1 Gravitation

Points to Remember :
zz Gravitation was discovered by Sir Isaac Newton.

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zz Gravitational Force is an universal force which is not only on any two bodies on the surface of the Earth but also

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on any two celestial objects.
zz Gravitation force is an attractive force.

A)
zz Every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force, which is directly proportional to the product
G m1m2
of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres F = .

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d2
zz If two objects are spherical, the force between them is along the straight line joining their centres and the segment

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joining their centres is considered the distance between them.
zz Out of the two objects, if mass of one of the objects is doubled, then according to law, the gravitational force

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between the two objects gets doubled. If the distance between the two objects is doubled, the gravitational force
between them becomes one fourth.

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zz Value of G is 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2
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zz The centripetal force is centre-seeking or the force which is acting towards the centre.
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zz The centripetal force between the Sun and the planet Earth is responsible for the revolution of the Earth. It is
inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
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zz The force that the Earth exerts on any object at or around the surface of the Earth is called the Earth’s gravitational
force. According to Newton’s second law, the acceleration is produced in the body due to applied force.
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zz The acceleration produced by the Earth’s gravitational force is called acceleration due to gravity or gravitational
GM
acceleration. It is denoted by g = .
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R2
zz The acceleration due to gravity depends on mass of the Earth (M) and radius of the Earth (R) for an object on
the surface or height (h) at which the object is placed from the surface of the Earth. It does not depend upon the
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mass of the falling object. Thus, acceleration due to gravity is same for all freely falling objects.
zz The unit of ‘g’ in SI system is m/s2. The mass of Earth is 6 × 1024 kg and its radius is 6.4 × 106 m.
zz The Earth does not have perfectly spherical shape. It is slightly flattened at the poles and bulged at the equator.
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Therefore, the radius of the Earth at the poles is less than that at the equator.
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zz The value of ‘g’ is maximum at poles and it is 9.83 m/s2 or 983 cm/s2.
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zz The value of ‘g’ is minimum at the equator and it is 9.78 m/s2 or 978 cm/s2.
zz As altitude increases, value of g decreases.
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zz As depth increases, value of g decreases.

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zz The gravitational acceleration is considered 9.77 m/s2 for all the practical purposes.
1 th
zz The acceleration on the Moon is of that on the surface of the Earth.
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zz W
 hen a body falls towards the Earth under the influence of the Earth’s gravity alone, its motion is called ‘free fall’.
zz In ‘free fall’, body comes to the surface of the Earth with uniform acceleration. Initial velocity may be zero but
it increases at every time interval, due to acceleration due to gravity.
zz The mass of an object is the quantity of matter contained in it. The SI unit of mass is (kg) and CGS unit is
gram (g).

(5)
6 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

zz From Newton’s first law, we know that mass is the measure of inertia of a body.
zz Mass is a scalar quantity and it does not change from place to place on the surface of the Earth and even it does
not change on the different planets.
zz The weight of the body is defined as the force with which the Earth attracts it towards its centre W = mg.
zz Since the weight is a ‘force’, its SI unit is newton and CGS unit is dyne. (1N = 105 dyne)
zz Weight is a vector quantity. It changes from place to place on the surface of the Earth and even changes with the
planet.

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zz Since the value of ‘g’ is not same everywhere, the weight of a body keeps on changing with place.

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zz The weight of an object on the Moon is 1 th of that on the Earth. We can write it as, wm = m × gm.
6
zz Spring balance is used for measuring weight and two scale balance is used to compare masses.

A)
zz Johannes Kepler (1571 – 1630) was a German astronomer and a Mathematician.
zz Kepler’s first law: The orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the sun at one of the foci.

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zz Kepler’s second law: The straight line joining a planet and the Sun sweeps equal area in equal time.
zz Kepler’s third law: The square of time period of revolution around the sun is directly proportional to cube of the

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mean distance of a planet from the sun.

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zz A body can have energy because of its shape or position or configuration. This is known as potential energy.
zz The gravitational potential energy at the height (h) from the ground is
–GMm .

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R+h
zz E
 scape velocity is that initial velocity of an object by which it overcomes the Earth’s gravitational attraction.
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zz Escape velocity (vesc) can be calculated by the law of conservation of energy and is equal to vesc = √2gR .
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(13) The relation between g and G is

MASTER KEY QUESTION SET - 1
(14) T
 he value of acceleration due to gravity at poles
Q.1. (A) 1. Fill in the blanks: is m/s2.
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(1) Gravitation was discovered by . (15) T he value of acceleration due to gravity at the
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(2)  very object in the universe attracts every other

E equator is cm/s2.
object with force. (16) If attitude increases, value of g .
(17) When a spaceship is two Earth radii distance
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m1m2
(3) Fα means F = . from the centre of Earth, its g is .
d2 (18) During free fall, the object comes vertically
(4) If the distance between the two object is doubled,
downward with uniform .
A

then the gravitational force between them will be

times. (19) M
 ass is also a measure of of an
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object.
(5) If mass increases, force .
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(20) The mass of the Earth is kg.

(6) If mass triples, value of G .
(21) The radius of the Earth is m.
(7) I f Earth attracts a body with a force of 10 N, then
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the body attracts the Earth with N. (22) Value of g at centre of Earth is .
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(8) S,I, unit of G is . (23) The SI unit of weight is .

(9)  laces on Earth exactly 90° to the direction of the

P (24) T
 he gravitational force acting on any object on
moon experiences . the Earth is called it's .

(10)  is a constant known as universal (25) 

The weight of an object on the Earth is
gravitational constant. times its weight on the Moon.

(11) T
 he Earth’s gravitational force is always in the (26) 
The weight of an object is maximum at
direction of the of the Earth. of the Earth.

(12) T
 he Earth’s gravitational acceleration is denoted (27) T
 he orbit of a planet is an with the
by letter . Sun at one of the foci.
Gravitation 7

(28) T
he energy possessed because of position or Q.1. (A) 3. Complete the analogy:
configuration is called . (1) 6 × 1024 kg : Mass of the Earth : : 6.4 × 106 m :
(29) vesc = .
(30) Gravititional waves are detected by (2)  rbit of the space shuttle : 8.7m/s2 : :
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(31) During ascent is zero and during Communication satellite : .
descent is zero. (3) Mass : Scalar quantity : : Weight : .
(32) Formula for centripetal force is . (4) At poles : 9.83 m/s : : At equator :
2
.
Gm1m2
Ans. (1) Isaac Newton (2) gravitational (3) (5)  hape of the Earth at equator : Bulged : : Shape of
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d2 the Earth at poles :
1

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(4) 4 (5) increases (6) remains constant (7) 10 1
(6) Kinetic energy : mv2 : : Potential energy :
(8) Nm /kg (9) low tide (10) G (11) centre (12) ‘g’
2 2 2

A)
GM (7) Force : ma : : Gravitational force :
(13) g =  (14) 9.83 (15) 978 (16) decreases
R2 (8) Force : Vector : : Weight :
1

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(17) th  (18) acceleration (19) inertia  (1) Radius of the Earth (2) 0.225m/s2 (3) Vector
Ans. 
4
(4) 9.78 m/s2 (5) Flattened
(20) 6 × 1024 (21) 6.4 × 106 (22) Zero (23) newton (N)

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–GMm Gm m
(6) (7) 1 2 (8) Vector
(24) weight (25) six (26) poles (27) ellipse R+h d2

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Q.1. (A) 4. Answer the following in one sentence:
(28) potential energy (29) 2gR (30) LIGO
*(1) What do you know about gravitational force?

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mv2 (Can you recall; Textbook Page no. 1)
(31) v, u (32) F =
r
Q.1. (A) 2. Find the odd word out:
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Ans. E
 very object in the universe attracts every
other object with a force. This force is called
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(1) Acceleration, mass, force, weight gravitational force.
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(2)  hange in value of ‘g’ at surface, change in value
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*(2) 
Will the direction of the gravitational force
of ‘g’ at height, change in value of ‘g’ at depth, change as we go inside the earth? (Think about it;
change in value of ‘g’ on thickness Textbook Page no. 9)
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(3) Light, sound, heat, laws of planetary motion Ans. 

The direction of earths gravitational force is
towards the center of earth so it will not change.
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(4) Mass, potential energy, radius, weight

(5) 9.83 m/s2, 9.8 m/s2, 980 cm/s2, 9.77 m/s2 *(3) What would happen if there were no gravity?
(Think about it; Textbook Page no. 8)
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(6) Weight, Thrust, Force, Pressure

(7)  ewton’s first law, Newton’s law of gravity,
N Ans. If gravitational force of the Earth would not have
Newton’s third law, Newton’s second law existed, then all the object would have floated in
the air. Life would be unstable.
A

(8) Newton, Ohm, Kepler, Galileo

*(4) What would happen if the value of G was twice
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(9) 983 cm/s2, 977 cm/s2, 980 cm/s2, 9.83 m/s2

as large? (Think about it; Textbook Page no. 8)
(10) 9.83 m/s2, 98.3 m/s2, 983 m/s, 98.03 m2s
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Ans. I f the value of ‘G’ is doubled, then the gravitational

(1) Mass - It is scalar, while others are vectors.
Ans.  force (F) also will get doubled.
(2) Change in value of ‘g’ on thickness. Others are
*(5) What types of forces are we familiar with?
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related factors to the value of ‘g’. (3) Law of planetary

(Can you recall; Textbook Page no. 1)
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motion. Others are related to Newton. (4) Weight. It is

vector, while others are scalars. (5) 980 cm/s2. Others Ans. Types of forces are:
are values of g in MKS. (6) Pressure. Others are (i) Gravitational force
vectors. (7) Newton’s law of gravity. Other are related (ii) Electro-magnetic force
to law of motion. (8) Ohm. Others are concerned with (iii) Nuclear force
laws of gravity. (9) 9.83 m/s2. Others are in CGS
(iv) Balanced force
system. (10) 9.83 m/s2. Others are not values of ‘g’.
(v) Unbalanced force
8 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

*(6) What is the value of ‘g’ at the centre of the Earth? (6) 1 dyne = 105 N.
Ans. At the centre of the Earth the value of ‘g’ is zero. (7)  he force towards the centre of the circular orbit
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*(7) Will the mass and weight of an object on the is called centripetal force.
earth be same as their values on Mars? Why? (8)  he gravitational acceleration does not become
T
Ans. (i) Mass of an object will be same on earth and mars. zero at the centre of the Earth.
(ii) Since value of g on earth and mars is different, (9)  t poles, the acceleration due to gravity is
A
weight of the objects will be different. 9.77 m/s2.
Q.1. (A) 5. With the information in three columns, (10) ‘g’ is called universal constant.

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match up and complete the chart: (11) Mass is a scalar quantity.

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1
*(1) I II III (12) Beyond the surface of the Earth, g α .
(R + h)2
(1) Mass (a) m/s2 (i) 
Zero at the (13) Weight is a vector quantity.

A)
centre (14) The mass of the Earth is 6.4 × 106 kg.
(2) Weight (b) kg (ii) Measure of (15) At the height of ‘h’ from the ground, the

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Inertia –GMm
gravitational potential energy is .
R+h
(3) Acceleration (c) Nm2/ (iii) Same in Ans. (1) False (2) False (3) False (4) False (5) True

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due to kg2 the entire (6) True (7) True (8) False (9) False (10) False

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gravity universe (11) True (12) True (13) True (14) False (15) True
(4) Gravitational (d) N (iv) Depends Q.1. 
(B) Complete the following statements by

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constant on height selecting the proper alternative from the given:
Ans. (1-b-ii), (2-d-iv), (3-a-i), (4-c-iii), N
(1)  he gravitational force of attraction between two
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(2) Match the columns: objects is given by .
m1m2 d2
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Column A Column B (a) F α (b) F α
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d 2
m1m2
(1) Mass (a) m/s
m1m2 m1m2
(2) Weight (b) m/s2 (c) F α (d) F α
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d2 d3
(3) Acceleration (c) kg
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(2) I f the distance between two bodies becomes half,

(4) Velocity (d) N
the gravitational force between them becomes
Ans. (1 – c), (2 – d), (3 – b), (4 – a) .
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(3) Complete the chart: (a) half (b) one forth

(c) 4 times (d) 2 times
F (N) m1 (kg) m2 (kg) d (m)
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(3) If the distance between two objects increases

(1) 500 84 02
5 times, the gravitational force becomes
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(2) 30 × 1027 15 × 105 03 times.

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(3) 16 × 109 17 34 1
(a) 5 (b) 15 (c) (d) 25
(4) 250 × 10-7 45 47 25
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Ans. (1) 7 × 10-7 (2) 2.69 × 1033kg (3) 1.63 × 1022kg (4)  he gravitational force on the surface of the Moon
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(4) 7.5 × 10-2m is times than that on the surface of

the Earth.
Q.1. (A) 6. State whether True or False:
(a) five (b) one fifth
(1) Force = mass × velocity
(c) one sixth (d) six
(2) ‘G’ is called gravitational acceleration.
(5) The gravitational force causes .
(3) Acceleration is a scalar quantity.
(4)  ravitational force at the Moon is double than
G (a) Tides (b) Circular motion of
the Earth’s gravitational force. moon
(5) 1 N = 1 kg × 1 m/s2. (c) None of these (d) Both a and b
Gravitation 9

(6)  he Earth attracts moon with a force of 1020N. The

T (16) A
 ccording to Newton’s first law, if mass is more,
moon attracts Earth with a force of . then the inertia of the body is .
(a) less than 1020 N (b) 1020 N (a) less (b) very less
(c) greater than 1020 N (d) 10-20 N (c) more (d) can’t say
(7)  he SI unit of gravitational constant is
T . (17) The mass of the Earth is kg.
(a) Nm2 / kg2 (b) Nkg2 / m2 (a) 6 × 106 (b) 6 × 1024
(c) m/s2 (d) N cm2 / g2 (c) 6.4 × 106 (d) 6.4 × 1024
(8) Acceleration is a quantity.

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(18) The radius of the Earth is m.
(a) scalar (b) fundamental

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(a) 6.4 × 10 6
(b) 4.6 × 10 6

(c) unit (d) vector

(c) 4.6 × 10–6 (d) 6 × 1024
(9)  he value of acceleration due to gravity at the
T

A)
(19) 
The weight of body gradually decreases from
height ‘h’ from the ground is .
.
GM GM
(a) equator to poles (b) poles to equator

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(a) g = (b) g =
R+h R+h (c) pole to pole (d) height to surface

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GM (20) A
 body of mass 1 kg is attracted by the Earth with
(c) g = (d) g = GM (R + h)2
(R + h)2 a force which is equal to .

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(10) The value of ‘g’ is maximum at poles and it is (a) 9.8 N (b) 6.67 × 10-11

. (c) 1 N (d) 9.8 m/s

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(a) 9.72 m/s (b) 9.83 m/s2
(c) 9.83 m/s (d) 9.72 m/s2
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(21) The
 gravitational potential energy at the height
of ‘h’ from the ground is .
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(11) 
The value of ‘g’ due to Earth is zero at –GMm –GMm1
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. (a) (b)
R+h
AT

R2 + h
(a) Centre of Earth (b) Poles GMm1 GMm
(c) Infinite distance (d) Both a and c (c) (d)
R +h
2 2
R2 + h
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(12) W
 hen an object is thrown upward, the force of
(22) T
 he orbit of a planet is an ellipse with the Sun at
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gravity .
one of the .
(a) Is opposite to (b) Is in the same
(a) foci (b) centre (c) middle (d) surface
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the direction of direction as that of

motion motion (23) T
 he straight line joining the planet and the Sun
(c) becomes zero at (d) Increase as it rise sweeps equal in equal interval of
time.
A

higher point up
(a) volume (b) angle
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(13) T
 he value of ‘g’ at the depth from the ground
goes on . (c) density (d) area
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(a) increasing (b) fluctuating (24) T

 he square of time period of revolution around
(c) decreasing (d) varying the Sun is to the cube of the mean
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distance of the planet from the Sun.

(14) A
 s the height of the object from the surface of the
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(a) inversely proportional

Earth increases, value of ‘g’ becomes .
(b) directly proportional
(a) more (b) less
(c) not proportional
(c) equal (d) can’t say
(d) depend
(15) T
 he mass of objects at any surface
(25) T
 he periodic time of a planet is ‘T’ and the mean
on the Earth.
distance of the planet from the Sun is ‘r’, then
(a) remains constant (b) is non-uniform according to Kepler’s third law .
(c) changes (d) increases (a) T α r (b) T α r
2 3 3
(c) T α r (d) T α r2
2 3
10 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

m1m2 1 To find: F = ?
Ans. (1) F α (2) 4 times (3) (4) one sixth
d 2
25 Gm1m2
Formula: F =
(5) both a and b (6) 1020 N (7) Nm2/kg2 (8) vector r2
GM Solution:
(9) g = (10) 9.83 m/s2 (11) Both a and c
(R + h)2 6.7 × 10–11 × 6 × 1024 × 7.4 × 1022
(12) Is opposite to the direction of motion (13) decreasing F =
(3.84 × 108)2
(14) less (15) remains constant (16) more (17) 6 × 1024 297.48 × 10-11 × 1024 × 1022
–GMm =
(18) 6.4 × 106 (19) poles to equator (20) 9.8 N (21) 14.74 × 1016
R+h
(22) foci (23) area (24) directly proportional (25) T2 α r3 300 × 1019

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≈
15

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Q.2.1. Solve the following:
= 20 × 1019
Type: A
F = 2 × 1020 N
Gm1m2

A)
F=
v = u + at The gravitational force of attraction between
r2
1 2 Earth and Moon is 2 × 1020 N
F = ma
s = ut + at

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2
v2 = u2 + 2as *(3) The mass of the Earth is 6 × 1024 kg. The distance
between the Earth and the Sun is 1.5 × 1011 m. If

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*(1) Mahendra and Virat are sitting at a distance of the gravitational force between the two is 3.5 ×

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1 metre from each other. Their masses are 75 kg 1022 N, what is the mass of the sun? G = 6.7 × 10-11
and 80 kg respectively. What is the gravitational Nm2/kg2.

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force between them? Ans. Given: m1 = 6 × 1024 kg
Ans. Given: r = 1 m
m1 = 75 kg
N
r = 1.5 × 1011 m
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F = 3.5 × 1022 N
m2 = 80 kg G = 6.7 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2
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G = 6.67 × 10 -11
Nm /kg
2 2
AT

To find: m2 = ?
To find: Force (F) = ? Gm1m2
Formula: F =
Gm1m2 r2
IC

Formula: F =
r2 Fr2
Solution: = m2
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Solution: Gm1
6.67 × 10–11 × 75 × 80 3.5 × 1022 × (1.5 × 1011)2
F = m2 =
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12 6.7 × 10-11 × 6 × 1024

F = 6.67 × 10–11 × (6 × 103) 7.875
= × 1031
40.2
= 40.02 × 10-8
A

7.875
= 4.002 × 10-7 N = × 1031
40
N

The gravitational force between Mahendra = 0.196 × 1031 kg

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and Virat is 4.002 × 10–7 N = 1.96 × 1030 kg

*(2) The mass of the Earth and Moon are 6 × 1024 The mass of the Sun is 1.96 × 1030 kg
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kg and 7.4 × 1022 kg respectively. The distance

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*(4) In the previous example, assuming that the

between them is 3.84 × 105 km. Calculate the bench on which Mahendra is sitting is frictionless,
gravitational force of attraction between the starting with zero velocity. What will be Mahendra’s
two? G = 6.7 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2. velocity after 1s and how will it change with time?
Ans. Given: m1 = 6 × 1024 kg Mass of Mahendra (75 kg) and force (4.002 × 10-7 N).
m2 = 7.4 × 1022 kg Ans. Given: Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s
r = 3.84 × 105 km Time (t) = 1 s
r = 3.84 × 108 m Force (F) = 4.002 × 10-7 N
G = 6.7 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2 mass (m) = 75 kg
Gravitation 11

To find: Final velocity (v) = ? (6) A truck starts from rest and rolls down a hill
F with a constant acceleration. It travels a distance
Formulae: v = u + at , a =
m of 400 m in 20s. Find its acceleration. Also find
the force acting on it if its mass is 7000 kg.
4002 × 10-7 Ans. Given: 
Initial velocity (u) = 0 ms-1
Solution: a =
75
Distance travelled (s) = 400 m
a = 0.0534 × 10 m/s -7 2
Time (t) = 20 s
a = 5.34 × 10-9 m/s2 Mass of truck (m) = 7000kg

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v = u + at To find: Acceleration (a) = ?

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= 0 + 5.34 × 10-9 × 1 Force (F) = ?
1
= 5.34 × 10-9 m/s Formulae: (i) s = ut +at2 (ii) F = ma

A)
2
Velocity will increase with time 1
Solution: (i) s = ut + at2
2

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As distance decreases, force increases thereby
increasing acceleration. 1
400 = 0 × 20 + a × 20 × 20

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2
*(5) 
Assuming that acceleration remains constant
400 × 2 = 400a

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(5.34 × 10-9 m/s2), How long will Mahendra take
to move 1 cm towards Virat if he starts from 400 × 2
∴a= = 2ms-2

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rest? (Use your brain power; Textbook Page no. 6) 400
Ans. Given: 
Acceleration (a) = 5.34 × 10-9 m/s2
≈ 5 × 10-9 m/s2
N (ii) F = ma
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1 ∴ F = 7000 × 2
Displacement (s) = 1 cm = m
I
100 ∴ F = 14000N
AT

Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s

To find: time (t) = ? The truck moves with an acceleration of 2ms-2
1 and the force acting on it is 14000N
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Formula: s = ut + at2
2
1 1 2.5 (7) Karan and Arjun are two friends of mass m1 and
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Solution: = 0 × t + × 5 × 10-9 × t2 m2 respectively, separated by a distance d.

100 21
What would happen to the force between them
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1
= 2.5 × 10-9 × t2 if
100
1 (i) Mass of Arjun is doubled.
= t2
(ii) Mass of both Karan and Arjun is doubled.
A

100 × 2.5 × 10-9

1 × 109 (iii) Distance between them is doubled.
N

= t2
250 (iv) Value of G doubled.
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1000 × 106 Ans. (i) If ‘m2’ is doubled.

= t2
250 G m1 (2m2)
2F =
E

4 × 106 = t2 d2
Force becomes double.
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t = √ 4 × 106 s (ii) If ‘m1’ and ‘m2’ is doubled.
G (2m1) (2m2)
4F =

t = 2 × 103 s d2
Force becomes 4 times.
Mahendra will take 2 × 103 s to move towards (iii) If ‘d’ is doubled.
Virat. 1 G m1 m2
F=
4 (2d)2
Force becomes one forth.
12 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

(iv) If ‘G’ is doubled. F

≈ 733 N
2G m1 m2
2F= The gravitational force is 733 N
d2
Force is doubled. *(2) Starting from rest, due to the gravitational force
of the Earth i.e. 733 N, What is the speed of
NUMERICALS FOR PRACTICE Mahendra after 1 second? If his mass is 75 kg.
Ans. Given: Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s
(1)  wo boys sitting very close to each other at a
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Force (F) = 733 N
distance of 0.5 m from each other. If the mass

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of one boy is 40 kg and other is 50 kg, find the Mass (m) = 75 kg

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gravitational force between them.  Time (t) = 1 s
 (5.336 × 10–7 N) To find: Final velocity (v)= ?
F

A)
(2)  the force of gravitation between the Earth and
If Formulae: v = u + at, a =
an object of mass ‘m’ is 9 × 107 N, find the mass M
of an object if the mass of the Earth is 6 × 1024 kg Solution:

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and its radius is 6.4 × 106 m. (9.2 × 106 kg) 733
a =
75
(3) I f two objects of mass 500kg and 84kg respectively

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∴ a = 9.77 m/s2
are at a distance of 2m apart from each other. Find

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gravitational force between them?  (7 × 10-7 N) v = u + at
(4) I f two objects of 45 kg and 47 kg respectively are = 0 + 9.77 × 1

S
attracted towards each other by a gravitational
= 9.77 m/s
force of 250 × 10-7 N, find the distance between
their centres.  (7 × 10-7 N)
N The speed of Mahendra after 1 second is 9.77
O
Type: B m/s
I
AT

GM *(3) If a person weighs 750 N on Earth, how much

g= v = u + at
R2 would be his weight on the Moon given that
1 2 1
W = F = mg s = ut + at
IC

2 Moon’s mass is of that of the Earth and its

GM m 81
W=F= v2 = u2 + 2as 1
radius is of that of Earth.
BL

R2
Note: 3.7
For Earth g = 9.77 m/s2 Ans. Given: Weight on Earth (WE) = 750 N
PU

( )
For Moon gm = 1.63 m/s2 1 Mm 1
Mm = ME ∴ =
81 ME 81
*(1) 
Calculate the gravitational force due to
( )
1 Rm 1
the Earth on Mahendra, if mass of Earth is Rm = RE ∴ =
A

3.7 RE 3.7
6 × 1024 kg, Radius is 6.4 × 106 m , g = 9.77 m/s2 and
N

mass of Mahendra is 75 kg. To find: Weight on Moon (Wm) = ?

Ans. Given: Mass of Earth (M) = 6 × 1024 kg GMm
TA

Formula: W = F =
Radius of Earth (R) = 6.4 × 106 m R2
Solution:
Mass of object (m) = 75 kg
E

For Earth For Moon

CH

Gravitational acceleration (g) = 9.77 m/s2

To find: Force (F) = ? G ME m G Mm m
WE = ...(i) Wm = ...(ii)
GMm RE 2
Rm2
Formula: F =
R2 Dividing equation. (ii) by (i)
Solution:
WM G Mm m G ME m
6.67 × 10–11 × 6 × 1024 × 75 = ÷
F = WE Rm 2
RE2
40.96 × 1012
9.77 × 75 WM G Mm m RE2
=  = 732.75 N = ×
1 WE Rm2 G ME m
Gravitation 13
Mm
[ ]
RE 2

= × Ans. Given: 
me = 5 kg
ME Rm
We = 49 N
Wm 1
= × (3.7)2 1 1
WE 81 gm = ge = × 9.8 = 1.633 m/s2
6 6
Wm 13.69 To find: Mass on Moon mm = ?

=
750 81 Weight on Moon Wm = ?
250
1.52 0.507 750 Formula: W = F = mg
Wm = 13.69 × 27 3 1
81 Solution: Mass remains same : mm = 5 kg

P
Wm = 126.8 N
Wm = mm × gm

LL
The weight on the Moon is 126.8 N
= 5 × 1.633
*(4) The radius of the planet A is half the radius of
Wm = 8.17 N

A)
planet B. If the mass of A is MA, What must be
the mass of B so that the value of g on B is half Mass on Moon is 5 kg and weight is 8.17 N

DI
that of its value on A?
1 RA 1 *(6) Suppose you are standing on a tall ladder. If
Ans. Given: RA = RB ∴ = your distance from the centre of the Earth is 2R,
2 RB 2

N
what will be your weight? (Use your brain power;
1 gB 1

(I
gB = g a ∴ = Textbook Page no. 10)
2 gA 2
Ans. Given: 
R1 = 2R
To find: Mass of planet B, MB = ?

S
To find: W1 = ?
GM
Formula: g =
R2
N Formula: W = F =
GMm
R2
O
Solution: For planet A GMm
Solution: W = .....(i)
I
GMA R2
AT

gA = ....................(i)
RA2 GMm
W1 =
GMB (2R)2
IC

gB = ....................(ii)
RB 2
GMm
= .....(ii)
BL

Dividing equation. (ii) by (i) 4R2

gB GMB GMA
= ÷ W1 =
1
× [ GMm
]
PU

gA RB2 RA2 4 R2
1 GMB RA2 1
= × W1 = W
2 RB2 GMA 4
A

M R
[ ]
2
1 Weight will be one fourth the original weight
= B × A
N

2 MA RB
*(7) What would be the value of g on the surface
TA

1 M 1
= B × of the earth if its mass was twice as large and
2 MA 4 its radius half of what it is now? (Can you tell?;
E

4 2 MB Textbook Page no. 8)

= ∴ 2MA = MB
CH

2 1 MA Ans. Given:  M' = 2M

MB = 2MA R
R' =
2
The mass of B is twice mass of A To find: g' = ?
GM
*(5) The mass and weight of an object on Earth is 5 kg Formula: g =
R2
and 49 N respectively. What will be their values
GM'
on the Moon? Assume that the acceleration due Solution: g' =
1 R'2
to gravity on the Moon is th of that on the
Earth. 6
14 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

G × 2M G × 2M 4 × 2 × GM Formula: vesc = √ 2gm R

= = =
( )R R2 R2
2
Solution: vesc = √ 2 × 1.63 × 1.74 × 106
2 4
GM = √ 5.67 × 106
= 4 × 2 × g ................ ( g = )
R2 = 2.38 × 103 m/s
g' = 8 g
vesc = 2.38 km/s
The value of g will become 8 times.
The escape velocity on Moon is 2.37 km/s

P
NUMERICALS FOR PRACTICE

LL
*(2) Let the period of revolution of a planet at a
distance R from a star be T. Prove that if it was
(1) Find the weight of a man whose mass is 50 kg.
at a distance of 2R from the star, its period of
 (490 N)

A)
revolution will be √8 T.
(2) 
Find the gravitational force between man of
Ans. Given: Distance from Sun = R
mass 60 kg and the Earth. (586 N)

DI
Time of Rotation = T
(3)  stone of mass 2 kg is falling from a certain
A
height. Find the force of attraction between the New distance = 2R

N
Earth and the stone. Also, find the acceleration. To find: New time TN= ?

(I
 (19.6 N, 9.8 m/s2) T2
Formula: =k
(4) 
The planet in space with mass twice as that of R3
Solution: Case (i)

S
the Earth and a radius thrice as that of the Earth.
T2
If the weight of a book is 90 N on the Earth,
what would be the weight on that planet?
N

R3
= k ............(i)
O
 (20 N) Case (ii)
TN2 TN2
I
(5)  alculate the value of ‘g’ on the Moon, if its
C = k OR = k............(ii)
AT

mass is 7.4 × 1022 kg and radius is 1740 km. (2R)3 8R3

 (1.63 m/s2) From (i) and (ii)
IC

(6) If the weight of a body on the surface of the TN2 T2

=
Moon is 100 N, what is its mass? (61.34 kg) 8R3 R3
BL

(7) If the acceleration due to gravity on the TN2 = 8T2

surface of the Earth is 9.8 m/s2, what will be TN = √ 8T2
PU

the acceleration due to gravity on the surface

TN = √ 8 T
of the planet whose mass and radius both are
two times the corresponding quantities for the NUMERICALS FOR PRACTICE
A

Earth. (4.9 m/s2)

(1)  he escape velocity for mass is 5.02 km/s. If its
T
N

Type: C
vesc = √ 2gR radius is 3390 km, What is the value of g on its
TA

T2 surface. (g = 3.71 m/s2)

=K (2)  planet orbits the Sun in a time T at a distance
A
R3
E

of R from it. Another planet orbits the Sun in a

CH

*(1) Calculate the escape velocity on the surface of time of 8T. What is its distance R' from the Sun.
the Moon given the mass and radius of the Moon  (R' = 4R)
to be 7.34 × 1022 kg and 1.74 × 106 m respectively.
Type: D Downward/Dropped/Falling
Ans. Given: Mass (M) = 7.34 × 1022 kg g (positive) = 10 m/s2
Radius (R) = 1.74 × 106 m v = u + gt
Gravitational acceleration on Moon(gm) 1 Upward/Thrown up
s = ut + gt2
1 9.8 2 g (negative) = -10 m/s2
= ge = m/s2
6 6 v2 = u2 + 2gs

To find: vesc = ?
*(1) An object takes 5s to reach the ground from a
Gravitation 15

height of 5m on a planet. What is the value of g g = 10 m/s2

on the planet?
Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s
Ans. Given: Displacement (s) = 5 m
To find: Time (t) = ?
Time (t) = 5 s
Initial velocity (u) = 0 m/s Final velocity (v) = ?

To find: Gravitational acceleration (g) = ? Height (ht/2) = ?

1 1
Formula: s = ut +gt2 Formulae: s = ut + gt2, v = u + gt
2 2

P
Solution: Case (i)
1

LL
Solution: 5 = 0 + × g × 52 1
2 s = ut + gt2
25 2
5 = g ×
2 1 5

A)
1 125 = 0 × t + × 10 × t2
5×2 21
=g
25 5
125 = 5t2

DI
2 25
g = 125
5 = t2
5 1

N
g = 0.4 m/s2 t2 = 25
t=5s

(I
Value of g on planet is 0.4 m/s2

*(2) A ball falls off a table and reaches the ground in Case (ii)

S
1 s. Assuming g = 10 m/s2, calculate its speed on
reaching the ground and the height of the table.


N v = u + gt
= 0 + 10 × 5
O
Ans. Given: Time (t) = 1 s
Gravitational acceleration (g) = 10 m/s2 v = 50 m/s
I
AT

Initial velocity (u) = 0 Case (iii)

To find: Final velocity (v) = ? t 5
time = = s
IC

Displacement (s) = ? 2 2
1 1
s = ut + gt2
BL

Formulae: v = u + gt, s = ut + gt2

2 2
Solution:
v = u + gt 1 5 25
=0+ × 10
PU

= 0 + 10 × 1 21 4
v = 10 m/s 125
= = 31.25 m
1 4
A

s=0+ × 10 × 12 But h = 125 - s

2
N

s=5m = 125 - 31.25

TA

= 93.75 m
Speed on reaching ground is 10 m/s and height
of the table is 5 m. (i) Time taken by the ball to reach the ground
E

is 5s.
*(3) An iron ball of mass of 3 kg is released from
CH

height of 125m and falls freely to the ground.
Assuming that the value of g is 10 m/s2, calculate
(i) time taken by the ball to reach the ground (ii)
velocity of the ball on reaching the ground (iii)
the height of the ball at half the time it takes to
reach the ground.
Ans. Given: Mass (m) = 3 kg
Displacement (s) = 125 m
(ii) Velocity of ball on reaching ground is 50
m/s.
(iii) H
 eight of ball at half time is 93.75 m.
*(4) A tennis ball is thrown up and reaches a height
of 4.05 m before coming down. What was its
initial velocity? How much total time will it
take to come down? Assume g = 10 m/s2
Ans. Given: Displacement (s) = 4.05 m
16 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

g = -10 m/s2 Time of ascent = Time of descent

Final velocity (v) = 0 m/s ∴ Ttotal = 2 × 10
To find: Initial velocity (u) = ? ∴ Ttotal = 20s
ttotal (t) = ? Initial velocity was 100 m/s and time taken
Formulae: v2 = u2 + 2gs, u + gt to come back to Earth is 20s.

ttotal = 2 × t (6) Find a formula for.

Maximum height attained by object

P
Solution: v2 = u2 + 2gs
Ans. Solution: From 3rd equation of motion

LL
02 = u2 + 2 × (-10) × 4.05
v2 = u2 + as
0 = u2 - 81
v = 0, a = -g

A)
u2 = 81
∴ 02 = u2 + 2(-g)s
u = 9 m/s

DI
2gs = u2
v = u + gt
u2
s=

N
0 = 9 + (-10) × t 2g

(I
10 t = 9
*(7) A stone thrown vertically upwards with initial
t = 0.9 s
velocity u reaches a height ‘h’ before coming

S
Time of ascent = Time of descent down. Show that the time taken to go up is
ttotal = 2t
N same as the time taken to come down.
O
Ans. Time of Ascent = Time of Descent
= 2 × 0.9
During Ascent
I
= 1.8 s
AT

v = u + at
The initial velocity was 9 m/s and total time v = 0, a = -g, t = t1
taken to come down, is 1.8 s.
IC

0 = u - gt1
*(5) An object thrown vertically upwards reaches a gt1 = u
BL

height of 500 m. What was its initial velocity? u

How long will the object take to come back to t1 = ........................(i)
g
PU

the Earth? Assume g = 10 m/s2.

During Descent
Ans. Given: 
Displacement (s)= 500 m 1
Gravitational acceleration (g) = -10 m/s2 s = ut + at2
2
A

Final velocity (v) = 0 m/s u = 0, a = g, t = t2

N

To find: Initial velocity (u) = ? 1 gt22

s= gt22 or s= ............(ii)
TA

Ttotal (t) = ? 2 2
We know, the formula for max height attained is
Formulae: v2 = u2 + 2gs, Ttotal = 2t
u2
E

v = u + gt s= ........................(iii)
2g
CH

Solution: v2 = u2 + 2gs
0 = u2 - 10000 From (ii) and (iii),
10000 = u2 u2 gt22 u2
∴ = ,   2 = t22
u = 100 m/s 2g 2 g
v = u + gt u
t2 = ........................(iv)
0 = 100 + (-10) × t g
10 t = 100 From (i) and (iv)

t = 10s t1 = t2
Gravitation 17

contained in it. The mass is the measure of the

NUMERICALS FOR PRACTICE inertia of a body.
(1)  ball thrown up vertically returns to the
A (8) Weight (W)
thrower after 6s. Find the velocity with which it Ans. T
 he weight of a body is defined as the force with
was thrown up. (29.4 m/s) which the Earth attracts the object.
(2)  boy drops a coin from the top of a building
A *(9) Centripetal force
which is 49m high. Find the velocity with which Ans. The
 force that acts on any object moving along a
the coin strikes the ground. (v = 31 m/s) circle, directed towards the centre of the circle is

P
(3)  ball is thrown vertically upwards with
A called centripetal force.

velocity of 49 m/s. Calculate (i) Maximum
height to which it rises (ii) total time (t) it takes
to return to the surface of Earth.
LL
(10) Uniform circular motion
Ans. W
 hen an object moves in a circular path with
uniform speed, its motion is uniform circular

A)
 (s = 122.5 m, t = 10 s) motion.
(4)  stone is thrown vertically upwards with
A (11) Potential energy

DI
initial velocity of 40 m/s. Taking g = 10 m/s2 Ans. A
 body can have energy because of its shape
fond the maximum and total distance covered or position or configuration. This is known as

N
by stone. (s = 160 m, distance = 0) potential energy.

(I
Q.2.2. Define/write the laws: (12) Escape velocity
(1) Force Ans. T
he minimum initial velocity needed by an

S
Ans. T
 he force is that physical quantity which changes object projected upwards to overcome Earths
or tends to change the state of rest or of uniform N gravitational force and not fall back on Earth is
called escape velocity.
O
motion in a straight line.
(2) Newton’s universal law of gravitation Q.2.3. Write short notes:
I
(1) Earth’s gravitational force
AT

Ans. A
 ccording to the Newton’s universal law of
gravitation, every object in the universe attracts Ans.
every other object with a force, which is directly (i)  he Earth attracts all the objects at or around the
T
IC

proportional to the product of their masses surface of the Earth.

and inversely proportional to the square of the
BL

(ii)  he attraction is towards the centre of the Earth.

T
distance between their centres. Hence, the gravitational force of the Earth acts
(3) Universal constant of gravitation (G) towards the centre of the Earth.
PU

Ans. U
 niversal constant of gravitation is the force of (iii) D
 ue to this force, all objects fall vertically
attraction between two unit masses placed at unit downwards on the earth.
distance apart from each other.
A

(2) Earth’s gravitational acceleration

(4) Centre of mass Ans.
N

Ans. I t is the point inside or outside the object at which (i)  he Earth applies a force of gravitation on any
T
TA

the total mass of the object can be assumed to be object at or around its surface.
concentrated..
(ii)  he uniform acceleration produced in a freely
T
E

(5) Gravitational acceleration (g) falling body due to the gravitational force of
CH

Ans. 
The gravitational force due to earth on a the Earth is called gravitational acceleration or
body results in its acceleration. This is called acceleration due to gravity.
acceleration due to gravity. (iii) G
 ravitational acceleration is denoted by ‘g’ and is
*(6) Free fall a vector quantity. Its SI unit is m/s2.
Ans. W
 hen a body falls towards the Earth under the (3) Variation in the value of g.
influence of the Earth’s gravity alone, its motion
Ans. The value of g varies based on the following
is called a ‘free fall’.
(a) Along the surface of the earth.
(7) Mass (m)
- The earth is not perfectly spherical.
Ans. The mass of an object is the quantity of matter
18 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

- It is bulged at the equator and flattened at the

(ii) It has SI unit (ii) It has SI unit m/
poles.
Nm2/kg2, while s2, while CGS
- The radius is highest at the equator and least as CGS unit is unit is
poles. dyne.cm2/g2. cm/s2.
- Value of g is highest at poles(9.832 m/s2)
(iii) It is always (iii) It is always
- Value of g is least at equator (9.78 m/s2)
denoted by ‘G’. denoted by ‘g’.
(b) Change with height.
(iv) Its S.I. value (iv) Its S.I. value is
- As height increases, value of g decreases.
is 6.673 × 10–11 9.77 m/s2, while

P
- The change is negligible for height smaller than
Nm2/kg2, while in CGS, it is 977

LL
the radius of the earth.
in CGS, it is cm/s2.
(c) Change with depth.
6.673 × 10–8 dyne
- As depth increases, value of g decreases. cm2/g2.

A)
- This is because, as we go inside the earth, the
(v) Its value is fixed (v) The value of
mass under consideration decreases.
and does not ‘g’ depends on

DI
- Hence value of g decreases.
change with various factors
Q.2.4. Complete the following table: conditions, hence like altitude,

N
Altitude called universal depth, shape etc.

(I
from the constant.
Place Earth’s g (m/s2) *(2) Weight and Mass

S
surface
(km) N
Ans.
(i)
Mass (m)
Mass is the (i)
Weight (W)
Weight is the
O
(i) Surface of Earth 0
amount of force with which
(ii) Mount Everest 8.8
I
matter present in the Earth attracts
AT

(iii) Altitude attained by 36.6 the object. the object.

Man-made balloon (ii) Mass does not (ii) Weight(W) = mg.
IC

(iv) Orbit of space 400 change with As g changes, W

shuttle place. also changes.
BL

(v) Communication 35700 (iii) SI unit is kg. (iii) SI unit is newton.

satellite
CGS unit is gram CGS unit is dyne.
PU

Ans. (i) 9.83 (ii) 9.8 (iii) 9.77 (iv) 8.7 (v) 0.225 (g).

Q.2.5. Distinguish between: (iv) Mass is a scalar (iv) Weight is a vector
A

(1) 
Gravitational constant and Gravitational quantity. quantity.
acceleration.
N

Q.2.6. Give scientific reasons:

Ans. Gravitational Gravitational (1) High and low tides are regular phenomena.
TA

constant (G) acceleration (g) Ans.

(i) Gravitational (i) The uniform (i) The sea level on the Earth is directly influenced
E

constant is acceleration by the gravitational force of the moon.

CH

the force of produced in (ii) Due to the gravitational force, the water on
attraction a freely falling the Earth towards the direction of the Moon
between two unit body due to experiences pull, hence there occurs high tide.
masses placed the gravitation (iii) At the same time, the place which is at right
at unit distance force of the angles or at 90°, the water level gets reduced and
apart from each Earth is called experience low tide.
other. gravitational (iv) This situation occurs two times a day on regular
acceleration. basis, water level rises two times a day and
reduces two times a day.
Gravitation 19

Low tide *(c) Escape velocity:

The Moon’s The minimum initial velocity needed by an
(v) High High gravitational object projected upwards to overcome Earths
tide Earth tide force gravitational force and not fall back on Earth is
Moon
called escape velocity.
*(d) Centripetal force:
Low tide
The force that acts on any object moving along a
(2) In the spacecraft, travellers and objects appear
circle, directed towards the centre of the circle is
floating.

P
called centripetal force.
Ans.

LL
(e) Potential energy:
(i) Though the spacecraft is taken to a huge height
from the Earth, the value of acceleration due to The energy possessed due to position or
gravity does not become zero. configuration is called potential energy.

A)
(ii) The weightlessness is because the spacecraft is in (2) Define: The Universal law of gravitation and
a state of free fall. derive mathematically.

DI
(iii) Any object in a state of free fall will feel weight Ans. T
 he Universal law of gravitation: Every object
lessness. in the universe attracts any other object with the

N
(3) Weight of an object changes from place to place force which is directly proportional to the product

(I
on the surface of the Earth. of their masses and inversely proportional to the
Ans. square of the distance between their centres.

S
(i)  he shape of the Earth is not exactly spherical. It
T
is flattened at poles, while bulged at equator. m1 m2
(ii)  eight is the Earth’s gravitational force acting on
W
N F1 F2
O
the object, which is generally W = mg. d
Fig 1.1
I
(iii) M
 ass of the object remains the same but value of Let m1 and m2 are the masses of two objects, the
AT

‘g’ keeps on changing from place to place. distance between their centres be ‘d’.
(iv) T
he value of ‘g’ is maximum at poles and  he gravitational attraction between the two will
T
IC

it is 9.83 m/s2 while it is the least at equator be given by,

i.e. 9.78 m/s2. m1m2
BL

(v)  ue to this the weight of an object changes from

D Fα
d2
place to place on the surface of the Earth.
Gm1m2
PU

(vi) It is maximum at poles but gets reduced at ∴ F= (G is constant)

d2
equator.
G is called gravitational constant; it is also known
Q.3.1. Explain the following: as Universal constant of gravitation.
A

(1) Explain the terms:

*(3) Write Newton’s three laws of motion.
N

(a) Free fall, (b) Acceleration due to gravity,

 (Can you recall; Textbook Page no. 1)
(c) Escape velocity (d) Centripetal force
TA

Ans. 
(e) Potential energy
Ans.  (i) Newton’s first law of motion : Every inanimate
E

*(a) Free fall: object continues to be in a state of rest or of

CH

uniform motion in a straight line unless it is acted

When a body falls towards the Earth under the
influence of the Earth’s gravity alone, its motion
is called free fall.
*(b) Acceleration due to gravity:
The gravitational force due to earth on a
body results in its acceleration. This is called
acceleration due to gravity.
upon by an external unbalanced force.
 (ii) Newton’s second law of motion : The rate of
change of momentum is directly proportional
to the applied force and it takes place in the
direction of force.
 (iii) Newton’s third law of motion : To every action
there is always instantaneous, equal and opposite
reaction.
20 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

*(4) Write the effects of force acting on an object? (i) If a planet revolves around the Sun in a circular
(Can you recall; Textbook Page no. 1) orbit, then the centripetal force exerted on it by
the Sun is F = mv
2
Ans. The applied force can: r
(i) change the state of rest. where, m - mass of the planet
(ii) change the motion of an object v - velocity and
(iii) change the direction of motion r - radius of the circle.
(iv)  change both motion and direction of motion (ii) D
 istance travelled in one revolution by the
simultaneously planet = Circumference

P
(v) change the shape of the object temporarily. = 2πr

LL
(5) Define: Acceleration due to gravity and derive Time period of revolution = (T)
mathematically. distance
∴ speed =

A)
Ans. 
The gravitational force due to the Earth on time
an object results in its acceleration. It is called 2πr
acceleration due to gravity. v= ...(i)

DI
T
We know, mv2
∴ F =
r

N
GMm
F= .........(i)
( )
2
R2 2πr

(I
F = mg ..............(ii) m
T
From (i) and (ii) ∴ F = ...[from(i)]
r

S
GMm 4mπ r
2
mg =

GM
R2 N
∴ F =
T2
O
g= 2 4mπ2r r2
R ∴ F = ×
T2 r2
I
For Earth, g = 9.77 m/s2
AT

4mπ2r3
[ Tr r3 1
]...(ii)
2
*(6) The value of ‘g’ at the centre of the Earth is zero. ∴ F = ... = k or =
rT 2 2 3
T2
k
Explain?
IC

Ans. As we gradually go towards the centre of the 4mπ2

∴ F = ...[from(ii)]
Earth, the mass of Earth under consideration kr2
BL

4mπ2
[but ]
goes on decreasing.
is constant
k
We know,
PU

GM 1
g= 2 ∴ F α
R r2
At the centre of the Earth, the mass of earth under
A

consideration is zero, Hence ,g at the centre of the This is how Newton proved inverse square law
earth becomes zero. of gravity.
N

(8) Define: Kepler’s third law and derive

*(7) Write the three laws given by Kepler. How did
TA

mathematically to obtain constant.

they help Newton to arrive at the inverse square
law of gravity? Ans. 
Kepler’s third law: The square of its period of
E

revolution around the Sun is directly proportional

Ans. Kepler’s laws:
to the cube of the mean distance of a planet from
CH

(i) 
Kepler’s first law : The orbit of a planet is an the Sun.
ellipse with the Sun at one of the foci.
If ‘T’ is a periodic time and the average distance
(ii) 
Kepler’s second law : The line joining the planet of a planet from the Sun is ‘r’, then,
and the Sun sweeps equal areas in equal intervals
T2 α r3
of time.
∴ T2 = kr3 ... k is constant, k ≠ 0
(iii) 
Kepler’s third law: The square of its period of
T 2
revolution around the Sun is directly proportional ∴ k =
r3
to the cube of the mean distance of a planet from
the Sun.
Gravitation 21

(9) If the value of g suddenly becomes twice its 1 GMm

mv2esc =
value, it will become two times more difficult to 2 R
pull a heavy object along the floor. Why? 2GM
v2esc =
Ans. R
(i) I f the value of g becomes double,the force with 2GM × R
vesc =
which the earth pulls the object i.e weight of R ×R
object becomes double.
(ii)  s weight increases, frictional force also increases
A vesc =
R2 [
2GM × R ... g = GM
R2 ]

P
while pulling the object
vesc = 2gR

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( iii) H
 ence, it will become two times more difficult to
pull a heavy object along the floor. For Earth, vesc = 11.2 km/s.
(10) Explain centripetal force with suitable example. Q.3.2. Open Ended Question:

A)
Ans. The force on an object revolving in a circular path
*(1) 
According to Newton’s law of gravity, every
towards the centre is called centripetal force.
object attracts any other object means if the

DI
Earth attracts an apple towards it, then an apple
also attracts the Earth with the same force, then

N
why an apple falls down but the Earth does not

(I
move towards the apple?
Ans. Y
 es, the apple also attracts the Earth with equal

S
force but the mass of the apple is much less as

N compared to that of Earth.
We know, F = ma or a =
F
O
Fig 1.2
M
e.g. A stone tied to the string moves in a circular Hence, greater the mass, lesser the acceleration.
I
AT

path and its velocity is tangential. Therefore, due to greater mass, the Earths
acceleration is almost zero.
(11) Define: Escape velocity and derive
*(2) 
Is there a gravitational force between two
IC

mathematically.
Ans. 
The velocity required to overcome the Earth’s objects kept on a table or between you and your
BL

gravitational force to move into the space is friend sitting next to you? If yes, why don’t the
called escape velocity. two move towards each other? (Use your brain
power; Textbook Page no. 5)
PU

On surface of Earth
Ans. Y
 es, there is a force of attraction between the two
1
A K.E. = mv2esc objects as well as me and my friend.
2
A

GMm We know,
B P.E. = –
R
N

C T.E. = P.E. + K.E. F α m1m2

1 GMm
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E1 = mv2esc – Since the mass of me and my friend is very less as

2 R compared to the Earth, the force is also very less.
At infinity Hence, we don't move towards each other.
E

A K.E. = 0 *(3) 
Will your weight remain constant as you go
CH

GMm above the surface of the earth? (Use your brain

B P.E. = - =0
∞ power; Textbook Page no. 10)
C T.E. = P.E. + K.E.
Ans.
=0+0=0 (i) Weight of a body depends on acceleration due to
According to law of conservation of energy. gravity.
(ii) As we go above the surface of the earth height
E1 = E2
increases and hence acceleration decreases.
1 GMm (iii) 
As acceleration due to gravity decreases
mv2esc – =0
2 R consequently weight decreases.
22 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

*(4) 
According to Newton’s law of gravitation, (vi) What is the value of universal constant in SI?
earth’s gravitational force is higher on an object Ans. I n SI system, the value of ‘G’ is 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/
of larger mass. Why doesn’t that object fall kg2.
down with higher velocity as compared to an
object with lower mass? (Use your brain power; *(2) Observe the following diagram and answer the
Textbook Page no. 12) questions:
Ans. D C
(i) The acceleration due to gravity (g) on an object
B

P
only depends on mass (M) and radius (R) of the E
GM F

LL
earth i.e. g = 2 . s
R Sun A
(ii) It does not depend on mass (m) of the object.
(iii) The acceleration produced at a given point is the

A)
Fig 1.3: The orbit of a planet moving around the Sun.
same for all objects.
(iv) Hence, object of larger mass does not fall down I n a given figure, area ESF is equal to ASB,

DI
with higher velocity as compared to an object then what can you say about EF? (Use your
with lower mass. brain power; Textbook Page no. 4)

N
Q.3.3. Figure based Question: Ans.

(I
*(1) Observe the figure and answer the following (i) D
 istance EF is lesser than AB. Hence, speed will
questions: (Textbook Page no. 4) be lesser at EF and greater at AB

S
(ii) T
 herefore, in an elliptical orbit, speed is not
m1
F1 F2
m2 N constant.
O
(3)
d
I
m1 m2 m1 m2
AT

(i) What are the masses of the objects shown?

Ans. The masses are m1 and m2. d 3d
Gm1m2
IC

(ii) What is the distance between their centres? If F = Then F =

d2
Ans. The distance between their centres is ‘d’.
BL

Gm1m2
(iii) Write gravitational force between them. Ans.
9d2
Ans. The gravitational force between them would be, B A
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(4)
m1m2
F α
d2
Gm1m2
A

F1 F2
∴ F=  ... (G is constant of gravitation)
d 2
N

(iv) W
 hy gravitation constant is called universal C
TA

constant?
AF1 + AF2 = =
Ans. 
The value of gravitational constant does not
E

depend upon the nature and size of the bodies. Ans. BF1 + BF2 ; CF1 + CF2
CH

It also does not depend upon the nature of the

medium between two bodies; hence it is called (5) 
Which of the following best represent force
universal constant. between Sun and Earth.
(v)  hat will happen to gravitational force if mass
W S S S
of one of the objects is doubled? E E E

Ans. I f the mass of one of the objects is doubled, then

the gravitational force between them also gets (A) (B) (C)
doubled.
Ans. B. Force is equally exerted by 2 bodies.
Gravitation 23

Q.3.4. Complete the flow chart: (2)  he centre of mass of an object is the point inside
T
or outside the object at which the total mass of
the object can be assumed to be concentrated.
The centre of mass of a spherical object having
High
Earth uniform density is at its geometrical centre. The
tide Moon centre of mass of any object having uniform
density is at its centroid.
Low tide
(i)  here can the total mass of an object be
W

P
Ans. Low tide assumed to be concentrated?
Moon's

LL
Gravitational Ans. 
As the centre of mass.
force (ii)  here is the centre of mass located for an object
W
High High
Earth of uniform density?

A)
tide tide
Moon
Ans. As its centroid.
(iii) W
 here is the centre of mass located for a

DI
Low tide
spherical object?

N
Q.4.1. Paragraph based Questions: Ans. 
As its geometrical centre.
(1) Read the paragraph and answer the following (iv) What was the basis of Kepler’s laws?

(I
questions: Ans. K
 epler’s laws were based on the motion of the
planets.

S
(1)  ou must be knowing about the high and low
Y
tides that occur regularly in the sea. The level of
sea water at any given location along sea shore
N
(3) Gravitational waves:
Waves are created on the surface of water when
O
increases and decreases twice a day at regular
we drop a stone into it. Similarly you must have
intervals. High and low tides occur at different
I
seen the waves generated on a string when both
AT

times at different places. The level of water in

its ends are held in hand and it is shaken. Light
the sea changes because of the gravitational
is also a type of wave called the electromagnetic
force exerted by the moon. Water directly
IC

wave. Gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet rays,

under the moon gets pulled towards the moon
infrared rays, microwave and radio waves are
and the level of water there goes up causing
BL

all different types of electromagnetic waves.

high tide at that place. At two places on the
Astronomical objects emit these waves and
earth at 90° from the place of high tide, the level
we receive them using our instruments. All
PU

of water is minimum and low tides occur there.

our knowledge about the universe has been
(i)  ow many times does the sea level at the coast
H obtained through these waves.
change? Gravitational waves are a very different type
A

Ans. 
Sea level at the coast increases and decreases two of waves. They have been called the waves on
N

times a day. Two high tides and two low tides. the fabric of space-time. Einsteine predicted
their existence in 1916. These waves are very
TA

(ii) How does sea level get changed?

weak and it is very difficult to detect them.
Ans. T
 he sea-level at the coastal region gets changed
Scientists have constructed extremely sensitive
two times a day due to gravitational attraction of
E

instruments to detect the gravitational waves

the Moon.
CH

emitted by astronomical sources. Among these,

(iii) Where is high tide and low tide caused?
Ans. D
 ue to gravitational attraction of the Moon, the
water mass swells towards the direction of the
Moon causing high-tide. The water mass shrinks
at 90° from this place which causes low tide.
LIGO (Laser Interferometric Gravitational
Wave Observatory) is the prominent one.
Exactly after hundred years of their prediction,
scientists detected these waves coming from
an astronomical source. Indian scientists have
contributed significantly in this discovery. This
discovery has opened a new path to obtain
information about the Universe.
24 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

(i)  hat are the different types of electro magnetic

W (iv) I f a traveller releases an object from her hand in
waves? the spacecraft, what will happen?
Ans. 
Gamma rays, X-rays, Ultraviolet rays, infrared Ans. 
The object will remain stationary with respect to
rays, microwave and radio waves. her, because, the velocity of free fall is the same
(ii)  hat are the waves on the fabric of space - time
W for the spacecraft, traveller and objects in the
called? craft.
Ans. 
They are called gravitational waves. Q.4.2. Activity based Questions:
(iii) Is it easy to detect Gravitational waves? (1) 
Read the following paragraph carefully and

P
answer the following:
Ans. 
No, these waves are very weak and it is very

LL
difficult to detect them. (1) Tie a stone to one end of a string. Take the other
end in your hand and rotate the string so that the
(iv) W
 hat is the device, used to detect Gravitational
stone moves along a circle.

A)
waves?
As long as we are holding the string, we are
Ans. 
LIGO (Laser Interferometric Gravitational waves
pulling the stone towards us i.e. towards the
Observatory) is used to detect Gravitational

DI
centre of the circle
waves.
and are applying a

N
(4) Weightlessness in space: force towards it. The
Space travellers as well as objects in the force stops acting if

(I
spacecraft appear to be floating. Why does this we release the string.
happen? Though the spacecraft is at a height In this case, the stone

S
from the surface of the earth, the value of g will fly off along a (a)
there is not zero. In the space station the value
of g is only 11% less than its value on the surface
N straight line which is
O
the tangent to the
of the earth. Thus, the height of a spacecraft is circle at the position
I
not the reason for their weightlessness. of the stone when the
AT

Their weightlessness is caused by their being string is released,

in the state of free fall. Though the spacecraft is because that is the
IC

not falling on the earth because of its velocity direction of its

along the orbit, the only force acting on it is the velocity at that instant
BL

of time. You may (b)

gravitational force of the earth and therefore it
is in a free fall. As the velocity of free fall does recall a similar Fig 1.4: A stone tied to
activity in which a 5 a string, moving along a
PU

not depend on the properties of an object, the

velocity of free fall is the same for the spacecraft, rupee coin kept on a circular path and its velocity
the travelers and the objects in the craft. Thus, rotating circular disk in tangential direction
flies off the disk along the tangent to the disk.
A

if a traveller releases an object from her hand, it

will remain stationary with respect to her and Thus, a force acts on any object moving along a
N

will appear to be weightless. circle and it is directed towards the centre of the
circle. This is called the Centripetal force.
TA

(i) Is the value of g zero in the space station?

(i)  he impressed force on the stone is in which
T
Ans. 
No, the value of g is only 11% less than its value
direction?
E

on the surface of Earth.

Ans. 
On the stone, the force is directed towards the
CH

(ii) Why is weightlessness caused in a spacecraft?

centre of the circle.
Ans. 
The weightlessness is caused by them being in a
(ii) What happens if the string is released?
state of free fall.
Ans. T
 he stone will fly off in a straight line along the
(iii) W
 hy doesn't the spacecraft fall towards the
tangent to the circle.
Earth?
(iii) What is centripetal force?
Ans. 
The spacecraft does not fall towards Earth
because of its velocity along the orbit. Ans. The force exerted towards the centre of the circle
on an object moving along a circular path is called
centripetal force. It is a centre seeking force.
Gravitation 25

(2) Take a small stone. Hold it in your hand. (i) v = gt

We know that the force of gravity due to the earth 1
(ii) s = gt2
acts on each and every object. When we were 2
holding the stone in our hand, the stone was (iii) v2 = 2gs
experiencing this force, but it was balanced by a The moon and the artificial satellites are moving
force that we were applying on it in the opposite only under the influence of the gravitational field
direction. As a result, the stone remained at rest. of the earth. Thus they are in free fall.
Once we release the stone from our hands, the  (Try this; Textbook Page no. 11)
only force that acts on it is the gravitational force

P
(i)  hich force acts on the stone when held in the
W
of the earth and the stone falls down under its hand?

LL
influence. Whenever an object moves under the
Ans. Gravitational force in downward direction and
influence of the force of gravity alone, it is said
reaction force of hand in upward direction.
to be falling freely. Thus the released stone is in

A)
a free fall. In free fall, the initial velocity of the (ii)  hich force acts on the stone in free fall after
W
object is zero and goes on increasing due to the you release it?

DI
acceleration due to gravity of the earth. During Ans. 
Only gravitational force acts on it when it is
free fall, the frictional force due to air opposes the released.

N
motion of the object and a buoyant force also acts (iii) What is free fall?
on the object. Thus, true free fall is possible only

(I
Ans. When an object falls towards the Earth under the
in vacuum. For a freely falling object, the velocity influence of the Earth’s gravity alone it is called
on reaching the earth and the time taken for it

S
free fall.
can be calculated by using Newton’s equations
of motion. For free fall, the initial velocity u = 0 N
(iv) W
 hat is the initial velocity and what is the effect
of gravitational acceleration on the object in
O
and the acceleration a = g. Thus we can write the
free fall?
equations as
I
Ans. I n free fall, the initial velocity of an object is zero
For calculating the motion of an object thrown
AT

and as the time progresses, velocity increases due

upwards, acceleration is negative, i.e. in a
to uniform gravitational acceleration.
direction opposite to the velocity and is taken to
IC

be – g. The magnitude of g is the same but the (v) Write kinematic equations used in free fall?
velocity of the object decreases because of this -ve 1
Ans. The kinematic equations are, v = gt, s = gt2
BL

acceleration. 2
and v = 2gs
2
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vvv
A
N
E TA
CH
26 Master Key Science & Technology Part-I (Std. X)

ASSIGNMENT - 1
Time : 1 Hr. Marks : 20

Q.1. (A)  (3)

(1) Fill in the blanks:
(i) Value of g at centre of Earth is .

P
(ii) Mass is also a measure of of an object.

LL
(2) Complete the analogy:
(i) At poles : 9.83 m/s2 : : At equator : .

A)
Q.1. (B) Complete the following statements by selecting the proper alternative from the given:  (2)
(1) The gravitational force of attraction between two objects is given by .

DI
m1m2 d2 m1m2 m1m2
(a) F α (b) F α (c) F α (d) F α
d 2
mm d 2 d3

N
1 2
(2)  he gravitational force on the surface of the Moon is
T times than that on the surface of the

(I
Earth.
(a) five (b) one fifth (c) one sixth (d) six

S
Q.2. Answer the following: (any 2) (4)
(1)
N
Mahendra and Virat are sitting at a distance of 1 metre from each other. Their masses are 75 kg and
O
80 kg respectively. What is the gravitational force between them?
(2) Define: (i) Centre of mass   (ii) Free fall
I
AT

(3) Distinguish between: Weight and Mass

Q.3. Answer the following: (any 2) (6)
IC

(1) If a person weighs 750 N on Earth, how much would be his weight on the Moon given that Moon’s
1 1
mass is of that of the Earth and its radius is of that of Earth.
BL

81 3.7
(2) Define: The Universal law of gravitation and derive mathematically.
PU

(3) Observe the figure and answer the following questions:

m1 m2
F1 F2
A
N

d
(i) Write gravitational force between them.
TA

(ii) What will happen to gravitational force if mass of one of the objects is doubled?
(iii) What is the value of universal constant in SI system?
E

Q.4. Answer the following: (any 1) (5)

CH

(1) Write the three laws given by Kepler. How did they help Newton to arrive at the inverse square law of
gravity?
(2) Define: Escape velocity and derive mathematically.

vvv