEE 2012]
(A) 6.4 x 1011 J (B) 6.4 x 108 J 15. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height
'h' from the earth's surface (radius of earth R ;
(C) 6.4 x 109J (D) 6.4 x 1010J
h<<R). The minimum increase in its orbital velocity
required, so that the satellite could escape from the
11. What is the minimum energy required to launch a earth's gravitational field, is close to :(Neglect the
statellite of mass m from the surface of a planet of effect of atmosphere.) [AIEEE-2016]
mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude (A) gR (B) gR / 2
of 2R? [JEE MAIN 2013]
(C) gR ( 2  1) (D) 2gR
GmM GmM
(A) (B)
2R 3R
16. The variation of acceleration due to gravity g with
5GmM 2GmM distance d from centre of the earth is best
(C) (D)
6R 3R represented by (R = Earth’s radius) :
[AIEEE-2017]
12. Four particles, each of mass M and equidistant from g g
each other, move along a circle of radius R under
the action of their mutual gravitiational attraction.
The speed of each particle is : [JEE MAIN 2014] (A) (B)
d d
O R O
GM 1 GM
(A)
R

1 2 2  (B)
2 R

1 2 2  g g

GM GM (C) (D)
(C) (D) 2 2 d d
R R O R O R
 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 4 | Level-II Previous Year | JEE Advanced

1. A system of binary stars of masses mA and mB are

(D) The object is projected from (s) The object
moving in circular orbits of radii r A and r B the earth’s surface vertically can change
respectively. If TA and TB are the time periods of upwards with a speed its
masses mA and mB respectively, then [JEE 2006] direction
2 GMe / R e , where, Me is
(A) TA > TB (if rA > rB) (B) TA > TB (if mA > mB) only once.
the mass of the earth and Re
2 3 is the radius of the earth.
 TA   rA 
(C)   =  (D) TA = TB Neglect forces from objects
T
 B  rB  other than the earth.

3. A spherically symmetric gravitational system of

2. Column-I describes some situations in which a small particles has a mass density [JEE 2008]
object moves. Column-II describes some characteristics
of these motions. Match the situations in Column-I  for r  R
 0
with the characteristics in Column-II and indicate your  0 for r  R
answer by darkening appropriate bubbles in the 4 × 4
where 0 is a constant. A test mass can undergo
matrix given in the ORS. [JEE-2007]
circular motion under the influence of the
Column-I Column-II gravitational field of particles. Its speed V as a function
(A) The object moves on the x- (p) The object of distance r (0 < r < ) from the centre of the system
axis under a conservative executes a is represented by
force in such a way that its simple
“speed” and “position” harmonic v v

satisfy v = c1 c2  x 2 , motion.
(A) (B)
where c1 and c2 are positive
R r R r
constants.
(B) The object moves on the x- (q) The object
v v
axis in such a way that its does not
velocity and its isplacement change its
from the origin satisfy v = – direction. (C) (D)
kx, where k is a positive R r R r
constant.
(C) The object is attached to (r) The kinetic
one end of a mass-less energy of
4. STATEMENT-1
spring of a given spring the object
constant. The other end of keeps on An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the
the spring is attached to the decreasing. Earth experiences weightlessness. [JEE 2008]
ceiling of an elevator. and
Initially everything i s at
STATEMENT-2
rest. The elevator starts
going upwards with a An object moving around the Earth under the
constant acceleration a. The influence of Earth’s gravitaitonal force is in a state of
motion during the period it ‘free-fall’.
maintains this acceleration.
 Gravitation

(A) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is 8. A satellite is moving with a constant speed 'V' in a
True; STATEMENT-2 is a correct explanation for circular orbit about the earth. An object of mass 'm' is
STATEMENT-1 ejected from the satellite such that it just escapes from
(B) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is the gravitational pull of the earth. At the time of its
True; STATEMENT-2 is NOT a correct explanation ejection, the kinetic energy of the object is [JEE 2011]
for STATEMENT-1
1
(C) STATEMENT-1 is True, STATEMENT-2 is False (A) mV2 (B) mV2
2
(D) STATEMENT-1 is False, STATEMENT-2 is True
3
(C) mV2 (D) 2mV2
2
5. A thin uniform annular disc (see figure) of mass M
has outer radius 4 R and inner radius 3R. The work
9. Two spherical planets P and Q have the same uniform
required to take a unit mass from point P on its axis
density  , masses Mp and MQ, and surface areas A
to infinity is [JEE 2010]
and 4A, respectively. A spherical planet R also has
P uniform density  and its mass is (MP + MQ). The
4R
escape velocities from the planets P, Q and R, are
Vp, VQ and VR, respectively. Then [JEE 2012]
3R
4R (A) VQ > VR > VP (B) VR > VQ > VP

1
(C) VR / VP = 3 (D) VP / VQ 
2GM 2GM 2
(A) (4 2 – 5) (B) – (4 2 – 5)
7R 7R

GM 2GM 10. Two bodies, each of mass M, are kept fixed with a
(C) 4R (D) 5 R ( 2  1) 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
6. A binary star consists of two stars A (mass 2.2 Ms) is G. The correct statement(s) is (are) [JEE 2013]
and B (mass 11 Ms), where Ms is the mass of the (A) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to
sun. They are separated by distance d and are escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is
rotating about their centre of mass, which is
stationary. The ratio of the total angular momentum GM
4 .
of the binary star to the angular momentum of star L
B about the centre of mass is. [JEE 2010] (B) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to
escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is
7. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet
GM
2 .
6 L
is g. where g is the gravitational acceleration on
11
(C) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to
the surface of the earth. The average mass density
escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is
2
of the planet is times that of the earth. If the 2GM
3 .
L
escape speed on the surface of the earth is taken to
be 11 kms–1, the escape speed on the surface of the (D) The energy of the mass m remains constant.
planet in kms–1 will be [JEE 2010]
 Theory and Exercise Book

14. A planet of mass M, has two natural satellites with

1
11. A planet of radius R  ×(radius of Earth) has masses m1 and m2. The radii of their circular orbits
10
are R1 and R2 respectively. Ignore the gravitational
the same mass density as Earth. Scientists dig a force between the satellites. Define v1, L1, K1 and
R T1 to be, respectively, the orbital speed, angular
well of depth on it and lower a wire of the same
5 momentum, kinetic energy and time period of
length and of linear mass density 10-3 kgm-1 into it.
revolution of satellite 1 ; and v2, L2, K2 and T2 to be
If the wire is not touching anywhere, the force
the corresponding quantities of satellite 2. Given
applied at the top of the wire by a person holding it
m1/m2 = 2 and R1/R2 = 1/4, match the ratios in
in place is (take the radius oif Earth=6×106m and
List-I to the numbers in List-II.
the acceleration dur to gravity on Earth is 10 ms-2)
[JEE Advance 2018]
[JEE Advance 2014]
List–I List–II
(A) 96 N (B) 108 N
(C) 120 N (D) 150 N 1 1
P. 2 1.
8
12. A large spherical mass M is fixed at one position
L1
and two identical point masses m are kept on a line Q. 2. 1
L2
passing through the centre of M (see figure). The
point masses are connected by a rigid massless rod K1
of length l and this assembly is free to move along R. K2 3. 2
the line connecting them. All three masses interact
only through their mutual gravitational interaction. T1
When the point mass nearer to M is at a distance S. T2 4. 8
r = 3l from M, the tension in the rod is zero for
(A) P  4 ; Q  2 ; R  1 ; S  3
 M  (B) P  3 ; Q  2 ; R  4 ; S  1
m=k   . The value of k is - [JEE-2015]
 288  (C) P  2 ; Q  3 ; R  1 ; S  4
(D) P  2 ; Q  3 ; R  4 ; S  1

13. A bullet is fired vertically upwards with velocity 

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 v esc  v N , then the value of N is (ignore energy
loss due to atmosphere) [JEE-2015]
 Gravitation

Exercise - 1 Objective Problems | JEE Main

1. B 2. B 3. D 4. B 5. C
6. B 7. D 8. B 9. B 10. A
11. C 12. D 13. B 14. B 15. B
16. D 17. A 18. C 19. A 20. C
21. B 22. B 23. C 24. C 25. C

Exercise - 2 (Leve-I) Objective Problems | JEE Main

1. C 2. A 3. B 4. A 5. A
6. B 7. D 8. C 9. C 10. C
11. A 12. A 13. A

Exercise - 2 (Level-II) Multiple Correct | JEE Advanced

1. A,D 2. B,C,D 3. A,B 4. B,C 5. B,C
6. B,C 7. A,C 8. A,B,C 9. A,C 10. B,D
11. A,C 12. A,D

Exercise - 3 | Level-I Subjective | JEE Advanced

3Gm 2 Gm 2 2G
1. – 2. 3. (sin ), (–G 2)
a 3L2 R

–4GM 2  3 1  5 –1 4 Gm 2 2Gm
4.
L 3    5. h R 6. (i) , (ii) 3 5R
 2 3 2 3 R

 
 3 
 G0 R  1 8 ˆ
g 2
– i  2G0 R ˆ
7. 6  R x2  , g  – i
 x –   3
  2 

8. 1.6 hours if is rotating from west to east, 24/17 hours if it is rotating from west to east.

9. 1 × 105 J 10. (a) –GmMe/r, (b) –2GmMe/r

GMm  1 1   x2 – R2 
11. t  –  12. 1 –  4R 2
2C  R e r   x 
 
 Theory and Exercise Book

Exercise - 3 | Level-II Subjective | JEE Advanced

Gm e 2MG da R
 0 for amax  x =
1.
2d 2
2. s = 3.31 3.
L
4.
dx 2

2R 3 / 2 (6 6) 4r3/ 2
5. 6. 7. 6.4 km
GM (2 2  3 3) G(4M  m)

3 GM  2 8   1  Re
8. cos   9.  –  10. T  sin –1  
10 R  3 15   3 g

Exercise - 4 | Level-I Previous Year | JEE Main

1. D 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. A
6. C 7. A 8. C 9. B 10. D
11. C 12. B 13. C 14. A 15. C
16. A

Exercise - 4 | Level-II Previous Year | JEE Advanced

1. D 2. A-P; B-Q,R; C-P; D-Q,R 3. C 4. A
5. A 6. 6 7. 3 8. B 9. B, D
10. B 11. B 12. 7 13. 2 14. B