Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

Chapter 12

Gravitation

Checkpoint Exercise

Checkpoint 1 (p.353) Exercise 12.1 (p.353)

1. (a) F The gravitational force exerted on an apple 1. dummy

by the Earth is the same as that exerted on the
distance between gravitational force
Earth by the apple. They are an action–reaction
the masses between the masses
pair.
(b) T The period of the circular orbit does not r F
depend on the mass of the object rotating in 2r F
4
the orbit. F
3r 9
GMm
(c) F In the formula R2
, the radius R repre- F
4r 16
sents the distance between the object and the
Earth’s centre, not the height of the object from 2. B The two forces form an action–reaction pair.
the Earth’s surface.
3. C The gravitational force is
2. Gravitational force between the Earth and the Sun
1
m1 m2 F∝
F =G (h + R)2
r2
( )( )
( ) 1.99 × 1030 9.11 × 10−31 where R is the Earth’s radius.
= 6.67 × 10−11 ( )2
1.50 × 1011 4. C Combining Newton’s law of universal gravitation
= 3.52 × 1022 N and the equation for centripetal force, we have
√
GMm GM GM
Checkpoint 2 (p.358) = mr ω2 ⇒ ω2 = 3 ⇒ ω =
r2 r r3

1. Gravitational ield strength on the Moon’s surface √

GM
5. C By v = r , we have v ∝ p1r , and so
M
g =G √ √
r2
( ) vP rQ 4r 2
( ) 7.32 × 10 22 = = =
−11 vQ rP r 1
= 6.67 × 10 ( )2
1.74 × 106
= 1.62 N kg−1 6. (a) By F = Gmr12m2 , we have
( )( )
Acceleration due to gravity on the Moon’s surface 6.67 × 10−11 9.11 × 10−31 (0.1)
F= ( )2
= 1.62 m s−2 6.37 × 106

2. Weight of A = (0.1)(9.81) = 0.981 N = 0.9813 ≈ 0.981 N

Weight of B = (0.1)(2.45) = 0.245 N
Weight of C = (0.1)(1.09) = 0.109 N So the gravitational force exerted on the apple
by the Earth is 0.981 N (downwards).
(b) The gravitational force exerted on the Earth
by the apple is 0.981 N (upwards) because
it forms an action–reaction pair with the
2| Chapter 12 Gravitation Exercise Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

gravitational force exerted on the Earth by the 9. Let d be the distance between that point and the
apple. Earth, and D be the Earth–Mars distance. Hence,
(c) By Fnet = ma , the acceleration of the apple is G M Mm G M E m
=
0.9813 (D − d )2 d2
am = ≈ 9.81 m s−2
0.1 M M d 2 = M E (D − d )2
0 = (M E − M M )d 2 − 2D M E d + M E D 2
By Fnet = ma , the acceleration of the Earth is

0.9813
aM = = 1.64 × 10−25 m s−2 Solving for d , we have
9.11 × 10−31
( ) ( ) ( )
Therefore, the accelerations of the apple and 0 = 5.328 × 1024 d 2 − 9.361 × 1035 d + 3.670 × 1046

the Earth are 9.81 m s−2 (downward) and ∴ d = 5.90 × 1010 m or 1.17 × 1011 m
1.64 × 10−25 m s−2 (upward) respectively.
Due to the enormous mass of the Earth, its Since the Earth–Mars distance D = 7.84 × 1010 m and
acceleration, and hence its motion, is too small d < D , the answer is 5.90 × 1010 m .
to be observed.
10. (a) The gravitational force acting on the satellite
2πr
7. (a) By v = T , we have provides the required centripetal force for it
( ) to undergo uniform circular motion, and so we
2π 4.22 × 108 have
v= = 17 340 ≈ 17 300 m s−1
1.77 × 60 × 60 × 24 ( )2
G Mm 2 3 2π 2 4π2 3
Therefore, the orbital speed of Io is = 
m r ω ⇒ G M = r ⇒ T = r
r2 T GM
17 300 m s−1 .
√ Since M denotes the mass of the planet (a
GM
(b) By v = r , we have
constant), we have T 2 ∝ r 3 .
v 2r (b) (i) By T 2 ∝ r 3 , by proportion, we have
M=
G ( )2 ( )3
( ) Tβ rβ
(17 340)2 4.22 × 108 =
= Tα rα
6.67 × 10−11
= 1.902 × 1027 ≈ 1.90 × 1027 kg Solving for Tβ , we have
( )3/2
The mass of Jupiter is about 1.90 × 1027 kg . rβ ( )
Tβ = Tα = 8.12 × 104 53/2
√ rα
GM
8. (a) By v = r , we have v ∝ p1r , and so ≈ 9.08 × 105 s
√ √
vP rQ 1.37 × 108 Therefore, the orbital period of satellite β
= = ≈ 1.37
vQ rP 7.30 × 107 is 9.08 × 105 s .
2
(ii) By T 2 = G4πM r 3 , we have
The ratio of their orbital speeds is 1.37:1 .
(b) Given that both P and Q experience the same ( )2 4π2 ( )3
8.12 × 104 =( ) 1.85 × 108
gravitational force. By F = G M m
, we have 6.67 × 10−11 M
r2
∴ M ≈ 5.68 × 10 26
kg
G M m P G M mQ
=
rP 2 rQ 2 Therefore, the mass of planet X is
( )2
mP rP 5.68 × 1026 kg .
=
mQ rQ
( )2
7.3 × 107
= Exercise 12.2 (p.359)
1.37 × 108
≈ 0.284
1. A

The mass ratio is 0.284:1 . 2. B

Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises Chapter 12 Gravitation Chapter Exercise |3

3. A Since g = GrM 1
2 , we have g ∝ r 2 . Therefore, the average density of Neptune is
By proportion, we have 1620 kg m−3 .

√ 7. (a) The gravitational ield strength at the top of

g ′ r02 g0 p
= ⇒ r ′ = r0 = 2r 0 ≈ 1.41r 0 Mount Everest is
g0 r ′2 g′
( )( )
′GM 6.67 × 10−11 9.11 × 10−31
g = 2 = ( )2
The distance is d = 1.41r 0 − r 0 = 0.41r 0 above the r 6.37 × 106 + 8848
ground.
= 9.786 ≈ 9.79 N kg−1
4. Since F ∝ g , by proportion, we have
(b) The weight of the man at the top of Mount
W 9.81
= ⇒ W = 784.8 ≈ 785 N Everest is
720 9
g 9.786
The weight of the astronaut on the Earth’s surface is W = W0 × = 700 × ≈ 698 N
g0 9.81
785 N .

5. (a) By g = GrM
2 , we have
8. (a) By g = GrM 1
2 , we have g ∝ r 2 , and so

( )( ) ( 2) ( )
6.67 × 10−11 4.87 × 1024 g R2 R R 2
g= ( )2 = ⇒ g = g0 2 = g0
g0 r 2 r R +h
6.05 × 106
= 8.875 ≈ 8.88 N kg−1 (b) By the result of (a), we get
( )2
The gravitational ield strength at Venus’s 6.37 × 106
a = 9.81 ≈ 0.495 m s−2
surface is 8.88 N kg−1 . 6.37 × 106 + 2.2 × 107
(b) Applying g = GrM
2 on the Earth, we have
The acceleration of the satellite due to the
( −11
)( −31
) Earth’s gravity is 0.495 m s−2 (downwards).
6.67 × 10 9.11 × 10
8.875 =
r2
∴ r = 6.699 × 106 m
Chapter Exercise
The distance above the ground
= 6.699 × 106 − 6.37 × 106 = 3.29 × 105 m
Multiple-choice Questions (p.361)

The gravitational ield strength at a distance

1. C Statement (1) is incorrect. Since F = G Mr2
m
, the
3.29 × 105 m above the Earth’s surface is the
satellites experience gravitational forces of different
same as that at Venus’s surface.
. magnitudes because they have different mass.
GM
Statements (2) and (3) are correct because g = r2
6. (a) By g = GrM
2 , we have
and T 2 ∝ r 3 .
( )
6.67 × 10−11 M 2. B Since g = GrM ⇒ g ∝ r12 , a graph of g against 1
11.15 = ( )2
2 r2
2.46 × 107 shows a straight line passing through the origin.
∴ M = 1.012 × 1026 ≈ 1.01 × 1026 kg 3. B Statement (1) is incorrect. At an altitude

of 350 km, the space station still experiences a

The mass of Neptune is 1.01 × 1026 kg .
signi icant gravitational force from the Earth.
4 3
(b) By V = 3 πr , we have
Statement (2) is incorrect. The altitude of a
4 ( )3 geostationary object must be about 3.59 × 107 m ≈
V = π 2.46 × 107 = 6.236 × 1022 m3
3 3500 km.

The volume of the Neptune is 6.236 × 1022 m3 . Statement (3) is correct. By F = mr ω2 , if the orbital
radius r of the space station increases, its angular
By ρ = m
V , we have
speed ω decreases.
1.012 × 1026
≈ 1620 kg m−3 Note that W = GrM GM
ρ= 4. C 2 m = (h+R)2 m .
6.236 × 1022
4| Chapter 12 Gravitation Chapter Exercise Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

5. B See the relations below: Option C is incorrect. The feeling of apparent

√
v= GM
⇒v ∝ p1 weightlessness arises because there is no reaction
r r
√ force acting on the astronaut by the loor.
GM 1
v= r ⇒ KE ∝ r1
⇒ v2 ∝ r
√ Option D is incorrect. The centripetal force is the
GMm
r2
= mr ω2 ⇒ ω = GrM 2π
3 ⇒ T ∝
1
r 3/2
⇒T ∝r 3/2
net force required by the astronaut to move in a
F = GM m
⇒F ∝ 1 circular orbit, and it is provided by the gravitational
r2 r2
force acting on him.
6. C Since g = GrM M
2 ⇒ a ∝ r 2 , we have

( ) ( ) Structured Questions (p.362)

g M MM r2 MM r E 2 1 2 2 2
= 2 × E = = =
gE rM ME ME r M 10 1 5
12. (a) The gravitational ield strength of a planet is
7. A Only statement (3) is incorrect. G is the de ined as the gravitational force per unit mass
gravitational constant and does not depend on the experienced by a small object at a distance r
position of the object. from the centre of the planet. (2A)

By Newton’s law of universal gravitation, we

8. D When X is placed near the point mass, we have have
GMm GMm
FX = = 90 N F= (1A)
d2 r2

When Y is placed near the point mass, we have Therefore, the gravitational ield strength is

G(4M )m 4 G M m 4 F GM m 1 GM
FY = = × = × 90 = 40 N g= = 2
× = 2 (1A)
(3d )2 9 d2 9 m r 
m r

9. B The gravitational ield strength on the surface of (b) The asteroid is 4 × 106 + 2 × 107 = 2.4 × 107 m
the Earth is from the centre of the planet. From the graph,
the corresponding gravitational ield strength
GM
g= ⇒ g R2 = G M is 1.4 N kg−1 . (1M)
R2
The gravitational force experienced by the
The gravitational ield strength on the surface of the asteroid is
planet is
F = mg ′ = 5 × 106 × 1.4 = 7 × 106 N (1A)
′
GM
g′ =
R ′2 (c) From the graph, the gravitational ield strength
GM′
yg = on the planet’s surface is 2 N kg−1 . (1A)
(xR)2
( ) By g = GrM
2 , we have
x2 y g R2 = G M ′
( )
6.67 × 10−11 M
2= ( )2 (1M)
Combining the equations, we get 2 × 107
M′ ∴ M ≈ 1.20 × 1025 kg
= x2 y
M
The mass of the planet is 1.20 × 1025 kg . (1A)

10. D Since the period T and the radius R are related

by T 2 ∝ R 3 , both satellites have the same period. 13. (a) Suppose the gravitational force exerted on the
asteroid by the Earth is the only force acting on
11. B Option A is incorrect. The gravitational force it. By Newton’s second law, we have
exerted on the astronaut by the Earth provides
the centripetal force he needs to perform circular GM m GM
2
=
ma ⇒ a = 2 (1M)
r r
motion, and hence its effect on his motion is
signi icant. Therefore, the acceleration of the asteroid is
independent of its mass. (1A)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises Chapter 12 Gravitation Chapter Exercise |5

(b) By the result of (a), we have (iii) dummy

( )( )
GM 6.67 × 10−11 9.11 × 10−31
a= 2 = ( )2 (1M)
r 6.37 × 106 + 10 000
≈ 9.78 m s−2

When the asteroid is at an altitude of 10 000 m,

its acceleration is 9.78 m s−2 (towards the
Earth’s centre). (1A)

(c) (i) The acceleration a of the asteroid has an

inverse-square relation with its distance r
from the Earth’s centre (i.e. a = GrM
2 ). (1A)

When r increases, a decreases. So, the

asteroid gains kinetic energy at a lower
rate at a higher altitude. (1A)
Dumbbell shape curve that is always below the
(ii) It comes from the gravitational potential original one: 1A
energy lost by the asteroid. (1A)

15. (a) The variation in the height is still small

14. (a) The mass (or the density) of the planet (1A)
compared with the Earth’s radius. (1A)

The radius of the planet (1A)

(b) (i) The height of the satellite is
(b) (i) The radius of the granite rock is
r = 940 × 103 + 6400 × 103 = 7.34 × 106 m
r = 0.2 km = 200 m (1A)

By the law of universal gravitation, we

The volume of the granite rock is have
4 4 GMm
V = πr 3 = π (200)3 = 3.351 × 107 m3 (1A) F= (1M)
3 3 r2
( )( )
m 6.67 × 10−11 9.11 × 10−31 (500)
By ρ = V , the difference between the mass = ( )2
is 7.34 × 106
= 3696 ≈ 4000 N (1M)

∆m = ∆ρ × V
( ) The gravitation force is about 4000 N in
= (3700 − 2200) × 3.351 × 107 (1M)
size.
= 5.027 × 1010 ≈ 5 × 1010 kg (1A)
(ii) The unbalanced force provides the
(ii) The difference in the gravitational ield necessary centripetal force for the satellite
strength comes from the difference of to perform uniform circular motion. (1A)

mass. (1A) (iii) The gravitational force provides the

By g = GrM
2 , we have
necessary centripetal force for the satellite
( )( )
to perform uniform circular motion, and so
6.67 × 10−11 5.027 × 1010
g= ( )2 (2M)
0.4 × 103 F = mr ω2 (1A)
( )
≈ 2.10 × 10−5 N kg−1 3695 = (500) 7.34 × 106 ω2
∴ ω = 1.003 × 10−3
Therefore the difference between the
≈ 1.00 × 10−3 rad s−1
gravitational ield strength at B and that
at A is 2.09 × 10−5 N kg−1 . (1A)
The angular velocity of the satellite is
1.00 × 10−3 rad s−1 . (1A)
6| Chapter 12 Gravitation Chapter Exercise Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises

(iv) The orbital time of the satellite is (b) (i) dummy

2π 2π
T= = ≈ 6260 s (1M+1A)
ω 1.003 × 10−3

(c) Work has to be done against the frictional drag

force. (1A)

Hence, the velocity of the satellite decreases.

(1A)

16. (a) (i) Since the gravitational force acting on the

satellite provides the necessary centripetal
force for the satellite to undergo uniform
circular motion, we have Correct force arrow: 1A
(ii) Since the gravitational force has to provide
G Mm
m r ω2
= (1M) the necessary centripetal force for the
r2
GM satellite, the plane of the orbit of the
∴r3 = 2 (1) satellite must pass through the centre of
ω
the Earth. (1A)
Considering the gravitational force acting
on an object on the Earth’s surface, we 17. (a) The gravitational force acting on the satellite
have provides the centripetal force it requires, and
so
GMm Mm
= mg (1M) G = mr ω2
rE2 r2
∴ G M = g rE2 (2) Hence, the orbital radius of a geostationary
satellite is
Putting (2) into (1), we have √
3 GM
g rE2 g rE2T 2 r=
3
r = 2 = ω2
ω 4π2 √ ( )( )
( )2 3 ( 6.67 × 10
−11 5.97 × 1024
(9.81) 6400 × 103 (60 × 60 × 24)2 =
=
(1M)
(2π/86400)2
4π2
∴ r = 4.235 × 107 ≈ 4.24 × 107 m = 4.223 × 107 ≈ 4.22 × 107 m (1A)

The orbital radius of the satellite is (b) Consider a satellite which is orbiting around
4.24 × 107 m . (1A) the Earth at an orbital period T , an orbital
(ii) By v = 2πr
, we have (1M)
radius r and an altitude h .
T
( ) G Mm
2π 4.235 × 107 =m r ω2 (1M)
v= ≈ 3080 m s −1 r2
60 × 60 × 24 4πr 3
T2 =
The orbital speed of the satellite is GM
√
3080 m s−1 . (1A) 4π(r E + h)3
T= (1M)
GM

Since r E is the radius of the Earth, the orbital

period of the satellite only depends on its
altitude. (1A)

(c) The polar-orbiting satellites pass over the

poles many times a day, and hence their
orbital periods are shorter than those of the
geostationary satellites. (1A)

By the result of (b), the shorter the period T ,

the lower the altitude h . (1A)
Active Physics Full Solutions to Textbook Exercises Chapter 12 Gravitation Chapter Exercise |7

(d) (i) From the result of (a), we have should be lower. Therefore, the calculated value of v
√ would be higher than the actual value. (1A)

4π(r E + h)3
T= 3. The centripetal force required by the satellite
GM
v to under circular motion is provided by the
u ( )
u 4π 6.37 × 106 + 870 × 103 3
t
= ( )( ) (1M)
gravitational force exerted by the Earth, and hence
6.67 × 10−11 9.11 × 10−31
GM m
= 3461 ≈ 3460 s 2
=m r ω2
r ( )
GM 4π
The period of their orbital motion is 2
= r
r T2
3460 s . (1A)
√
4πr 3
(ii) The number of times the satellites pass ∴T = (1M)
GM
over the North Pole in on day is

60 × 60 × 24
The density of a planet is
N= = 24.9 ≈ 25 (1A)
3461 M M 3M
ρ= = 4 =
V 3 πr
3 4πr 3
Shoot-the-stars Questions (p.364) 3 4πr 3
=
ρ M
1. B The Earth, which has a larger mass, exerts a

greater gravitational force on the spacecraft when Combining the above equations, we have
it is midway between the Earth and the Moon. √
Therefore, the position where the gravitational 3
T= (1M)
ρG
forces exerted by the Earth and the Moon cancel
each other should be closer to the Moon.
The speed of the satellite is given by
2. The acceleration due to gravity g is numerically √
equal to the gravitational ield strength, which is 2πr ρG p
v= = 2πr ⇒v ∝r ρ (1M)
given by T 3

GM By proportion, we have
g= (1A)
(R + h)2
√
v′ r ′ ρ′ (p )
Bob assumes that the acceleration due to gravity g is = × = (5) 4 = 10
v r ρ
a constant of 9.81 m s−2 regardless of the change in
the altitude of the object. To be precise, this value is Therefore, the speed of the satellite orbiting near
only valid at the Earth’s surface (i.e. h = 0). (1A)
the surface of planet X is 10v . (1A)

When the object is thrown upwards, its altitude

h becomes larger and hence the actual value of g .