Gravitation - 14.01 PU - 11: M M D F

Gravitation14.
01
PU11
Gravitation
The word gravitation means attraction. Every body in the universe attracts every other body. Unlike other
forces in nature, gravitational forces are always attractional.
Newtons universal Law of gravitation
Every body in the universe attracts every other body with a force which is directly
proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the
m1
m2
distance between them

Consider two bodies of masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance d . Let F be the gravitational force of
attraction between then,
F m1m2
F
1
d2
Combining F
F
m1m2
d2
G. m1m2
d2
G is a constant called universal constant of gravitation
Dimensions of G
Fd 2
m1m2
F d 2
G
m1 m2
MLT 2 L
M2
G M 1L3T 2
SI unit of G
Nm2 kg 2
G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2
Acceleration due to gravity g
Consider a body of mass m to be placed on the surface of the earth. Let M be the mass of the earth and R
the radius of the earth. The weight W of the body is defined as the force with which the body is attracted
towards the center of the earth.
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Gravitation14.01
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W mg (1)
(by Newtons II law)
The gravitational force F with which the body is attracted towards the centre of the earth is given by
GMm
(2) (by Newtons universal law of gravitation)
From 1 and 2 mg
g
GM
R2
GMm
R2
(3)
Variation of acceleration due to gravity with height (altitude)

Consider a body of mass m to be placed on the surface of the earth. Let ' g ' be the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the earth at a point P.
h
P
Rh
m
R
mg
At P,
g
GMm
R2
GM
(1)
R2
Let the body be the moved to a point Q at a height ' h ' from the surface of the earth. Let g ' be the
acceleration due to gravitation at Q. The point Q is at distance R h from the centre of the earth.
Weight of the body at Q mg1
Gravitational force between the earth and the body at Q
g1
mg1
Gmm
R h 2
GMm
R h 2
GM
R h 2
(2)
Divide 2 by 1
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GM
2
g1 R h
R2
g
GM
R h 2
2
R
g1
R2
1
2
2
g
h
h
1
R
1
R
R
g1 h
1
g R
h
Now is a very small quantity compared to 1. This is because the radius of the earth R 6400 km is
R
very large, compared to the value of h . Hence we can use the approximation 1 x 1 nx for x 1
n
g1
2h
1
g
R
2h
g1 g 1
R
(3)
From the above formula, we observe that, as h increases, g1 goes on decreasing i.e., as the height (or
altitude) of a place increases, acceleration due to gravity goes on decreasing.
Variation of acceleration due to gravity with depth
Consider a body of mass m on the surface of the earth at the point P. Let ' g ' be the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the earth.
At P
GM
(1)
R2
4
Volume of the earth R3
3
4 3
R d
3
Substituting in 1
4
G R3 d
3
g
R2
4
g GRd
3
R
Rh
Let ' d ' be the mean density of the earth.
Mass of the earth M volume density
(2)
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Consider a point Q below the surface of the earth at a depth ' h ' below the surface of the earth. When the
body is at the point Q, the entire mass of the earth will not attract the body. Only a portion of the mass of
the earth contained in a sphere of radius R h attracts region in the diagram. Set Ms be the portion of
the mass of earth shown in the shaded region. The gravitational force between the earth and the body at Q
is given by
G Ms m
R h 2
(3)
This is equal to the weight of the body at Q. Let g1 be the acceleration due to gravity at Q. Weight of the
body at Q mg1
mg1
g1
(4)
G Ms.m
R h 2
GMs
(5)
R h 2
4
3
Volume of the shaded region R h
3
Mass of the shaded
portion 4
3
R h , d
Ms
3
substituting in 5
4
3
G R h d
3
g1
R h 2
4
g1 G R h d
3
(6)
Divide 6 and 2
4
G R h d
g1 3
4
g
GRd
3
g1 R h
g
R
g1 R h h
1
g R R R
h
g1 g 1
R
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As ' h ' increases, i.e., as we go deeper and deeper, " g " goes on decreasing. Acceleration due to gravity
decreasing with depth.
Variation of " g " with latitude
The latitude of a place on the surface of the earth is defined as the angle which the line joining the place to
the centre of the earth makes with the equatorial plane.
If is the latitude of the place, where the acceleration due to gravity is g ', then g ' g 1 R 2 cos2
where R radius of the earth and as increases, cos decreases. g1 goes on increasing. At the equator
0, g ' is least
At the poles 90, g ' is maximum.
Homework Questions
One mark questions
1.
State newtons universal law of gravitation.
2.
What is the value of the universal constant of gravitational in SI units
3.
In what way gravitational forces are different from other forces in nature?
4.
What happens to acceleration due to gravity as the latitude increases?
Two marks questions

5.
Find the dimensions of the universal constant of gravitation
Three marks questions

6.
Discuss the variation of the acceleration due to gravity with latitude.
Five marks questions

7.
Discuss the variation of acceleration due to gravity with height. Derive the relevant formula
8.
Discuss the variation of acceleration due to gravity with depth. Derive the relevant formula.
Gravitation14.02
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Gravitational Field
The region of space surrounding any material particle having a certain mass is called its gravitational field
Theoretically, gravitational field extends to infinity. However the gravitational filed becomes weaker and
weaker as distance increases and cannot be measured beyond a certain distance.
Gravitational potential at a point in the gravitational field is defined as the amount of work done in
bringing a unit mass from infinity to that point against the direction of the filed.
Let V denote the gravitation potential produced by the earths gravitational filed at a point. This means
that the work done in moving a mass of 1 unit from infinity to this point is V . Similarly to move a mass of
' m ' units from infinity to this point, the work done is mV .
So gravitational potential energy of a mass at a point gravitational potential at that point mass
To derive an expression for the gravitational potential energy
dx
dx
Suppose a body of mass m is placed at A in the gravitational field of a body of mass M . Let r be the
distance of the body from the centre O of the body of mass M . In order to determine the gravitational
potential energy of this system, let us calculate the work done in moving mass m from infinity to P . When
the mass is at A , the gravitational force of attraction on it to mass M is given by
F
GMm
x2
Where x is the distance of the point A from O .
Let the mass ' m ' be moved from A to B through a small distance dx . Then
Work done dW Fdx
GMm
x2
dx
Earth
The total work done in moving the mass m from infinity to the point A is obtained by integrating this
expression from to r
r
GMm
2
x
r
GMm
dx
dx
x2
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GMm x 2 dx
x 21
GMm
2 1
GMm 1 r
x
1
r
1
GMm
x
1 1
GMm
r
GMm
r
By definition this is the gravitational potential energy of the body of mass m kept at the point A .
Note:
(1) We observe that the gravitational potential energy of mass m in the gravitational field of mass M is negative i.e.,
the mass m is moved in the direction of the gravitational field of the mass M .
(2) Gravitational potential energy
GMm
r
When m 1
GM
r
This is gravitational potential of the gravitational field of mass M at the point A . Because gravitational potential
is the gravitational potential energy per unit mass.
Escape velocity
When a body is thrown vertically upwards it reaches a maximum height, but due to the gravitational pull
exerted by the earth, it falls down. If the body is thrown with a higher velocity, it reaches a greater height.
But as the height of the place increases, acceleration due to gravity goes on decreasing. So when a body is
thrown with such a velocity that it reaches a height when the acceleration due to gravity becomes zero, the
body will not be able to the return to the ground. In other words it escapes from the gravitational pull of
the earth. This velocity with which a body must be thrown vertically upwards in order that it escapes from
the gravitational pull of the earth is called escape velocity ve .
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To derive an expression for escape velocity

Consider a body on the surface of the earth. We know that the work done in moving a body of mass m
from infinity to the surface of the earth is given by the change in its gravitational potential energy
GMm GMm
0
R
R
Where M mass of the earth and
R Radius of the earth

We also know that when a body is thrown with velocity ve {escape velocity} it is given a certain amount of
kinetic energy
1 2
mve
2
1 2 GMm
mve
2
R
2GM
R
ve
This is an expression for the escape velocity of a body thrown from the surface of the earth.
Note:
g
GM
(on the surface of the earth)
R2
GM gR2
ve
2 gR 2
2 gR
R
ve 2 gR
Example - 1
Calculate the escape velocity from the surface of the earth. [given acceleration due to gravity on the surface
of the earth, g 9.8ms2 , radius of the earth 6400 km ]
Solution:
ve 2 gR
2 9.8 6.4 106
11.2 103 ms1
Ve 11.2 kms1
Satellites
A satellite is a body which is continuously revolving around a bigger body.
In the solar system, plants are revolving round the sun. So planets can be considered as the natural
satellites of sun. Moon is a natural satellite of the earth.
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Artificial satellites
These are man-made satellites. These satellites are put into their respective orbits with the help of
multistage rockets.
Artificial satellites have become very useful in the study of earths atmosphere. They are very useful in
communications. They are used in television broadcasting, weather forecast etc
Launching of artificial satellite
From the top of a tower built on the surface of the earth a body is projected with a velocity v1 . The body
follows a parabolic trajectory and hits the surface of the earth at the point A1 . If we increase the velocity to
v2 . It may hit the earths surface at A2 . For a particular velocity, the satellite orbits round the earth.
Consider a satellite of mass m to be put into a circular orbit around the earth at a height h above the
surface of the earth. Let M and R denote the mass and radius of the earth. The radius of the orbit is
R h . Let
v0 denote the orbital velocity of the satellite. The direction of the orbital velocity at any instant
of time is along the direction of the tangent to the orbit of the satellite at that instant. The centripetal force
necessary for the orbital motion of the satellite is provided by the gravitational force of attraction between
the earth and the satellite.
v1
v2
A1
vo
Earth A2
Centripetal force required
mv02
R h
Gravitational force provided
v0
GMm
R h 2
GM
Rh
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Note:
(1)
When the satellite is moving close to the h can be neglected compared to R .
v0
GM
R
(2) GM gR 2 for a satellite moving close to the surface of the earth, v0 gR

Example - 2
Calculate the orbital velocity of an earth satellite.
Solution:
v gR
9.8 6.4 105

62.72 106
8 103 ms1
8 kms1
Homework Questions
One mark questions
1.
Define gravitational field
2.
Define gravitational potential
3.
Define gravitational potential energy
4.
Define orbital velocity
5.
Define escape velocity
Three mark questions

6.
Derive an expression for orbital velocity of an earth satellite
7.
Derive an expression for escape velocity
8.
Calculate the escape velocity for a body to escape of the earth

( g 9.8ms2 , radius of the earth 6400 km )
9.
Calculate the orbital velocity for a body to orbit round the earth.
Five marks questions

10. Derive an expression for the gravitational potential energy of a body.
Gravitation14.03
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Planetary motion and Keplers laws
The study of planetary motion is an important development in classical mechanics. Kepler studied the
motion of planets round the sun and stated three laws. These are called Keplers laws of planetary motion.
Keplers first law
Planets move round the sun in elliptical orbits with the sun at one of the foci.
If S represents sun at one of the foci of the elliptical orbit of the planet, the distance between the sun and
the planet goes on changing. The gravitational force of attraction between the sun and the planet obeys the
law of inverse squares.
Keplers second law
The line joining the sun and the planet sweeps equal areas in equal intervals of time.
Consider a planets initially in position P1 close to the sun. In a certain interval of time ' t ' the planet moves
from P1 to P2 on the elliptical orbit. In the process the line joining the sun and the planet weeps an area
P1 S P2 . When the planet comes to P3 which is relatively farther away from the sun, the planent moves from
P3 to P4 in the same interval of time t . When the planet was closer to the sum the distance P1 P2 is greater
than the distance P3 P4 when planet was farther away from the sun. this is because the planet moved with a
higher velocity from P1 to P2 than when it moved from P3 to P4 but the area S P1 P2 and S P3 P4 are equal.
P3
P2
P4
P1
Keplers III law

The square of the mean distance between the planet and the sun is directly proportional to the cube of the
time period of the planet.
T 2 R3
or
T2
R3
constant
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Classwork Numericals
Example - 1
The mass of planet Jupiter is 1.9 1027 kg and that of sun is 1.99 1030 kg . The mean distance of the sun
from Jupiter is 7.8 1011 m . Calculate the gravitational force which the sun exerts on jupites.
G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2

Solution:
m1 1.9 1027 kg
m2 1.99 1030 kg
r 7.8 1011 m
F
G m1m2
d2
6.67 1011 1.9 1027 1.99 1030
7.8 1011
0.415 1026
4.15 1023 N
Example - 2
Assuming the mean density of the earth to be 5500 kg m3 and radius to be 6400 km find the value of the
acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth.
G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2

Solution:
g
GM
R2
But M Volume density

4
M R3 d
3
4
G. R 2 d
g 3
R2
4
g 3.14 6.67 1011 6.4 106 5.5 103
3
983 102
9.83ms2
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Example - 3
Find the acceleration due to gravity
(a) at a height of 32 km above the surface of the earth

(b) at a depth of 16 km below the surface of the earth given acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the
earth 9.8ms2 ; radius of the earth 6400 km
Solution:
(a) at a height of 32 km
2h
g ' g 1
R
2 32 103
g ' 9.8 1
3
6400 10
1
9.8 1
100
g ' 9.7 ms2

(b) at a depth of 16 km
h
g ' g 1
R
16 103
9.8 1
3
6400 10
1
9.8 1
400
9.78 ms2
Example - 4
At what height above the surface of the earth will the acceleration be reduced to
surface of the earth?
Solution:
g'
1
g;
100
g'
1
g 100
2h
Put g ' g 1
R
g'
2h
1
g
R
1
of its value on the
100
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1
2h
1
100
R
h
1
1
R
100
h 99
R 100
h
99 R 99 6400
200
200
3167 m or 3.168 km
Example - 5
What will be the acceleration due to gravity at a depth equal to half the radius?
[Acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth 9.8ms2 ]
Solution:
h
We cannot apply the formula g ' g 1
R
Let g ' acceleration due to gravity at h
mg '
g'
R
2
GMm
R h 2
GM
R
R 2

Put g
g'
4 GM
9R2
GM
R2
4 GM
9R2
Example - 6
The mass of the earth is about 80 times that if the moon and the radius of the earth is about 3.7 times that of
the moon. Find the acceleration due to gravity on the moon given that acceleration due to gravity on the
surface of the earth 9.8ms2
Solution:
On the earth
gE
GM E m
RE2
(1)
On the moon
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gm
G MEMm
(2)
2
Rm
Divide (1) by (2)

2
g E M E Rm
g m M m Re2
(3)
M E 80 M m
RE 3.7 Rm
g E 9.8ms2
gm ?
2
Rm
9.8 80M
gm
M
3.7 RE2
9.8
80
g m 3.7 2
gm
9.8 3.7
80
1.67 ms2
Example - 7
Show that the time period of an earth satellite is given by T 2
R
where R radius of earth and
g
g acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. Hence calculate T if R 6400 km and
g 9.8 ms2 . Also show that the time period of revolution of an earth satellite is given by T
3
where
Gd
d density of the earth

Solution:
For the orbital motion of the satellite, centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force
Let the satellite be orbiting a height ' h ' above the earths surface.
h
mv02
GMm
R h R h 2
v02
R
Earth
Rh
GM
R h
For a satellite moving close to the surface of the earth R h R
v02
GM
R
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GM
, but GM gR 2
R
v0
v0 gR
Le be the angular velocity of the satellite
R gR
gR
g
R
Time period of revolution of the satellite is the time taken by the satellite to complete one revolution.
g
R
R
g
6.4 106
9.8
T 2
510 s
85min
(ii) now M mass of the earth
4
volume density R3 d
3
4
G R3 d
3
vo
R
Gd
3
But
Gd
Gd
R 2 R
But v0 R
2R
2
T
Gd
3
2
Gd
2
T
3
Gd
3
Gd
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Homework Questions
Three marks questions
1.
State and explain Keplers laws of planetary motion
2.
Calculate the value of acceleration due to gravity at a height of 64 km above the earths surface.
3.
Calculate the value of acceleration due to gravity at a depth of 32 km the earths surface.
4.
Find the escape velocity at the moon given that its radius is 4.7 106 m and the value of g on the moon
1.63ms2
5.
The distances of two planets from the sun are 1013 m and 1012 m respectively. Find the ratio of the time
periods of the planets.
6.
The distance of the moon from the earth is 3.8 105 km . Calculate the speed of the moon revolving
round the earth . (mass of the earth 6.11024 kg , G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg2 )
AAdditional Questions
Gravitation14.5
Gravitation
Gravitation is one of the four classes of interactions found in nature. The other three interactions are
(i) Electromagnetic interactions between charged bodies
(ii) Nuclear interactions among the nucleons of an atom.
(iii) Weak interactions observed in reactions involving protons, neutrons and electrons.
Gravitational interaction is present between any two material bodies. This interaction predominates when
we consider the interaction between celestial bodies. This is because of large masses of the celestial bodies.
In this chapter, we learn the basic law governing the gravitational interactions. This law is universal, in
other words, the gravity acts in the same fundamental way between earthly bodies and between celestial
bodies.
Newtons law of gravitation
Newton discovered the fundamental character of the gravitational attraction between any two bodies.
Along with his three laws of motion, Newton published the law of gravitation in 1687. It may be stated as
follows.
Every particle of matter in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is proportional to the
product of the masses of the particles and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between
them.
Mathematically, we can write F
Gm1m2
r2
where F is the magnitude of the gravitational force on either particle, m 1 and m2 are their masses, r the
distance between them, and G the fundamental physical constant called gravitational constant.
Gravitational force between any two bodies acts along the line joining the bodies and it forms
action- reaction pair.
Vector form of gravitational force is F21
F12
Gm1m2
2
r21
Gm1m2
2
r12
r12 (force on m2 due to m1 )
r21 (force on m1 due to m2 )
Weight
We have defined weight of a body as the attractive gravitational force on it by the earth. We can now
broaden definition of the weight. The weight of a body is the total gravitational force exerted on the body
by all other bodies in the universe. When the body is on the surface of the earth other forces can be
neglected.
From Newtons law of gravitation, weight
W
GMm
R2
Gravitation14.5
where, m is mass of the body, M the mass of earth and R the radius of earth. From Newtons second law
of motion, weight W mg where g is free fall acceleration of the body near the surface of earth.
From the two equations, we get acceleration due to gravity g
GM
R2
Thus, acceleration due to gravity is independent of mass of the body.

Variation in the value of g
In general, the acceleration due to gravity is given by g
F
m
where F is the force exerted by the earth on the body and m is mass of the body. This force is affected by
number of factors and hence g also depends on these factors.
(a) Height from the surface of the earth: If the body is placed at a height h above the surface of the
earth, the force on it is given by F
GMm
( R h) 2
The force decreases with increase in h . Thus, the acceleration due to gravity decreases with altitude
2h
and its variation with h h R is given by g ' g 1
R
where g is the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth.

(b) Depth from the surface of the earth: The value of g also decreases with the depth. The variation in g
h
with depth h is given by g ' g 1
R
(c) Rotation of the earth:

The earth rotates about its own axis. Thus, the frame attached to earth is non-inertial frame. Thus,
forces acting on a body placed in this frame at an angular position from the earths axis are shown in
the figure.
r
m2r
Therefore, acceleration due to gravity at this point is 1/m times vector sum of
GMm
R2
and
m 2 r (i.e., m 2 R sin ) at the equator it is given by g ' g 2 R .

The factors like non-sphericity of the earth and non-uniform density of the earth also affect the
acceleration due to gravity.
Gravitation14.5
Example - 1
Four particles each of mass m are placed at the vertices of a square of side a . Find the resultant
gravitational force on identical particle placed at midpoint of a side.
Solution:
FA
FB
FD E
FC C
By symmetry, the forces FC and FD exerted on E by particle C and D are equal and opposite. Hence
they cancel each other. Also forces FA and FB are equal in magnitude. The components of these forces
parallel to CD CD cancel out. The net force on the particle is along the bisector of side CD .
Resultant R 2FB cos
Gm2 2
8 Gm2
3 2 3 3 3 a2
a
2
Example - 2
Find the acceleration due to gravity in a mine of depth 735 m if the value at the surface is 9 8 m s-2 . The
radius of the earth is 6400 km.
Solution:
The acceleration due to gravity at a distance h below the surface of the earth is given by
735
h
g g0 1 9 8 1
9 798ms 2
3
R
6400 10
Example - 3
Determine the speed with which the earth will have to rotate on its axis so that a person on the equator
would weigh (3/5)th as much as present. Take equatorial radius as 6400 km.
Solution:
Let be the angular speed of the earth. The apparent weight of person on the equator is given by
W ' W mR 2
3
3
But W mg and W ' W mg
5
5
3
mg mg mR 2
5
R 2
2
g ;
5
2g
298
7 8 104 rad s-1

3
5R
5 6400 10
Gravitation14.5
Example - 4
Two satellites of the earth move in the same plane in radii a and b , b being slightly greater than a. What
is the minimum interval between the instants when they are on the same line through the centre of the
earth?
Solution:
The first satellite is faster than the second. The two satellites again come on the same line when the faster
one gains over the slower one by one full revolution.
t n 1 T1 nT2 .
Now by dynamics of circular motion,
GMm
r2
r3
2
m
r or T 2
GM
T
n 1 2
a3
b3
n2
GM
GM
3/2
or 1
1 abc
n
a
t nT2
n 1
b3
n
a3
or
3/2
ba
1
3 ba
2 a
or
2 a
3 ba
2 a
2
3 ba
b3
4 a5/2
GM 3 GM b a
a b
Example - 5
A cord of length 64 m is used to connect a 100 kg astronaut to a spaceship whose mass is much larger than
that of the astronaut. Estimate the value of the tension in the cord. Assume that the spaceship is orbiting
near the earth surface. Also assume that the spaceship, the astronaut and the center of the earth are
collinear. The radius of the earth is 6400 km.
Solution:
The astronaut is in circular motion around earth. Radius of this circle is
R l .
As the center of earth,
spaceship and the astronaut are collinear the angular speeds of spaceship and astronaut are equal. For
spaceship, we can write
GMM '
R
M ' 2 R
gR 2
R
2R 2
g
R
For astronaut, the equation of circular motion is
GMm
(r l )
T m 2 R l
Gravitation14.5
mg ( R l ) mgR
l
1
mg 1 l 1 2l
T
mg 1
R
2
2
R
R
R
(R l)
1
R
On substituting, we get T 3 102 N .

Example - 6
During a solar eclipse, the Moon, the Earth, and the Sun all lie on the same line with the moon between the
Earth and the Sun. Find the force exerted by
(a) the sun on the moon
(b) by the earth on the moon and
(c) by the sun on the earth.
Solution:
The situation is shown in the figure.
R1
Mass of the sun, M1 1.99 1030 kg

R3
Mass of the earth M 2 5.98 1024 kg
R2
Mass of the moon M 3 7.36 1022 kg

Distance between earth and sun R1 1.5 1011 m
Distance between earth and moon R2 3.82 108 m
Distance between sun and moon R3 1.49 1011 m
(a) The force exerted by the sun on the moon is F1
GM1M 2
R32
On substituting, we get F1 4 4 1020 N

(b) Similarly the force exerted by the earth on the moon is F2 2 1020 N
Example - 7
An apple of mass 0.25 kg falls from a tree. What is the acceleration of the apple towards the Earth? Also
calculate the acceleration of the Earth towards the apple. Given: Mass of Earth 5.983 1024 kg , Radius of
Earth 6.378 106 metre, G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg2
Solution:
Let F be the gravitational force of attraction between the apple and Earth.
Then, F
GmM
R2
Gravitation14.5
Let a be the acceleration of apple towards the Earth.

a
F GmM GM
m mR 2
R2
6.67 1011 5.98.3 1024
6.378 106
Let a ' be the acceleration of the earth towards the apple.

a'
F Gm 6.67 1011 0.25 2
ms 4.099 1025 ms 2
2
M R2
6.378 106
Example - 8
The acceleration due to gravity at the Moons surface is 1.67ms2 . If the radius of the Moon is 1.74 106 m,
calculate the mass of the Moon. Use the known value of G .
Solution:
g
GM
R2
or
gR 2
G
This relation is true not only for Earth but for any heavenly body which is assumed to be spherical.
Here, g 1.67ms 2 .R 1.74 106 m and G 6.67 1011 Nm3kg 2
Mass of Moon, M
1.67 1.74 106

6.67 10
11
kg 7.58 1022 kg
Example - 9
What will be the value of the acceleration due to gravity at the bottom of sea 7 km deep? Diameter of Earth
is 12800 km and g on the surface of Earth is 9.8 ms2 .
Solution:
Depth of sea, d 7 km, g 9.8 ms2
Diameter of Earth, D 12800 km
Let gd value of g at the bottom of sea
7 2
d
Then, gd g 1 9.8 1
ms
R
6400
9.8 6393 2
ms 9.789ms2
6400
Gravitation14.5
Homework Questions
1.
If the distance between the sun and the earth is increased by three times, the attraction between the two
will
2.
(a) remain constant
(b) decrease by 63%
(c) decrease by 83%
(d) decrease by 89%
The ratio between masses of two planets is 2:3 and the ratio between their radii is 3:2. The ratio
between acceleration due to gravity on these two planets is
(a) 4 : 9
3.
(b) 8 : 27
(c) 9 : 4
(d) 27 : 8
If the change in the value of g at a height h above the surface of the earth is same as at a depth d
below it, then (both d and h are much smaller than the radius of the earth)
(a) d
4.
h
2
(b) d h
(d) d h2
(c) d 2h
If R is the radius of the earth and g is acceleration due to gravity on the earths surface, the mean
density of earth is
(a)
5.
4 G
3 gR
(b)
(c)
3g
4 RG
(d)
Rg
12G
Where is the intensity of the gravitational field of the earth maximum?

(a) Centre of earth
6.
3 G
4 gR
(b) Equator
(c) Poles
(d) Same every where
Gravitational attraction of earth on a stone of mass M is FS and that on a hydrogen balloon of mass
M located at same distance from center of earth is FB . Then,

(a) FS Fb
7.
8.
(b) FS Fb
(c) FS FB
As a person moves from pole to equator, the value of his weight will
(a) increase
(b) decrease
(c) remain the same
(d) first increases and then decreases
A simple pendulum is suspended from the roof of a trolley which moves in a horizontal direction with
an acceleration a . Then the time period is given by t 2
(b) ( g a)
(a) g
9.
(d) FS FB
l
g/
where g ' is equal to
(c) g a
(d)
g 2 a2
If the radius of the earth were to shrink by one per cent, its mass remaining the same, the value of g on
the earths surface would
(a) increase by 0.5%
(b) increase by 2%
(c) decrease by 0.5%
(d) decrease by 2%
Gravitation14.5
Gravitational field
We have seen that everybody interacts with every other body in the universe. To explain this interaction in
a convenient way, one can assume that everybody creates a gravitational field in the space around it. The
field has its own existence, a definite direction, and a definite intensity at a given point. When a body is
placed in the gravitational field, this field exerts a force on it. The direction and intensity of the field are
defined in terms of the force it exerts on a body placed in it. The intensity of a gravitational field E at a
given point is defined as E
F
.
m
where F is the force exerted by the field on a body of mass m placed at the given point.
Field at a point due to system of particles is the vector sum of the fields due to individual particle at that
point.
Gravitational field due to a point mass
Suppose, a particle of mass M is placed at point O . We want to find the intensity of gravitational field E
at a point P, at distance r from O . Magnitude of force F acting on a particle of mass m placed at P is,
F r
GM
r2
m (test mass)
E
F
GM
r
m
r2
or
GM
r2
The direction of the force F and hence of E is from P to O as shown.

Gravitational field due to a uniform solid sphere
Let mass of the solid sphere be M and its radius be R .
Field at an external point
For calculating the gravitational filed at an external point, a uniform solid sphere may be treated as a single
particle of same mass placed at its centre.
Let r distance of the external point form the centre of the sphere.
E r
GM
r
r or
At surface E
GM
R2
E r
1
r2
for
rR
r for r R
Gravitation14.5
Field at an Internal Point

E
The gravitational field due to uniform solid sphere at an

internal point is proportional to the distance of the point
from the centre of the sphere.
At the centre E 0
E r
or
GM
R3
r for r R
E r r
GM
R2
Ein 0
Hence, E versus r graph is as shown in figure.
GM
R2
Eout
1
r2
Field due to a uniform spherical shell at an external pint

For an external point the shell may be treated as a single particle of same mass placed at its centre. Thus, at
an external point the gravitational field is given by,
E r
GM
r2
for
rR
At the surface of the shell

E
GM
R2
for
rR
At an Internal point
The field inside a uniform spherical shell
E0
or
rR
Newtons shell theorem

A uniform shell of matter exerts no net gravitational force on a particle located inside it. This statement
does not mean that the gravitational forces on the particle from the various elements of the shell magically
disappear. Rather, it means that the sum of the force vectors on the particle from all the elements is zero.
Gravitation14.5
The following table gives intensity of field due to various objects.
Object
Position
At a distance r from it
1.
Point mass
2.
Uniform ring of radius a
3.
Uniform disc of radius a
4.
5.
Field intensity
GM
r2
Uniform thin spherical shell of

radius a
At a point on its axis at a distance r

from center
(a r 2 )3/2

from center
2GMr 1
1

2
2
r
a
r x2
At a distance r outside the shell
GM
r2
At a distance r inside the shell
Zero
At a distance r outside the sphere
GM
r2
Uniform solid sphere of radius

At a distance r inside the sphere
GMr
2
GMr
a3
Gravitational potential energy

The potential energy of a system corresponding to a conservative force is defined as
f
U f U i F .dr
i
The change in the potential energy of a system is equal to the negative of the work done by the internal
conservative forces.
For the small displacements of a body near the earths surface, we have used the equation
U f Ui mgh
But the idea of gravitational potential energy is not confined to earth-particle system. In general, for a two
particle system, we can write
f
r2
U f U i F .dr
i
r1
Gm1m2
r
1 1
dr Gm1m2
r1 r2
We choose gravitational potential energy of this system equal to zero when the separation between the
particles is infinity. Then potential energy of the system for any separation r is U r
Gm1m2
.
r
For a system of n particles, the potential energy is the sum of the potential energy of every pair of particles
in the system. In other words, the potential energy is additive.
Gravitation14.5
Gravitational potential
Consider the change in the configuration of the system of particles. The corresponding change in the
potential energy be U 2 U1 . Suppose this change is due to movement of only one particle of the system say
of mass m. Then, change in the gravitational potential is defined as the change in the potential energy per
unit mass.
Mathematically, V2 V1
U 2 U1
m
The equation gives the change in the potential. We can choose any point to have zero potential. Such a
point is called reference point. Suppose initial position of the particle m is reference point. Then, potential
at any position is given by V2
U 2 U1
m
This is equal to negative of the work done by the internal force in bringing a unit mass from reference point
to the position 2.
Potential at a point due to a system of particles is additive. Thus, potential at a point
Gmi
V Vi
ri
i
i
where mi is the mass of the particle i and the ri is its distance of separation from the point under
consideration.
If potential due to continuous mass distribution is to be calculated, then summation is to be replaced by
integral.
Gravitational potential due to a point mass
Suppose a point mass M is situated at a point O .
The gravitational potential due to this mass at point P at a distance r from O is

r
GM
r2
V F .dr
GM
r2
r.dr
r
dr
GM
r
Gravitational potential due to a uniform solid sphere
V9
Potential at an external point
is same as that due to single particle of same mass placed at its centre.
Thus, V (r )
GM
GM
rR
r
At the surface, r R
and
GM
R
The gravitational potential due to a uniform sphere at an external point
3 GM
2 R
Vout
1
r
Gravitation14.5
Potential at an internal point

Potential at a point distant r from the centre of the sphere
It is V
GM 3R 2 r 2
r R
inside,
2 R3
At r R,V
GM
R
while at r 0,V
3GM
2R
Potential due to a uniform thin spherical shell

For an external point spherical shell behaves as if whole of its mass is
concentrated at the centre, i.e.,
V r
GM
rR
r
Vout
For an internal point r R , the potential everywhere is same and equal
to its value at surface ,i.e.,
1
r
GM
R
GM
constant for r R
R
The following table gives potential due to various regular bodies.
Body
1.
Uniform ring of radius a
Position
GM
from its center
a2 r 2
At a distance r from its center such

2.
Uniform thin spherical shell of radius a
that r a
At a distance r from its center such that
ra
3.
Uniform solid sphere of radius a
Potential
ra
ra
SI unit of gravitational potential is J kg 1 .
GM
r
GM
a
GM
r
GM
2a 3
3a2 r 2
Gravitation14.5
Gravitational potential energy of a two particle system

The gravitational potential energy of two particles of masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is given
by,
Gm1m2
r
(1)
This is actually the negative of work done in bringing those masses from infinity to a distance r by the
gravitational forces between them.
Gravitational potential energy of a three particle system
The gravitational potential energy of the system is the sum of the gravitational potential energy of the
system is the sum of the gravitational potential energies of all three pairs of particles. If a system contains
more than two particles, we consider each pair of particles in turn, calculate the gravitational potential
energy and then algebraically sum gives the results.
m3
Applying eq. (1) to each of the three pairs m1, m2 , m1, m3 and
m2 , m3
gives the potential energy of the system of the system as
r13
Gm m Gm1m3 Gm2 m3
U 1 2
r13
r23
r12
m1
r23
r12
m3
Gravitational potential energy of a body on earths surface

The gravitational potential energy of mass m near Earths gravitational field of mass M at a distance r from
it is, ( r is greater of the Earth i.e., r R) .
r
r 21
r
GMm
GMm
U p
r .dr GMm r 2 dr GMm
or U p
2
r
r
2 1
r
The Earth behaves for all external points as if its mass M were connected at its centre. Therefore, a mass m
near Earths surface may be considered at a distance R (the radius of earth) from M .
The potential energy of m at the surface of the Earth is U
GMm
R
The gravitational potential energy of mass m at height h above the surface of Earth is given by
GMm
Rh
The distance between the mass m and the centre of Earth is R h ]
GMm
(For any height h)
h
R 1
R
or
GMm
h
1
R R
Gravitation14.5
So, expanding the right hand side of the above equation by Binomial theorem and neglecting squares and
higher powers of
U
GM
R
But
h
GMm h
, we get U
1 For h R
R
R R
g (acceleration due to gravity)
GMm
mgh
R
GMm
gravitational potential energy of mass m at the surface of Earth.
R
According to convention, the gravitational potential energy at the surface of Earth is taken to be zero. In
that case U mgh .
Potential energy of the body on the surface of Earth U s
GMm
R
Potential energy of the body at a height h from the surface of Earth U h
GMm
Rh
GMm GMm GMm GMm

Work done W U h U s
R R R h
Rh
1
GMmh
mgR 2 h
GM
1
GMm
R R h R R h R R h
R2
mgh R
Rh
mgh
h
1
R
or
mgh
h
1
R
A special case
When h R, then work done
mgR 1
mgR
R 2
1
R
Maximum height attained by a particle

Suppose a particle of mass m is projected vertically upwards with a speed v and we want to find the
maximum height h attained by the particle. Then we can use conservation of mechanical energy. i.e.,
Decrease in kinetic energy increase in gravitational potential energy of particle.
1
mv 2 U
2
1 2 mgh
mv
h
2
1
R
or
v2
Solving this, we get h
2g
v2
R
From this we can see that

(i) If v ve
or
v2 2 gR, then h (vc2 2 gR)
(ii) If v is small, h
v2
2g
Gravitation14.5
Relation between the gravitational field and gravitational potential

It can be shown that relation between the gravitational potential and gravitational field is
dV E dr
But E dr Ex dx E y dy Ez dz
dv Ex dx E y dy Ez dz
Thus we can write Ex
v
v
v
v
; E y ; E y ; Ez
x
y
y
z
means partial differentiation with respect to x treating y and z to be constants.

x
The symbol
Example - 1
A fixed sphere of radius R and uniform density has a spherical cavity of radius
R
such that the surface of the cavity passes through the center of the sphere. A
2
particle of mass m is located at the center A of the cavity. Calculate
O
R
A
R/2
(a) the gravitational potential at A

(b) the gravitational field at A
(c) the velocity with which the particle strikes the center O of the sphere. (Neglect the earths gravity)
Solution:
The given sphere may be supposed to be formed of two spheres:
4
(i) A solid sphere of radius R having uniform density with center O . Its mass M1 R3
3
(ii) A solid sphere of radius R / 2 having uniform density ( ) with center at A. Its mass is
3
4 R
M 2
3 2
Gravitational potential and field at any point can be obtained by superposing potentials and fields due
to spheres M1 and M 2 .
(a) Gravitational potential at point A is given by
VA V1 V2
3GM1 2 R
R
2
2 R3
GM 2
R
2
3G 4 3 3R 2 2G R3
R
4
R
6
2 R3 3
3
1
7
GR2 GR2 GR2
2
3
6
Gravitation14.5
(b) Gravitational field at point B is given by
E E1 E2
GM1 R
0
R3 2
G 4
R
R3
3 3
2
R
2
GR [towards the center O ]
3
(c) The particle moves from A to O due to gravitational attraction. Suppose, at any intermediate
instant, it is at point P at a distance x from center A .
The gravitational field at P is
3
4 R
4
R
G R3 x G ( ) x
3
2
3
2
EP
3
3
R
R

2
4
2
R
4
= G x G x G R
3
3
2
3
This is independent of x . Thus the particle moves with constant acceleration inside the cavity.
Acceleration a =
F
2
EP G R
m
3
2
v 2 2as G R 2
3
vR
2
G
3
Example - 2
A particle is fired vertically upward with a speed of 4 9 km s 1 . Find the maximum height attained by the
particle. Radius of earth is R 6400 km and g at the surface is 9 8 ms2 . Consider Earth-particle system
only.
Solution:
For closed system total mechanical energy of the system is conserved. Let the maximum height reached by
the particle be H . From the law of conservation of energy, we can write
GMm 1 2
GMm
mv
R
2
RH
But GM gR 2
Gravitation14.5
1
gR 2 m
gRm mv 2
2
RH
R2
R H
v02
2g
On substituting and simplifying, we get H 1515 km

Example - 3
A mass m is located at a point B in the gravitational field of mass M . The mass m is brought from B to
point A which is closer to M . Then its gravitational potential energy will
(A) remain unchanged
(B) increase
(C) decrease
(D) become zero
Solution:
Gravitational potential energy of a body in the gravitational field, E
GMm
. When r decreases, negative
r
value of E increases i.e., E decreases.

Ans: (c)
Example - 4
A 500 kg satellite is in a circular orbit at an altitude of 600 km above the earths surface. Because of air
friction, the satellites eventually falls to the earths surface, where it hits the ground at a speed of
2 km s1. The amount of energy transformed into internal energy is
(a) 1.7 107 J
(b) 1.7 109 J
(c) 1.7 1011 J
(d) 1.7 1013 J
Solution:
Increase in internal energy = Loss in mechanical energy
GMm 1 2 GMm 1 2
mv0
mv
r
2
R
2
GMm GMm 1 2
mv
2r
R
2
2 GM
v0 r
1
1
1
6 67 1011 6 1024 500
500 2 103
3
3 2
6400 10 7000 10
1 7 109 J
Ans: (b)
Example - 5
A particle of mass 1 kg is placed at a distance of 4 m from the centre and on the axis of a uniform ring of
mass 5 kg and radius 3 m . Calculate the work required to be done to increase the distance of the particle
from 4 m to 3 3 m.
Gravitation14.5
Solution:
U1
G 5 1
J
5
U2
G 5 1
5G
J
J
6
6
U1 GJ
or
5G G
5G
Work done
G G
J
6
6
6
Example - 6
Three point masses each of mass m are placed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. What is (i)
the gravitational field and (ii) the gravitational potential due to the three masses at the centroid of the
triangle?
Solution:
(i) To find the gravitational field at point O due to the three masses, we find the net force exerted on a unit
mass placed at point at point O , due to masses m at vertices A, B and C.
Since the three masses are equal and their distance from O are also equal, they will exert forces FA, FB and
FC of equal magnitudes.
Their directions are shown in fig. It follows from the symmetry of forces that the resultant force at point O
is zero. (Three equal forces in magnitude are acting at an 120 with each other so resultant is zero.
Hence, the gravitational field at O (resultant force per unit mass at O ) is zero.
(ii) Gravitational potential at O is
Fa
Gm Gm Gm
Gm Gm Gm
V
AO BO CO
r
r
r
Fb
3Gm
3Gm
a
r
3
3 3
Gm
a
FC
120
FA FB FC
Example - 7
Two thin rings each of radius R are coaxially placed at a distance R . The rings have a uniform mass
distribution and have mass m1 and m2 respectively. Then work done in moving a mass m from centre of
one ring to that of the other is
(a) zero
(c)
Gm
(b)
2 m1 m2
R
(d)
Gm m1 m2
2 1
2R
Gmm1
2 1
m2 R
Gravitation14.5
Solution:
Potential at Potential at
VA =
+
A due to A A due to B
VA
Gm1 Gm2
R
2R
and
Potential at Potential at
VB =
+
Bdue to A B due to B
VB
Gm2 Gm1
R
2R
Since WA B m VB VA
WA B
Gm m1 m2
m1
2 1
m2
2R
Example - 8
Two satellites have their masses in the ratio of 3 :1 . The radii of their circular orbits are in the ratio 1: 4 .
What is the ratio of total mechanical energy of A and B ?
Solution:
GMm
2r
E1 m1 r2 m1 r2 3 4 12

E2 r1 m2 m2 r1 1 1 1
Example - 9
Consider an earth satellite so positioned that it appears stationary to an observer on earth serves the
purpose of a fixed relay station for intercontinental transmission of TV and other communications. What
would be its angular velocity and what would be the direction of its motion? Given that the radius of the
earth is 6400 km and acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is 9.8 m/s2 .
Solution:
For a satellite to remain above a given point on the earths surface, it must rotate with the same angular
velocity as the point on the earths surface. Therefore, the satellite must rotate in the equatorial plane from
west to east a time period of 24 hours.
Example - 10
Two satellites of same mass are launched in the same orbit round the earth so as they rotate opposite to
each other. They collide inelastically and stick together as wreckage. Obtain the total energy of the system
before and just after the collision. Describe the subsequent motion of the wreckage.
Gravitation14.5
Solution:
The two satellites round the earth are shown in figure.
Potential energy of the satellite in its orbit GMm / r

Kinetic energy GMm / 2r
where m is mass of satellite, M is the mass of the earth

and r is the orbital radius. Total energy K.E. P.E.
m
m
GMm GMm GMm
2r
r
2r
When there are two satellites, the total energy would be

GMm GMm GMm
2r
2r
r
Let after collision, v ' be the velocity of wreckage by the law of conservation of momentum.
mv mv m m v '
mv mv m m v '
v ' 0
The wreckage of mass 2m has no kinetic energy, but it has only potential energy,
So, energy after collision
GM 2m
r
Now, the combined mass has zero velocity just after collision and therefore, the wreckage stops rotating
and falls down due gravity.
Example - 11
A particle is suspended from a spring and it stretches the spring by 1 cm on the surface of earth. By how
much amount the same particle will stretch the same spring at a place 800 km above earth surface?
Solution:
The extension in the length of spring is
x1
mg GMm
k
R2 k
1
R3
x
R2
2
x1 R h 2
2
or
64
6400
x2 1
0.79 cm

7200
81
Gravitation14.5
Example - 12
A Planet of mass m moves along an ellipse around the sun so that its maximum and minimum distances
from the sun are equal to r1 and r2 respectively. Find the angular momentum of this planet relative to the
centre of the sun.
Solution:
v1
As the angular momentum of the planet is constant, we have
mv1r1 mv2 r2
v1r1 v2 r2
or
..(i)
dsr1
Further, the total energy of the planet is also constant, hence

1 1
GM
r2 r1
or
r1 r2
GM
rr
12
Ar1
v22 v12
2
2
v2
v12 r12
v2
1
2
2r22
vr
(as v2 1 1
r2
from (i) )
r r v 2 r 2 v 2 r 2 r22
or GM 1 2 1 1 1 1 1
2
2 r2
r1r2 2 r2
2
v12
2GM r1 r2 r22
r1r2 r12 r22
2GMr2
2GMr2
; v1
r1 r1 r2
r1 r1 r2
2GMr1r2 GMm
Now, Angular momentum mv1r1 m
R
r1 r2
Example - 13
A particle is fired vertically upward with a speed of 9.8 km/s . Find the maximum height attained by the
particle. Radius of earth 6400 km and g at the surface 9.8 m/s2 . Consider only earths gravitation.
Solution:
At the surface of the earth, the potential energy of the earth-particle system is
The kinetic energy is
GMm
with usual symbols.
R
1 2
mv0 where v0 9.8 km/s . At the maximum height, the kinetic energy is zero. If the
2
maximum height reached is H , the potential energy of the earth-particle system at the instant is
Using conservation of energy,
gR
v02 gR 2
2 RH
or
GMm 1 2
GMm
mv0
;
R
2
RH
v2
R2
R 0
RH
2g
or
RH
Writing GM gR 2 and dividing by m ,
R2
R
v02
2g
Putting the values of R, v0 and g on the right side,

GMm
.
RH
RH
or
Gravitation14.5
6400 km 2
9.8 km/s 2
6400 km
6400 km 2
1500 km
27300 km
2 9.8 m/s2
or , H 27300 6400 km 20900 km

Example - 14
An artificial satellite of mass m of a planet of mass M , revolvers in a circular orbit whose radius is n times
the radius R of the planet. In the process of motion, the satellite experiences a slight resistance due to
cosmic dust. Assuming resistance force on satellite depends on velocity as F av 2 where a ' is constant.
Calculate how long the satellite will stay in orbit before it falls onto the planets surface.
(a)
m R
(b)
a GM
2m R
(c)
n 1
n 1
(d)
a GM
m R n 1
a GM
m R
n 1
a 2GM
Solution:
GM
R
mdv
av 2 ;
dt
dv
GM
mR
R
nR
m
GM
GM
t;
a
a dt ;
o
Energy method: Total energy in circular orbit of radius r , E

Rate of change of energy
m R
n 1
a GM
GMm
2r
dE
GMm dr GMm dr
F .v av3 (1)
dt
2r 2 dt 2r 2 dt
Centripetal force gravitational force

3/2
mv 2 GMm
GM
GM
v2
v3
2
r
r
r
r
M
R
From eq. (1)
GMm
2r 2
GMm
2r
R
dr a
1/2
nR 2r
GM 3/2
v
r 3/2
dr a GM
GMm
3/2
F av 2
dt
dr a GM
3/2
dt
GMm
a GM
3/2
nR
nR R m
a GM
nR R
m R
n 1
a GM
Ans: (a)
Gravitation14.5
Homework Questions
1.
The earths radius is R and acceleration due to gravity at its surface is g . If a body of mass m is sent to
a height of R / 4 from the earths surface, the potential energy increases by
(a) mg
2.
R
3
(b) mg
R
4
(c) mg
R
5
(d) 3mg
R
16
A projectile is fired vertically upwards from the surface of the earth with a velocity kve , where ve is
escape velocity and k 1 . If R is the radius of the earth, the maximum height to which it will rise
measured from the centre of earth will be (neglect air resistance)
(a)
3.
1 k2
R
(b)
R
1 k
(c) R (1 k 2 )
(d)
R
1 k2
A spherical shell is cut into two pieces along a chord as shown in the figure. P is a point
on the chord. The gravitational field at P due to the upper part is I1 and that due to the
lower part is I 2 . What is the relation between them?
4.
(a) I1 I 2
(b) I1 I 2
(c) I1 I 2
(d) no definite relation
The kinetic energy required to make a body move to infinity from the earths surface is
(a) infinite
5.
(b) 2 mgR
(c)
1
mgR
2
(d) mgR
The masses and the radii of earth and moon are M1 , R1 , and M 2 , R2 respectively. Their centers are at a
distance d apart. The minimum speed with which a particle of mass m is to be projected from a point
midway between their centers so that they escape to infinity is
6.
(a)
2G(M1 M 2 ) / d
(b)
2G(M1 M 2 )d
(c)
G(M1 M 2 )d
(d) 2 G(M1 M 2 ) / d
A projectile is fired vertically from the earths surface with an initial velocity 10 km s 1 . Neglecting air
resistance the maximum height reached by projectile is
[G = 6.67 1011N m2 kg 2 , M = 6 1024 kg, R = 6.4 106 m]

(a) 25 106 m
(b) 25 104 m
(c) 25 108 m
(d) 25 103 m
7.
Gravitation14.5
Two particles of masses m and M , separated by infinite distance are released from rest. The particles
then move under mutual gravitational attraction. Then, the velocity of approach at an instant at which
the mutual separation is d is
(a)
8.
2GM 2
md
(b)
2Gm2
Md
2G ( M m)
d
(d)
2GM 2
d (m M )
The radius of earth is R and acceleration due to gravity at its surface is g . The work done in raising a
body of mass m from the surface of earth to a height
(a) mg
9.
(c)
R
2
(b) 2 mg
R
3
R
is
2
(c) mg
R
3
(d) mg
R
4
An object is describing an elliptical orbit of semi major axis a , about a planet of mass M . Then, the
relationship between its distance r from the centre of the planet and its speed v is
(a) v
1
GM
1 2

r a
2 1
(b) v 2 GM
r a
1 2
(c) v 2 GM
r a
2 1
(d) v = GM
r a
10. A satellite is launched in a direction parallel to the surface of earth with speed of the satellite as it
reaches its maximum altitude of 3770 km is
(a) 22.02 Mm/hour
(b) 22.20 Mm/hour
(c) 20.22 Mm/hour
(d) 22.22 Mm/hour
Gravitation14.6
Motion of planets and satellites

Planets move round the sun due to the gravitational attraction of the sun. Kepler a German astronomer and
mathematician gave three empirical laws that accurately described the motions of the planets. The laws are
stated below.
1.
Each planet moves in an elliptical orbit with sun at one focus of the ellipse.
2.
The radius vector from the sun to the planet sweeps equal area in equal time.
3.
The square of the period of a planet is proportional to the cube of the semi major axis of the ellipse.
Though orbits are elliptical, the difference between the semi-major axis and semi-minor axis is very small.
Thus for planets of the sun, one can approximate the orbits as circular.
Consider a planet of mass m describing a circular orbit of radius r . The mass of the sun be M . If v is the
speed of the planet its acceleration is
v2
towards the sun.
r
Then from the second law of motion
GMm
r
mv 2
r
Speed v
GM
r
The speed of a planet is inversely proportional to square root of the radius of the orbit.
The period of the planet is given by T
The kinetic energy of the planet is
2 r
v
i.e., T 2
r3
4 2 3
r
or T 2
GM
GM
1
1
GM GMm
mv 2 m
2
2
r
2r
The gravitational potential energy of the sun-planet system is U

Total mechanical energy of the system is E K U
GMm
r
GMm
2r
The total energy is negative. This is called binding energy of the planet.
(a) Orbital Velocity v0 : Let a satellite of mass m revolve around the Earth in circular orbit of radius r
with speed v0 . The gravitational pull between satellite and earth provides the necessary centripetal
force.
Centripetal force required for the motion
Gravitational force
mv02 GMm
r
r2
or
mv02
r
GMm
r2
v02
GM
r
or
v0
GM
(1)
r
or v0 R
(i)
g
Rh
Gravitation14.6
GM
R2
and r R h
Value of orbital velocity does not depend on the mass of satellite but it depends on the mass and
radius of the planet around which the rotation is taking place.
(ii)
The orbital velocity for a satellite near the surface of earth is 7.92 km/s .
(iii)
Greater is the height of the satellite, smaller is the orbital velocity.
(iv)
The direction of orbital velocity is along the tangent to the path.
(v)
The work done by the satellite in a complete orbit is zero.
(b) Angular momentum L : For satellite motion angular momentum will be given by
1/2
GM
i.e., L m2GMr
L mvr mr
Angular momentum of a satellite depends on both, the mass of orbiting and central body. It also
depends on the radius of the orbit.
(c) Period of Revolution:

Period of revolution T
Circumference of the orbit

Orbital Velocity
or T
2 r 2
v0
or T
2 r 2 R h
2 r
or T
v0
v0
GM / r
as v0 r
On squaring eq n . 2 ,
T2
4 2 3
r ;
GM
T 2 r3
r3
or
GMT 2
4 2
GM 2 3
T
or r
4 2
(3)
1
GM
3
R 2T 2
or
2 2
4 R
gR 2T 2 3
r
4 2
(4)
1
or
gR 2T 2 3
Rh
4 2
sR 2T 2 3
Height of satellite h
R
4 2
Gravitation14.6
(i) Time period is independent of the mass of orbiting body and depends on the mass of central body
and radius of the orbit.
As T 2
4 2 3
4 2 r 3
r , i.e., M
.
GM
GT 2
If the radius of the orbit and time period, are known then we can calculate the mass of central body
M . This is how we compute the mass of sun.

(ii) If the satellite is revolving close to the surface of the Earth h 0, i.e., r R
R
6.4 106
2
2 800s 84.6 minute 1.4hr .
g
10
T 2
(d) Energy of Satellite: A satellite revolving a planet has both kinetic energy and potential energy.
(i) Kinetic Energy: The kinetic energy of the satellite is due to motion of the satellite.
mv02 GMm
r
r2
mv02
GMm
r
or
Kinetic energy of orbiting satellite,
GMm
2r
or
1 2 GMm
mv0
2
2r
(ii) Potential energy: As for external point a spherical mass behaves as whole of its mass is
concentrated at its centre; potential energy of the satellite. U
GMm
The negative sign is because of
r
zero potential energy at infinity.

(iii) Total Energy: Total energy of orbiting satellite,
E K U
GMm GMm GMm GMm

2r
r
2r
r
or
GMm
2r
The total energy of a satellite is negative.
K
1
E
i.e., K E and
U
2,
E
i.e., U 2E
The variation of kinetic energy K , potential energy U, and total energy E with radius r for a satellite
in a circular orbit.
For any value of r , the values of U and E are negative, the value of K is positive, and E K
As r all three energy curves approach a value of zero.
Kinetic, potential or total energy of a satellite depends on the
Gravitation14.6
Mass of the orbiting satellite and the central body and also on the radius of the orbit.
(i)
When the satellite is orbiting in its orbit, then no energy is required to keep it its orbit.
(ii)
When the energy of the satellite is negative then it moves in either a circular or an elliptical
orbit.
(iii)
When the energy of the satellite is zero then it escapes away from its orbit and its path becomes
parabolic.
(iv)
When the energy of the satellite is positive then it escapes from the orbit following a hyperbolic
path.
(v)
When the velocity of the satellite is increased then its energy increases and it starts moving in a
circular path of smaller radius.
(vi)
When the height of the satellite is increased then its energy increases and it starts moving in a
circular path of smaller radius.
(vii)
The potential energy of a satellite orbiting in circular orbit is always more than its K .E.
Satellite
Satellites are launched from the earth so as to place them in appropriate
v0
orbits. Once they are placed in the orbit they move round the earth under
the gravitational attraction of earth. A satellite with the period equal to the
period of earths rotation about its own axis is called geostationary
6
1
satellite. The expressions given in the previous section for speed, period
and energy are valid for satellites describing circular orbits around earth.
The velocity with which a satellite is projected decides its orbit. Consider a
satellite raised to a distance r from the center of earth and then given initial
horizontal speed. It describes elliptical orbit with center of the earth at the farthest focus if initial speed is
less than
GM
. It describes circular orbit if initial speed is
r
of the earth at nearer focus if initial speed is greater than
GM
. It describes elliptical orbit with center
r
GM
and its total energy is negative. It moves
r
on a open orbit and never returns to starting point if its total mechanical energy is positive.
Escape velocity
It is minimum velocity to be given to a body on the surface of the earth to make its total mechanical energy
positive.
Total energy, E K U
1 2 GMm
mv
2
R
Gravitation14.6
But, E 0
1 2 GMm
mv
0
2
R
If ve is the minimum required velocity
1 2 GMm
GMm
mve
0 ve
2
R
R
When the body is launched with this velocity, it escapes from the earth.
Example - 1
A satellite of mass 3000 kg is in a circular orbit at a height of 33600 km above the surface of the earth. What
is the gravitational force on the satellite?
Solution:
Force on the satellite is given by
GMm
( R h) 2
(1)
Gravitational constant G 6.67 10-11 N m2 kg-2

Mass of the earth M 6 1024 kg
Radius of the earth R 6400 km
Mass of the satellite m = 3000 kg
Substituting,
F= F
6 67 1011 6 1024 3000

[(6400 33600)103 ]2
750 N
Alternate method
Linear speed of the satellite v
Its acceleration
GM
Rh
v2
GM
R R h 2
Centripetal force
mv 2
GMm
750 N
R
R h 2
Example - 2
A satellite of mass 100 kg is placed initially in a temporary orbit 800 km above the surface of the earth. The
satellite is to be placed now in permanent orbit at 2000 km above the surface of the earth. Find the amount
of work done to move the satellite from temporary to permanent orbit. The radius of the earth is 6400 km
and g 10 ms-2 .
Gravitation14.6
Solution:
Orbital velocity in a given orbit is given by
GM
a
Energy of the earth satellite system in an orbit is
1 2 GMm 1 GMm GMm

GMm
mv
2
a
2 a
a
2a
Work done in moving the satellite from one orbit to another is the change in the energy of the system.
GMm 1 1

2 a2 a1
gR 2 m
1
1
2 6400 2000 103 6400 800 103
10 (6400 103 )2 200

1
1
8 1108 J
3
3
(6400 2000)10 (6400 800)10
2
Example - 3
Determine the escape velocity of a body from the Moon. Take the Moon to be a uniform sphere of radium
1.74 106 m and mass 7.36 1022 kg . Does your answer throw light on why the Moon has no atmosphere?
Solution:
Escape velocity on the surface of Moon is given by
ve
2GM
2 6.67 1011 7.36 1022
ms1 2.38 103 ms1 or
R
1.74 106
2.38 km1
All constituents of the atmosphere like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapours have
root mean square velocities at 0 C of their molecules slightly greater than escape velocity on the
surface of Moon 2.38 k ms1 .
Hence there is practically no atmosphere on Moon.
Example - 4
A satellite is launched into a circular orbit 1600 km above the surface of the earth. Find the period of
revolution if the radius of the earth is R 6400 km and the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 ms2 . At what
height from the ground should it be launched so that it may appear stationary over a point on the earths
equator?
Solution:
The orbiting period of a satellite at a height h from earths surface is
3
2 r 2
gR 2
Gravitation14.6
where R h.
2 R h R h
R
g
Then, T
Here, R 6400 km, h 1600 km R / 4
2 R
4
T
R
3
R 4
2 1.25 2
g
R
g
Putting the given values,

3
6.4 106 m
T 2 3.14
1.25 2
2
9.8ms
7092 s 1.97 h
Now, a satellite will appear stationary in the over a point on the earths equator if its period of revolution
around the earth is equal to the period of revolution of the earth up around its own axis which is 24 h . Let
us find the height h of such a satellite above the earths surface in terms of the earths radius. Let it be nR .
Then T
2 R nR R nR
R
g
2n R nR R nR
R
g
3
R
2 1 n 2
g
3
6.4 106 m / s
2 3.14
1 n2
9.8m / s 2
5075s 1 n
3
3
1.41h 1 n
2
2
For T 24 h, we have 24 h = 1.41h 1 n

or
1 n
3
2
3 24
3
17 or 1 n 17 6.61
2
2 1.41
or n 5.61
The height of the geostationary satellite above the earths surface is nR 5.61 6400 3.56 104 km.
Gravitation14.6
Homework Questions
1.
The escape velocity of a body on the surface of the earth is 11.2 km s-1 . If the earths mass increases to
twice its present value and radius of the earth becomes half, the escape velocity becomes
(a) 56 km s1
2.
(b) 112 km s1
(c) 224 km s1
(d) 448 km s1
A planet revolves in elliptical orbit around the sun. The linear speed of the planet
A
will be maximum at
(a) A
3.
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
The kinetic energy of a satellite in its orbit around the earth is E . What should be the kinetic energy of
the satellite so as to enable it to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth?
(a) 4E
4.
(b) 2E
(c)
2E
(d) E
Two satellites S and S ' revolve around the earth at distance 3R and 6R from the centre of the earth.
Their periods of revolution will be in the ratio
(a) 1: 2
5.
(b) 2 :1
(c) 1: 21.5
(d) 1: 20.67
A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R . A second satellite is launched into an orbit of
radius 1.01R . The difference in time periods of the satellites is
(a) 0 5 %
6.
(b) 1 5 %
(c) 1 %
(d) 3 0 %
A satellite is orbiting a planet at a constant height in a circular orbit. If the mass of the planet is reduced
to half, the satellite would
7.
(a) fall in the planet
(b) go to an orbit of smaller radius
(c) go to an orbit of higher radius
(d) escape from the planet
If an artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to half the
magnitude of the escape velocity from the earth, the height of the satellite above the surface of the
earth is
(a) 2R
8.
(b)
R
2
(c) R
(d)
R
4
An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to half the
magnitude of the escape velocity from the earth. If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its orbit and
allowed to fall freely on to the earth, the speed with which it hits the surface of the earth is
(a) 4 km s1
9.
(b) 8 km s1
(c) 2 km s1
(d) 6 km s1
The minimum percentage increase in the orbital velocity of the moon so that it departs forever is
(a) 100 %
(b) 50 %
(c) 414 %
(d) 214 %
10. The orbital speed of a satellite rotating around earth in a circular orbit and escape speed for a particle
to be projected from the height same as that of satellite are in the ratio
(a)
2 :1
(b) 1: 2
(c)
3 :1
(d) 1: 3
Mech. Prop of Solids, Fluids and Gravitation 14.7
Multiple Choice Questions

1.
A satellite moves in an elliptical orbit about the earth such that, at perigee and apogee positions, the
distances from the earths centre are, respectively D and 4D . The relationship between the speeds at
these two points is
(a) v p va
2.
(b) v p 4va
(c) va 4v p
(d) va 2v p
The Poissons ratio for a material is 0.1 If longitudinal strain of a rod of this material is 1101 the find
the percentage change in the volume of the rod.
(a) 0.08%
3.
(b) 0.8%
(b) 0.04%
(d) 0.4%
Find the gravitational potential energy of a system of a system of four particles, each having mass m,
placed at the vertices of a square of side
. Also obtain the gravitational potential at the centre of the
square.
(a)
4.
4 2Gm
(b)
2Gm
(b)
2 2Gm
(d)
4Gm
Two satellites A and B of equal mass move in the equatorial plane of the earth, close to earths
surface. Satellite A moves in the same direction as that of the rotation of the earth while B moves in
the opposite direction. Calculate the ratio of the kinetic energy of B to that of A in the reference frame
fixed to the earth. ( g 9.8 ms2 and radius of the earth 6.37 106 km)
(a) 1
5.
(b) 1.27
(c) 7
(d) 1.5
Two rods of different materials having coefficients of linear expansions 1 and 2 and Youngs moduli
of elasticity Y1 and Y2 respectively, are fixed between two rigid massive walls. The rods are heated
such that they undergo the same increase in temperature without bending. If 2 2 : 3, then the
thermal stress developed in the two rods will be equal if Y1 : Y2 is equal to
(a) 2 : 3
6.
(b) 3 : 2
(c) 1:1
(d) 4 : 9
If the interatomic spacing in a steel wire is 3.0 and Ysttel 20 1010 / N/m2 then find (i) Interatomic
force constant in newton / , and (ii) Increase in interatomic spacing for a stress of 2 10 N/m2
7.
(a) 6 109 N / , 0.03
(b) 109 N / , 0.03
(c) 16 109 N / , 0.03
(d) 6 109 N / , 0.003
A sample of liquid has an initial volume of 1 5L . The volume is reduced by 0.2 mL , when the pressure
increase by 140 kPa. What is the bulk modulus of the liquid?
(a) 1.05 109 Pa
(b) 5 109 Pa
(c) 1.95 109 Pa
(d) 2 109 Pa
8.
The ice storm in the providence of Jammu strained many wires to the breaking point. In a particular
situation, the transmission pylons are separated by 500 m of wire. The top grounding wire is 15 from
horizontal at the pylons, and has a diameter of 1.5 cm. The steel wire has a density of 7860 kg / m3 .
When ice (density 900 kg / m3 ) built up on the wire to a total diameter 10.0 cm, the wire snapped. What
was the breaking stress (force/unit area) in N / m2 in the wire at the breaking point? You may assume
the ice has no strength.
(a) 7.4 107 N / m2
9.
(b) 4.5 108 N / m2
(c) 2.6 106 N / m2
(d) 1.15 107 N / m2
A steel wire of length 4 m and diameter 5 mm is stretched by kg wt . Find the increase in its length, if
the Youngs modulus of steel of wire is 2.4 1012 dyne / cm2 .
(a) 0.0041 cm
(b) 0.041 cm
(c) 0.41 cm
(d) 0.001 cm
10. Compute the bulk modulus of water from the following data: Initial volume 100.0 litre, Pressure
increase = 100.0 atm. Final volume=100.5 litre.
(a) 2.03 103 Nm2
(b) 2.03 109 Nm2
(c) 1.03 109 Nm2
(d) 2.03Nm2
11. A copper block, 7.50 cm on a side, is subjected to a tangential force of 3.5 103 N . Find the angle of
shear (if required use value of modulus of elasticity as 4.2 1010 N / m2 )
(a) 1.8 105 rad
(b) 1.48 102 rad
(c) 1.48 105 rad
(d) 1.48 105 rad
12. The edges of an aluminium cube are 10 cm long. One face of the cube is firmly fixed to a vertical wall.
A mass of 100 kg is then attached to the opposite face of the cube. The shear modulus of aluminium is
25 109 Nm2 . What is the vertical deflection of this face?

(a) 4 105 m
(b) 2 107 m
(c) 4 107 m
(d) 4 m
13. A steel wire of length 4.7m and cross section 3.0 105 m2 stretches by the same amount as a copper
wire of length 3.5 m and cross section 4.0 105 m2 under a given load. What is the ratio of Youngs
modulus of steel to that of copper?
(a) 1.8
14.
(b) 2
(c) 1.5
(d) 1
A litre of glycerine contracts by 0.21 cm3 N1m2 .What is the Bulk modulus of glycerine?
(a) 1.7 109 N / m2
(b) 2.7 109 N / m2
(c) 3.7 109 N / m2
(d) 4.7 109 N / m2
15. A plastic sphere has a volume V and density (1/10)th of water. Force required to hold it completely
submerged under water is
(a)
9
V g downwards
10
(b)
1
V g downwards
10
(c)
9
V g upwards
10
(d)
1
V g upwards
10
16. An object hangs from a spring balance. The balance registers 40 N in air, 30 N when the object is
immersed in water. Then density of the object is
(a) 4 103 kg m3
(b) 2 103 kg m3
(c) 4 104 kg m3
(d) 8 103 kg m3
17. An object weighs 240 g in air and 210 g in water. Find the relative density of metal.
(a) 4
(b) 2
(c) 8
(d) 1
18. When a ball is released from rest in a very long column of viscous liquid, its downward acceleration is
' a ' (just after release). Its acceleration when it has acquires two third of the maximum velocity is
(a) a
(b) a / 2
(c) a / 3
(d) 2a
19. The height above the Earths surface at which the value of acceleration due to gravity reduces to half its
value on the Earths surface is h 2.6 10n m. . Assume the Earth to be a sphere of radius 6400 km. Find
n.
(a) 4
(b) 2
(c) 6
(d) 1
20. Assuming the earth to be sphere of uniform density the acceleration due to gravity(a) at a point outside the earth is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the
centre
(b) at a point outside the earth is inversely proportional to its distance from the centre
(c) at a point inside is zero
(d) at a point inside is proportional to its distance from the surface.
21. A double star is a system of two stars of masses m and 2m , rotating about their centre of mass only
under separation between these two star then their time period of rotation about their centre of mass
will be proportional to
(a) r 3
(b) r
1/2
(c) m
1/2
(d) m
22. When a satellite in a circular orbit around the earth enters the atmospheric region, it encounters small
air resistance to its motion. Then
(a) its kinetic energy remains constant
(b) its kinetic energy decreases
(c) its angular momentum about the earth decreases
(d) its period of revolution around the earth increases
23. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth at a perpendicular distance
R
from the earths centre. The
2
wall of the tunnel may be assumed to be frictionless. A particle is released from one end of the tunnel.
The pressing force by the particle on the wall and the acceleration of the particle varies with x
(distance of the particle from the centre) according to
Passing force
Passing force
(b)
(a)
xR 2
xR
xR 2
Acceleration
xR
Acceleration
(c)
(d)
xR 4
24. Two masses m1 and m2
xR
m1 m2
xR 2
xR
are released from rest from a finite distance. They start under their
mutual gravitational attraction(a) acceleration of m1 is more than that of m2

(b) acceleration of m2 is more than that of m1
(c) centre of mass of system will remain at rest in all the reference frame
(d) total energy of system increases
25. A uniform rod of mass m and length
is rotating with constant angular velocity about an axis
which passes through its one end and perpendicular to the length of rod. The area of cross-section of
the rod is A and its Youngs modulus is Y . Neglect gravity. Find the strain at the mid-point of the rod.
(a)
3m 2
8 AY
(b)
3m 2
AY
(c)
m 2
8 AY
(d)
3m 2
5 AY
26. Calculate the elastic potential energy per unit volume of water at a depth of 1 km. Compressibility (B)
of water 5 1010 SI units. Density of water 103 kg / m3 .
(a) 2.4 104 J/m3
(b) 4 104 J/m3
(c) 2.4 103 J/m3
(d) 4.8 104 J/m3
27. A catapult consists of two parallel rubber strings, each of lengths 10 cm and cross sectional area
10 mm2 . When stretched by 5 cm, it can through a stone of mass 100 g to a vertical height of 25m.
Determine Youngs modulus of elasticity of rubber.
(a) 2.8 107 N / m2
(b) 9.8 107 N / m2
(c) 0.8 107 N / m2
(d) 19.8 107 N / m2
Assertion-Reason Type Questions

In each of the following questions, a statement of Assertion (A) is given followed by a corresponding
statement of Reason (R) just below it. Mark the correct answers.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true and R is false
(d) A is false and R is true
28. Statement-1: Space rockets are usually launched in the equatorial line from west to east.
Statement -2: The acceleration due to gravity is minimum at the equator.
29. Statement -1: In a free fall, weight of a body becomes effectively zero.
Statement-2: Acceleration due to gravity acting on a body having free fall is zero.
30. Statement -1: If earth suddenly stops rotating about its axis, then the value of acceleration due to
gravity will become same at all the places.
Statement-2: The value of acceleration due to gravity is independent of rotation of earth.
Answers
Gravitation14.04
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Gravitation14.05
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. c
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. b
3.
4.
5.
Gravitation14.06
1.
2.
Gravitation14.07
1.
2.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10. b
11. d
12. c
13. a
14. d
15. a
16. a
17. c
18. c
19. c
20. a
21. d
22. c
23. b
24. a
25. a
26. a
27. b
28. b
29. c
30. c

Gravitation - 14.01 PU - 11: M M D F

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Gravitation14.

distance between them

G is a constant called universal constant of gravitation

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(by Newtons II law)

(2) (by Newtons universal law of gravitation)

Variation of acceleration due to gravity with height (altitude)

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Let ' d ' be the mean density of the earth.

Mass of the earth M volume density

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State newtons universal law of gravitation.

What is the value of the universal constant of gravitational in SI units

What happens to acceleration due to gravity as the latitude increases?

Two marks questions

Find the dimensions of the universal constant of gravitation

Three marks questions

Discuss the variation of the acceleration due to gravity with latitude.

Five marks questions

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Where x is the distance of the point A from O .

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To derive an expression for escape velocity

Where M mass of the earth and

R Radius of the earth

(on the surface of the earth)

2 9.8 6.4 106

11.2 103 ms1

Centripetal force required

Gravitational force provided

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When the satellite is moving close to the h can be neglected compared to R .

(2) GM gR 2 for a satellite moving close to the surface of the earth, v0 gR

9.8 6.4 105

Define gravitational field

Define gravitational potential

Define gravitational potential energy

Define orbital velocity

Define escape velocity

Three mark questions

Derive an expression for orbital velocity of an earth satellite

Derive an expression for escape velocity

Calculate the escape velocity for a body to escape of the earth

Five marks questions

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Keplers III law

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G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2

G 6.67 1011 Nm2 kg 2

But M Volume density

(a) at a height of 32 km above the surface of the earth

g ' 9.7 ms2

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Let g ' acceleration due to gravity at h

Divide (1) by (2)

d density of the earth

For a satellite moving close to the surface of the earth R h R

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State and explain Keplers laws of planetary motion

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r12 (force on m2 due to m1 )

r21 (force on m1 due to m2 )