Gravit

ation
G -7 APPLO TRADE CENTER GITA BHAWAN SQURE INDORE PH : +91 07879659002
 Gravitation
Each body in this universe attracts other bodies towards itself with a force
known as gravitational force, thus gravitation is the phenomena of mutual
attraction between any two bodies in the universe. It is the force of gravitation
due to which earth attracts everything towards itself.
 PLANETS
The celestial objects which moves in fixed semi-circular orbits ar
ound the sun are known as planets. Including the earth mainly we have
8 planets in our solar system. These planets move around the sun in their
fixed semi-circular orbits with increasing distance from the sun, name of these
planets are

(i)Mercury (ii)Venus (iii)Earth (iv)Mars

(iv)Mars (v)Jupiter (vi)Saturn (vii)Saturn
(viii) Neptune
 SATELLITES
Celestial objects which are moving around the planets are known as satellites.
There are two types of satellites namely; natural and artificial satellites. For
example, the moon is a natural satellite while INSAT-1B is an artificial
satellite of the earth.
 KEPLER’S LAWS OF PLANETARY MOTION

Kepler’s laws of planetary motion consist of three scientific laws describing

motion of planets around the sun, which are as given below
 KEPLER’S FIRST LAW OF ORBITS
According to this law, “all planets move in elliptical orbits around the sun,
situated at one of the foci of the ellipse.” This law identifies that the distance
between the sun (S) and planet (P) is constantly changing as the earth
revolve around its orbit as shown in figure.

The closest point P is called perihelion (perigee) and the farthest point A is called
aphelion (apogee).
Note : Shorter the orbit of the planet around the sun,
shorter is the time to cover one complete revolution.
 KEPLER’S SECOND LAW OF AREAS
According to this law, “the line joining the planet sweeps out equal areas in equal
interval of time.” It means that areal velocity is constant.

In the given figure, if the line joining the sun and the planet swept out area dA in a
small time interval dt then,
 Areal velocity =
dA
dt
=
d
dt ( 1
2 )
r (vdt) =
1
2
rv

mvr L
= =
2m 2m

where, L = angular momentum of the earth-planet system constant (for

gravitational force between the sun and the planet)

dA
Areal velocity = = constant
dt
Also, if the planet moves from A to B in some time intervalt and from C to D in the
same time interval t, then
area (ASB) = area (CSD)

the planet will move slowly (v min ) only when it is farthest from the sun and
move rapidly (vmax ) when it is nearest to the sun. This law is similar
to law of conservation of angular
The figure shows an elliptical orbit of a planet P about the sun S.
The shaded area CSD is twice the shaded area ASB. If t 1 is the
time taken by the planet to move from C to D and t 2 is the time to
move from A to B, determine the ratio t 1 / t 2
 KEPLER’S THIRD LAW OF PERIOD

According to this law, “the square of the time period (T ) of revolution of a planet
around the sun is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (a) of its
elliptical orbit.”

2 3
i.e. T ∝a
 ( )
2 r 1 + r2 3
T ∝ 2

where, r 1 = shortest distance of planet from sun (perigee) and r2 = longest

distance of planet from sun (apogee).
It can be shown that, if e is the eccentricity of an elliptical

r2 =
i+e
orbit on the plante then
r1 i-e

Note : Kepler’s laws are applicable not only to the solar system but also to
artificial satellites as well as to the moon revolving around the planets.
The planet neptune travels around the sun with a period of 165 yr.
What is the radius of the orbit approximately, if the orbit is
considered as circular ?
A satellite of time period 24 h is orbiting the earth at a height 6R
above the surface of earth, where R is radius of earth. What will
be the time period of another satellite at a height 2.5 R from the
surface of earth?
 NEWTON'S LAW OF GRAVITATION
According to this law, ‘‘every particle in the universe attracts every other
particle with a force whose magnitude is directly proportional to the
product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of distances
between their centres.’’ This tendency of particles (or bodies) to attract each other
is called gravitation.

F F
m1 m2

Force between two points masses

Thus, the magnitude of gravitational force F between the two particles of
masses m 1 and m 2 placed at distance r can be given as

m 1 m2 G m 1 m2
F∝ F=
r2 r2

where, G is the universal gravitational constant.

-11 2 -2
The magnitude of G in MKS or SI is 6.67×10 N-m kg
-8 2 -2
and in CGS, it is 6.67 × 10 dyne-cm g .
-1 1 -2
The dimensional formula of G is [M L T ].
 IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT FORCE OF GRAVITATION

(i) The gravitational constant G is called a universal constant because it has same
value for any two bodies anywhere in the space.

(ii) Gravitational force is always attractive in nature and is independent of the nature
of medium between two masses and presence or absence of other bodies.

(iii) Gravitational forces are central forces as they act along the line joining the centre of
gravity of two bodies.
(iv) Gravitational forces are conservative in nature, so work done by gravitational
forces does not depend upon the path.

(v) For the gravitational force on a body outside a spherically symmetric body (solid
spheres or spherical shells), the entire mass of the body is assumed to be concentrated at
its centre.

(vi) The force of attraction due to a hollow spherical shell of uniform density
on a point mass situated inside it is zero.

(viii) Force developed between any two masses is called gravitational force and
the force between earth and any other body is called force of gravity.
If the distance between the two spherical bodies is increased to
four times, then by how many times, the mass of one of the bodies
is to be changed to maintain the same gravitational force?
Two particles A and B having masses M and 4M respectively are
kept at a distance 2.73 m apart. Another small particle of mass m
is to be placed, so that the net gravitational force on it is zero.
What will be its distance from body A?
Spheres of the same material and of same radius r are touching
each other. Show that gravitational force between them is
4
directly proportional to r .
Force between two objects of equal masses is F. If 25% mass of
one object is transferred to the other object, then find the new
force.
Two particles of equal mass m are moving round a circle of radius
r due to their mutual gravitational interaction. Find the time
period of each particle.
 VECTOR FORM OF NEWTON’S LAW OF GRAVITATION

The vector form of Newton’s law of gravitation signifies that the gravitational
forces acting between the two particles form action and reaction pair.

it can be seen that the two particles of masses m 1 and m 2 are placed at a
distance r, therefore according to Newton’s law of gravitation, force on m 1 due
to m 2 ,
 Gm 1 m 2
F 12 = - r 12
r 12 2

( )
r1 - r2
F 12 = - Gm 1 m2 r1 - r2
r1 - r2 r 12 =
r1 - r2

where, r 12 is a unit vector pointing from m 1 to m 2 . The negative sign in Eq.(i) indicates
that the direction of force F 12 is opposite to that of r 12

Similarly, force on m 2 due to m1 ,

Gm 1 m 2
F 12 = - r 12
r 12 2
where, r 21 is a unit vector pointing from m 2 to m 1 . From Eqs. (i) and (ii),
we get

F 12 = - F 21

F 12 =- F 21
As F 12 and F 21 are directed towards the centres of the two particles, so
gravitational force is conservative in nature.
 PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION OF GRAVITATIONAL FORCES

Supoose F 1 , F 2 ...., F n be the individual forces due to the

masses m 1 ,m 2 ,m 3 ,K,mn which are given by the universal
law of gravitation, then from the principle of superposition,
each of these forces acts independently and uninfluenced by
the other bodies as shown in figure.
So, the resultant force F on mass m 1 can be expressed in vector addition of
various forces

F = F 12 + F 13 + F14+ ... + F1n

It states that, the resultant gravitational force F acting on aparticle due to

number of point masses is equal to the vector sum of forces exerted by the
individual masses on the given particle.

Gm 1 m 2 Gm 1 m 3 Gm 1 m n
Clearly F = - G r 21 - G r31 - .... - G rn 1
r
2
12 r 13 2
r 12 2

( )
m2 m3 mn
Resultant force, F = - Gm 1 r 21 + r 31 + .... + rn 1
2 2 2
r 12 r 13 r 1n
Three masses each equal to M are placed at the three corners of a
square of side a. Calculate the force of attraction on unit mass at
the fourth corner.
Three equal masses of 1 kg each are placed at the vertices of an
equilateral ∆PQR and a mass of 2 kg is placed at the centroid O of
the triangle which is at a distance of 2mfrom each of the vertices
of the triangle. Find the force (in newton) acting on the mass of 2 kg.
Three equal masses of 1 kg each are placed at the vertices of an
equilateral ∆PQR and a mass of 2 kg is placed at the centroid O of
the triangle which is at a distance of 2mfrom each of the vertices
of the triangle. Find the force (in newton) acting on the mass of 2 kg.
 13 12
The distance of two planets from the sun are 1 m and 10 m,
respectively. The ratio of the periods of the planet is

(a) 100 (b) 1

10

(c) 10 (d) 10 10
The period of revolution of planet A round the sun is 8 times that
of B. The distance of A from the sun is how many times greater
than that of B from the sun?

(a) 5 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 2

 GRAVITY
In Newton’s law of gravitation, the force of attraction between the two bodies
is known as gravitation. If one of these bodies is earth, then gravitation is
called gravity. Hence, gravity is another force by which earth attracts another
body towards its centre.
 ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY (G) ON EARTH

The force of gravity acting on a body having unit mass placed on or near the
surface of the earth is known as acceleration due to gravity.

Or

When a body is dropped from a certain height above the ground, it begins to fall
towards the centre of the earth under the effect of gravity. The acceleration
produced in the body due to gravity, is known as acceleration due to gravity.
It is a vector quantity and denoted by g. Its average value on the
earth’s surface at mean sea level is 9.8 ms- 2 .
 RELATION BETWEEN ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY ( G)
AND GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT ( G)

Suppose that the mass of the earth is M, its radius is then the force of attraction
acting on a body of mass close to the surface of the earth is

GMm
F= 2
R

According to Newton’s second law, the acceleration due to gravity,

F GM
G=
m R 2
This expression is free from m . It means acceleration due to gravity
does not depend on the mass of the object, thus it is same for all. If in
-11 2 -2 24
Eq. (i), we put the value of G as 6.67 × 10 N-m kg , M as 6 × 10 kg
6
and R as 6.4 × 10 m, then on solving it, we will get the value of g as
9.8 ms -2.
If two bodies of different masses are allowed to fall freely,
then they will have the same acceleration, i.e. if they are
allowed to fall from the same height, then they will reach
the earth simultaneously. The dimensions of acceleration
-2
due to gravity are [LT ].
Note :
(i) The value of g is independent of mass, shape, size, etc., of the body and
depends upon the mass and radius of the earth.
(ii) The value of g on the surface of the moon is equal to 1/6 times the
value of g on the surface of the earth.
The acceleration due to gravity at the moon’s surface is 1.67 ms--2
6
. If the radius of the moon is 1.74 × 10 m, calculate the mass of the
moon.
Assume that, if the earth were made of lead of relative density
11.3, then what would be the value of acceleration due to gravity
on the earth ’s surface?

-2
What will be the relation between the acceleration due to gravity
on the surface of the earth and on a planet respectively, whose
mass and radius are four times that of the earth?

-2
 VARIATION IN THE VALUE OF ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY (G)

The value of acceleration due to gravity varies due to following factors

(i) Height above the surface of earth

(ii) Depth below the surface of earth
(iii) Shape of the earth
(iv) Axial rotation of the earth
 1. VARIATION IN G DUE TO HEIGHT ABOVE THE SURFACE OF
EARTH

Consider a body of mass m lying on the surface of the earth of mass M

GM
and radius R. Acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the earth g = R

m
g
h

R R

M
r
(a)
(b)

Variation of g with altitude

The force of gravity on an object of mass m at a height h above the surface
of the earth is

GMm
F= 2
(R+h)

∴ Acceleration due to gravity at this height will be

GM GMm
g= 2
= 2
R (R+h)

This can also be written as

 GM
g=
( )
2 h 2
R 1+
R

g
( )
GM
g= ∴
=g
( )
h 2
2
1+
R
R

g<g
Thus ,
The value of acceleration due to gravity g goes ondecreasing as we
go above the surface of the earth. Also, if (R +h) =r

GM gR
2 1
g ′= = . g ′= ∝
, 2
(R+h)
2
r2 r

Further, by using Binomial theorem, we get

( ) ( )
h -2
2h
g=g 1+ g=g 1- ( h << R )
R R
 2gh
Note : With height h, the decrease in the value of g is g -g = R
g-g 2gh
∴ Fractional decreases in the value of g is = R
g
∴ Fractional decreases in the value of g =
2gh
( g-g
g ) x 100

x 100 persent
R
At what altitude, the acceleration due to gravity reduces to one-
fourth of its value as that on the
6
surface of the earth? (Take, radius of earth as 6.4 ×10 m
-2
and g on the surface of the earth as 9.8 ms )

-2
At what height, the acceleration due to gravity decreases by 51%
of its value on the surface of the earth?

6 6

-2
-2
 2. VARIATION IN G DUE TO DEPTH BELOW THE SURFACE OF EARTH

Let an object of mass m is situated at a depth d below the earth’s surface. Its distance
from the centre of the earth is (R - d ). This mass is situated at the outer surface of the
inner solid sphere. The gravitational force of attraction on a mass inside a spherical
shell is always zero. Therefore, the object experiences gravitational attraction only
due to inner solid sphere.

g
m d

staright line
R

o
-d

R
d
R
(a) (b)
varation of g with depth
 { }
M 4 3
The mass of this sphere is M′= 3 (R-d)
(4/3) R 3

Here, M being the mass of whole sphere of radius R.

3
(R-d)
Therefore M = M
3
R

The force of gravity on an object of mass M at a depth d below the surface

of earth,

Gm‘M GmM ( R -d) F GM

F= = and g′ = (R-d)
( R - d )3 R 3
m R 3
 GM
since, g=
R 2

Substituting the values in Eq. (i), we get

g′ = g
( 1-
d
r )
Since, g is a constant at a given place of the earth and R is also a constant.

(g-g′)∝d
Hence, the acceleration due to gravity decreases as we move
down from the surface of the earth.
Note :
g
Decrease in the value of g with depth d is g - g′= d
R g-g′ d
∴Fractional decrease in the value of g with depth = =
g R
g-g′
∴ Percentage decrease in the value of g = x 100
g
d
= x 100
R
We can see from this equation that g′ = 0 at d = R, i.e.
acceleration due to gravity is zero (minimum value) at the
centre of the earth.
If r is distance from the centre of earth.

For r ≤ R , g′ = g
( 1-
d
r ) =
gr
R
( ∴ R-d=r)

or g′∝r
g gR
2
1
For r > R , g′ = = or g ′= ∝

( )
2
h 2 r2 r
1+
r

The graphical representation of change in the value of g′

with height and depth is as follows
 g′
1
g′ ∝
g′∝r r 2

r
0
r =R
Graphical representation for variation of g ′

-2
Note : The acceleration due to gravity is maximum (having standard value of 9.8 ms ) at
the earth’s surface. It decreases either when we go at higher altitudes or we move below
the surface.
At what depth from the surface of the earth, the acceleration due
to gravity will be half the value of g on the surface of the earth?

6
-2
-2
At what depth from earth’s surface, acceleration due to gravity is
decreased by 1% ?

6
-2
-2
Assuming earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density, how much
would a body weigh half-way down the centre of the earth, if it
weighed 100 N on the surface?

6
-2
-2
Determine the decrease in the weight of a body when it is taken 32
km below the earth’s surface. (Take, radius of the earth as 6400 km)

6
-2
-2
 3. VARIATION IN G DUE TO THE SHAPE OF THE EARTH

The earth is not a perfect sphere. It is somewhat flat at the two poles.
The equitorial radius (Req ) is approximately
21 km more than the polar radius (R p ).
Now, acceleration due to gravity at poles,

GM
gp =
2
Rp
Acceleration due to gravity at equator,
GM
g eq =
2
R eq

∴ R p < R eq

∴ g p > g eq
Difference in g at poles and equator due to shape,
1
-2
(∆ g ) = g p - geq = 0.02 ms g

The value of g is minimum at the equator and

maximum at the poles. So, this is the reason why the
weight of the body increases when it is taken from equator to the pole.

1
Note : If weight = constant, i.e. mg = constant, then m ∝ g
It means that, it will be profitable to buy sugar at the equator in comparison to poles
because more mass (amount) will be obtained there.
 4. VARIATION IN G DUE TO AXIAL ROTATION OF THE EARTH

Suppose the earth is rotating on its axis with angular velocity ω. Consider a particle P at
rest on the surface of the earth, at latitude φ, then the pseudo force acting on the
particle is mrω 2 in outward direction. The acceleration due
to gravity g is acting towards the centre O of the earth.
Thus, the effective acceleration due to gravity g′ is the
resultant of g and rω 2.
After derivation, we can find the following relation

2 2
g′ = g - Rω cos φ
 FOLLOWING CONCLUSIONS CAN BE DRAWN FROM THE ABOVE
DISCUSSION

(i) The effective value of g is not truely vertical.

(ii) The effect of centrifugal force due to rotation of the earth is to reduce the
effective value of g.
(iii) At equators φ = 0°. Therefore, g′ = g - Rω and at poles φ = 90°.
Therefore, g′ = g 2
Thus, at equator g′ is minimum while at poles g′ is
maximum.
Note :
(i) If the angular velocity of earth increases, the value of g will decrease
at all places except at poles.
(ii) Since, earth rotates west to east, we also project our rockets from
west to east, so that effective acceleration due to gravity
2
g = g - Rω )on the rocket is less.
Find the imaginary angular velocity of the earth for which the
effective acceleration due to gravity at the equator shall be zero.
(Take, g = 10 m/s2 for the acceleration due to gravity, if the earth
were at rest and radius of earth equal to 6400 km and φ = 60°) 2

-2

-2
Calculate the angular speed of rotation of the earth, so that the
apparent g at the equator becomes half of its value at the surface.
Also, calculate the length of the day in this situation.

-2

-2
Find the value of angular velocity of axial rotation of the earth, such
that weight of a person at equator becomes (3/4)th of its weight at
pole. Radius of the earth at equator is 6400 km.

-2

-2
Suppose the earth increases its speed of rotation. At what new time
period, will the weight of a body on the equator becomes zero? (Take,
-2
g = 10 ms and radius of earth R = 6400 km )

-2

-2
 If density of earth increased 4 times and its radius reduced to half of
what it is, our weight will

(a) be four times its present value

-2
(b) be doubled
(c) remain same
(d) be halved
-2
 The depth d, at which the value of acceleration due to gravity
becomes 1 / n times the value at the surface is
(Here, R = radius of the earth)

( )
R
(a) -2 (b) R n-1
n
-2 n

( )
R n
(c) (d) R
n2
n+1
-2
 When a body is taken from the equator to the poles, its weight

(a) remains constant (b) increases

(c) decreases -2
(d) increase at N-pole and
decrease at

-2
-2
 GRAVITATIONAL FIELD
An invisible field in space around a body due to its mass, in which any other body
experiences a force of attraction is called the gravitational field of the first body.
In case of our planet earth, since it is surrounded by a gravitational field, so any
body brought in this field experiences a force of attraction towards the centre of
earth.
 GRAVITATIONAL FIELD INTENSITY

The intensity of gravitational field at any point in the gravitational field

due to a given mass is defined as the force experienced by a unit mass
placed at that point provided the presence of that unit mass does not
alter the original gravitational field.
Usually, it is denoted by E or I.
M

F
m

r
Gravitational field intensity
Thus, if F be the gravitational force experienced by the test mass m, then the
gravitational field intensity at any point will be

F
E=
m

-2 -1 0 -2
Its SI unit is m or Nkg and dimensions are [ M LT ]. It
is a vector quantity and is always directed towards the
centre of gravity of body whose gravitational field
intensity is to be considered.
Note :
(i) Inertial mass of a body can be measured as the ratio of the
magnitude of the external force applied, to the magnitude of
acceleration produced in its motion.

(ii) Gravitational mass of a body is defined as the gravitational pull

experienced by the body in a gravitational field of unit intensity.
 GRAVITATIONAL FIELD INTENSITY FOR DIFFERENT BODIES

FIELD DUE TO A POINT MASS

Suppose a point mass M is placed at point O and we want to find the intensity of
gravitational field E at point P, at a distance r from O. So, the magnitude of force
F acting on the particle of mass
m placed at P is

m F m
p

r
 GM F GM
F= E= =
r2 m r2

GM
Or E= 2
r

GM GM
In vector form, E = ( - r ) = - r
r2 r3

The direction of force F and E is from P to O as shown in the figure above.

Here, the negative sign shows the attractive force on body.
Note :
(i) If r = ∞,E = 0.It means the intensity of gravitational field is zero
only at infinite distance from the body.
(ii) If a unit mass(m) is placed on the surface of earth, then the
gravitational force acting on the rest mass m will be equal to the
weight w of the test mass.
E mg
Now, E = = =g Eg
w m
(iii) We can also apply the principle of superposition to gravitational
field intensity in the same way as that of gravitational force.
i.e. E= E 1 + E2+…+E n
Two point masses of mass 10 kg and 1000 kg are at a distance 1m
apart. At which points on the line joining them, will the gravitational
field intensity be zero?

-2

-2

-2
Figure shows a system of point masses placed on X-axis. Find the net
gravitational field intensity at the origin.
 FIELD DUE TO A UNIFORM SPHERICAL SHELL

At an external point For an external point (P), the shell may be treated
as a single particle of same mass placed at its centre (O).

R
P
0 r

Gravitational filed at an external point P

Thus, at an external point the gravitational field is given by

GM ( for r ≥ R )
E = (r)
r2

At r = R ( the surface of shell ),

GM
E=
R2

1
and other wise, E ∝ 2
r
At an internal point The field inside a uniform spherical shell is zero.
Thus, E versus r graph is as shown in figure below

g′
1
E ∝
GM E=0 r 2
R2

r
0
r =R
Two concentric spherical shells have masses m1 and m2 and radii r1
and r2 (r 2 > r1 ). What is the force exerted by this system on a particle
of mass m3 , if it is placed at a distance r (r1 < r < r2 ) from the centre?

-2

-2
 FIELD DUE TO A UNIFORM CIRCULAR RING AT A POINT
ON THE AXIS

Gravitational field intensity at a point P on the axis of a circular ring

of radius R and mass M is given by

GMr
E (r) = 2
(R + r 2 ) 3/2

r
P
E
R

Gravitational field at a point P on the axis of ring

This is directed towards the centre of the ring. It is zero at the centre of the
ring and maximum at r = R/ 2 (can be obtained by putting dE /dr = 0).

2 GM
The maximum value is E max =
2
3 3r

Thus, E versus r graph is as shown in figure below

2 GM
E max =
3 3 r2

r
0 r =R
2
Mass of 2 kg is distributed uniformly over a ring of radius 2 m. Find
the gravitational field at a point lying on the axis of the ring at a
distance of 2 3 m from the centre.

1 -2

-2
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
The work done in bringing a unit mass slowly from reference point (infinity) to a
given point in the gravitational field, is called the gravitational potential at that
point. This work is done by the external agent in bringing the

w
V=
m

-1 2 -2
The SI unit of gravitational potential is J kg or m s and it
is a scalar quantity because it is defined as work done per
0 2 -2
unit mass. Its dimensions are [M L T ].
Note : Negative work means force is opposite to displacement.
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL FOR DIFFERENT BODIES

POTENTIAL DUE TO A POINT MASS

Suppose a point mass M is situated at a point O. We want to find the

gravitational potential due to this mass at a point P situated at a distance r from
O.

M r P
0

Gravitational potential dure to a point mass

For this let us find work done in taking the unit mass from P to infinity. This will be

GM GM

8
W = ∫ r F⋅dr = ∫r dr =
r2 r

GM
Hence, the work done in bringing unit mass from infinity to P will be- .Thus, the
r
gravitational potential at P will be

GM
V=-
r

Gravitational potential at a point is always negative.

Note :
(i) When r = ∞ from above formula, then V = 0, hence gravitational
potential is maximum (zero) at infinity.

GM
(ii) At surface of the earthr =R ,then V = - at the surface of
the earth. r
A point of mass 15 kg is placed at the origin of coordinate axis. Find
the gravitational potential at a point located at x = 5m on X-axis.

1 -2

-2
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL DUE TO SYSTEM OF MORE
THAN ONE POINT MASS A

Consider a system of point masses M 1 , M2 , M 3 , , M n . A point P is situated at a

U
distance r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , , r n respectively from these point.

U
M1
r1

M2
P r2

r3 M3

rn
Mn

Gravitational potential at this point masses,

Vp = - [ GM 1
r1
+
GM 2
r2
+
GM 3
r3
+... +
GM n
rn ]
 5 3
Two heavy point masses of mass 103 kg and 10 kg are separated by
a distance of 200m. What will be the potential at the mid-point of
the line joining them?

-2
Infinite number of bodies, each of mass 2 kg are situated on X-axis at
distance 1m, 2m, 4m and 8m respectively from the origin. What is the
resulting gravitational potential due to this system at the origin?

1
5
-2
3
 POTENTIAL DUE TO A UNIFORM SOLID SPHERE

Potential at an external point The gravitational potential due to a uniform solid

sphere at an external point P is same as that due to a single particle of same
mass placed at its centre.

0 r P

Potential at an external point P

GM
Thus , V (r) = - , r > R
r
GM
At the surface, r = R and V = -
r
Potential at an internal point At some internal point, potential at a distance r from
thecentreis given by

GM 2 2
V (r) = - ( 1.5R - 0.5r ), r > R
R3

0
r

P
R

Potential at an internal point P

 GM
At r = R, V = -
r
While at r = 0, V = - 1.5 GM
R
i.e. At the centre of the sphere, the potential is 1.5 times the potential at surface.
The V versus r graph is as shown in figure below.
The radius of the earth is 6.37 × 106 m and its mean density is 5.5 ×
103 kg m -3 and G = 6.67 × 10-11 N-m 2kg -2. Find the gravitational
potential on the surface of the earth.

1
5
-2
3
At a point above the surface of the earth, the gravitational potential
is - 5.12× 107 J/kg and the acceleration due to gravity is 6.4 m / s 2.
Assuming the mean radius of the earth to be 6400 km, calculate the
height of the point above the earth ’s surface.

-2
3
 POTENTIAL DUE TO A THIN SPHERICAL SHELL

Potential at an external point To calculate the potential at an external point P, a uniform

spherical shell may be treated as a point mass of same magnitude at its centre. Thus,
potential at a distance r is given by

0 r P

Potential at an external point P

 -GM
V (r) = Where r > R
r
GM
At = R,V = -
R

Potential at an internal point The potential due to a uniform spherical shell is

GM
constant throughout at any point inside the shell and this is equal to -
R

R r

0 P

Potential at an internal point P

Thus, V versus r graph for a spherical shell is as shown in figure below

V versus r graph for a spherical shell

A particle of mass 1 kg is kept on the surface of a uniform thin
spherical shell of mass 20 kg and radius 1 m. Find the work to be
done against the gravitational force between them to take the
particle away from the thin spherical shell.

-2
3
A particle of mass M is placed at the centre of a spherical shell of
same mass and radius a. What will be the magnitude of the
gravitational potential at a point situated at a / 2 distance from the
centre?

-2
3
A particle of mass M is placed at the centre of a spherical shell of
same mass and radius a. What will be the magnitude of the
gravitational potential at a point situated at a / 2 distance from the
centre?

-2
3
 POTENTIAL DUE TO A UNIFORM RING AT A POINT ON ITS AXIS

The gravitational potential at a distance r from the centre on the axis of a

ring of mass M and radius R is given by

V(r) = - GM
, 0≤r≤∞
2 2
R +r

o r P

Potential due to a ring

 GM
At r = 0,V = - , i.e. at the centre of the ring,
R

GM
Gravitational potential is -
R
Thus, V versus r graph is as shown in figure below.

V
o r

-GM
R
V versus r graph for a ring
Mass of 1 kg is distributed uniformly over a ring of of radius 1 m. Find
the gravitational potential at a point lying on of radius the axis of
the ring at a distance of 1m from the centre.

-2
3
 RELATION BETWEEN GRAVITATIONAL FIELD AND POTENTIAL

If change in gravitational potential at a point is dV,

gravitational field intensity is E , then during displacement
dr in the field,
dV =- E⋅dr

where, E = Ex i + E y j + E z k

dr = d x i + d y j + d z k
dv = - E x dx - E y dy - E z dz
 -∂V -∂V -∂V
Also we can write, E x = Ey= Ez =
∂x ∂y ∂z

-∂V
Where, represents partial differentiation with respect to
∂x
-∂V -∂V
x - considering y and z as constant, similarly, and
∂y ∂z

are partial differentiations with the respect to y and z respectively considering

other variables as constants.

r2
Note : If field is given, the potential can be obtained as V (r 2 ) - V ( r 1 ) = - ∫
r1
E⋅dr
If gravitational potential is V = xy 2 , find the gravitational
field at (2, 1).

-2
3
 Three particles each of mass m are kept at vertices of an
equilateral triangle of side L. The gravitational field at
centre due to these particles is

(a) zero (b) 3Gm (b) 9Gm (d) 12Gm

1 L 2
L 2
3L2

-2
 Gravitational field due to a solid sphere

(a) remains constant throughout the sphere

(b) increases inside the sphere and decreases outside the sphere
(c) increases throughout
1
with distance from the centre
(d) decreases throughout with distance from thecentre
-2
3
Which one of the following graphs represents correctly
the variation of the gravitational field (E) with the distance
(r) from the centre of a spherical shell of mass M and
radius R?

E E

(a) (b)

r=R r r=R r

E E

(c) (b)

r=R r r=R r
 A uniform solid sphere of mass m and radius r is
surrounded symmetrically by a uniform thin spherical
shell of radius 2r and mass m.

2 GM
(a) The gravitational field at a distance of1.5r from the centre is
9 r2
8 GM
(b) The gravitational field at a distance of 2.5r from the
25 r 2
(c) The gravitational field at a distance of 1.5r from the centre is zero.

(d) The gravitational field between the sphere and spherical shell is
uniform.
The diagram showing the variation of gravitational
potential of earth with distance from the centre of earth is
If V is the gravitational potential on the surface of the
earth, then what is its value at the centre of the earth?

(a) 2v (b) 3v (c) 3 (d) 2

v v
2 3
By which curve will be variation of gravitational potential
of a hollow sphere of radius R with distance be depicted?
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

Gravitational potential energy of a body at a point is defined as the amount of work

done in bringing the given body from infinity to that point against the gravitational
force. The change in potential energy (dU) of a system corresponding to a
conservative internal force (F) is given by dU =- F⋅dr

f r
or ∫i dU = - ∫ F⋅dr
r
f
i

r
f
or u f - u i dU = - ∫ F⋅dr
r
i
We generally choose the reference point at infinity and assume potential energy to
be zero there, i.e. if we take i = ∞ (infinite) and U i = 0, then expression can be written
as

r
u f = u = - ∫ F⋅dr = - W

8
Hence, potential energy of a body or system is negative of the work done by the
conservative forces in bringing it from infinity to the particular position.
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A
TWO PARTICLES SYSTEM

The gravitational potential energy of two particles of masses m 1 and m 2 separated

by a distance r is given by

Gm 1 m 2
u=-
r

This is actually the negative of work done in bringing these masses from infinity
to a distance r apart by the gravitational forces between them.

Gravitational potential energy = ( -

Gm 1
r ) x m2
∴ Gravitational potential energy =

Gravitational potential × Mass of the body Gravitational potential energy is a

2 -2
scalar quantity. Its SI unit is joule and dimensional formula is [ML T ].
Two point masses 1 kg and 4 kg are separated by a
distance of 10 cm. Find gravitational potential energy of
the two point masses.
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY FOR A SYSTEM OF
MORE THAN TWO PARTICLES

The gravitational potential energy for a system of particles ( say m 1 , m ,

2
m 3 and m 4 is given by

u=-G { m4 m3
r43
+
m4 m2
r42
+
m4 m1
r41
+
m 3m 2
r32
Gm 3 m 1
r31
+
Gm 2 m 1
r21 }
 Thus , for an particle system there are n (n-1) pairs and
2
The potential energy is calculated for each pair and added to get the
total potential energy of the system.
Find the change in the gravitational potential energy
when a body of mass m is raised to a height nR above the
surface of the earth. (Here, R is the radius of the earth)
Three particles of masses m, 2m and 4m are placed at the
corners of an equilateral triangle of side a. Calculate
(i) the potential energy of the system
(ii) the work done on the system, if the side of the triangle
is changed from a to 2 a. Assume the potential energy to
be zero when the separation is infinity.
 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY OF AN
OBJECT IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS

Object placed at earth’s surface Let an object of mass m is placed at a point in the
gravitational field of the earth of mass M. Then, gravitational potential energy of an
object placed at earth’s surface,

GMm
u=-
R
 OBJECT PLACED AT A POINT, ABOVE THE
EARTH’S SURFACE

Let an object of mass m is placed at height h above the surface of earth, then change in
gravitational potential energy when the object is taken from the centre of the earth to
the height h is

mgh
∆U =
1+h/r

∆U is positive, it means the potential energy of a body increases as its height

above earth surface increases. For h << R, ∆U ≈ mgh

Thus, what we observe the mgh is actually the difference in potential energy (not
the absolute potential energy), that too for h < < R.
Note : Gravitational potential energy of a body at height x
from the earth’s surface is
-mgR
Ux =
1 +x/R
 24
The mass of the earth is 6 × 10 kg. The constant of
11 -2
gravitation G = 6.67× 10 N-m2 kg . The
potential energy of the earth and moon system is -7.79 ×
28
10 J. Determine the mean distance between earth
and moon. (Mass of moon is 7.4 × 1022kg)
A body of mass m is raised to a height 10R from the
surface of the earth, where R is the radius of the earth.
Find the increase in potential energy. (G = universal
constant of gravitation, M = mass of the earth and g =
acceleration due to gravity)

-11

2 -2
An object is dropped from height h = 2R on the surface of
earth. Find the speed with which it will collide with ground
by neglecting effect of air. (where, R is radius of earth and
M is mass of earth.)

-11

2 -2
 The magnitude of gravitational potential energy of a body
at a distance r from the centre of earth is u. Its weight at a
distance 2r from the centre of earth is

4r
-11
u u u
(a) (b) (c) (d)
r 4r 2r
2
u
A body of mass m is kept at a small height h above the
ground. If the radius of the earth is R and its mass is M, the
potential energy of the body and earth system (with h = ∞
being the reference position) is

-11
(a) GMm -GMm
R
+mgh (b) R +mgh

GMm GMm
(c) -mgh (d) - -mgh
R R
2
Energy required in moving a body of mass m from a
distance 2R to 3R from centre of earth of mass M is

-11
(a) mgR (b) 2mgR

1
(c) mgR (d) 4mgR
2
2
If a body of mass m has to be taken from the surface of the
earth to a height h = 4R, then the amount of energy
required is (R = radius of the earth)

-11
(a) mgR (b) mgR
5
-11 -11
4mgR 4mgR
(c) (d)
5 12

2
 BINDING ENERGY
The minimum energy required to take a particle to an infinite distance from
the earth is called the binding energy of the earth particle system.
 BINDING ENERGY OF A PARTICLE ON THE SURFACE
OF THE EARTH
Suppose the mass m is placed on the surface of earth. The radius of the earth is
R and its mass is M. Then,

the kinetic energy of the particle, k = 0 and potential

GMm
energy of the particle isU = -
R
m

R
M

A particle on the surface of the earth

Therefore, the total mechanical energy of the particle,

GMm
E=K+U=0-
R

GMm
E= -
R

∴ Binding energy, BE = | E | = GMm

R

Due to binding energy, the particle is attached to the earth. If

this much energy is supplied to the particle in any form
(normally kinetic) the particle no longer remains bound to the
earth. It goes out of the gravitational field of earth.
 ESCAPE VELOCITY
The minimum velocity with which a body must be projected vertically upwards in order
that it may just escape the gravitational field of the earth (i.e. v = 0) is called escape
velocity.

v=0

m ve

M
R 0

Escape velocity of a body

A body projected from the surface of the earth with speed
Ve , such that vf = v = 0.

As we have discussed that the binding energy of a particle on the

surface of earth kept at rest is GMm/R . If this much energy in the
form of kinetic energy is supplied to the particle, it leaves the
gravitational field of the earth. So, if ve is the escape velocity of the
particle, then from conservation of mechanical energy, we have

1 2 GMm
2
mv
e
= R
or Ve = 2GM
R
GM
As, g=
R2

Ve = 2gR

-2 6
Substituting the value of g (= 9.8 ms ) and R (= 6.4 × 10 m),
we get
Ve = ≈ 11.2 kms -1

Thus, the minimum velocity needed to take a particle infinitely away from
the earth is called the escape velocity. On the surface of earth, its value is
-1
11.2 kms .
 2G 4 3
From Eq. (i), Ve = × πR ×ρ
R 3
where, ρ is the mean density of the earth.

8
Escape velocity, ve = R π Gρ
3
 IMPORTANT POINTS RELATED TO ESCAPE VELOCITY

(i) The escape velocity does not depend on angle of projection from the earth’s
surface. But as the earth rotates about its axis, so it becomes easier to attain
escape velocity, if the body is projected in the direction in which the earth is
moving.

(ii) As the escape velocity depends on the mass and radius of the planet
from the surface of which thebody is projected, so value of escape
velocity is different for different planets.
(iii) A planet will have atmosphere, if the root mean square velocity of its
atmospheric molecules is less than the escape velocity for the given planet.
-1
That is why moon has no atmosphere (v e = 2.3 KM ). while jupiter has a
thick atmosphere (ve = 60 KM -1 ). Even the lightest hydrogen cannot escape
from its surface.

(iv) If a body falls freely from infinite height, then it will reach the surface of
the earth with a speed approximately equal to the average escape speed ve =
11.2 km -1

(v) In calculating the escape speed, the air resistance and the gravitational effect
due to other celestial bodies are neglected.
(vi) For earth to become black hole, the escape speed must become equal to or more than
speed of light, i.e. 2GM ≥ c. in that case , radius of the earth will
R

Note : If the escape velocity of a body is equal to the velocity of light, then from such
bodies nothing can escape, not even light. Such bodies are called black hole.
Calculate the escape velocity from the surface of a
22
planet of mass 14.8 × 10 kg. It is given that radius of the
6
planet is3.48×10 m.

-11

2 -2
The ratio of the masses and radii of two planets are 4 : 6
and 8 :18. What is the ratio of the escape velocity at their
surfaces?

-11

2 -2
 ESCAPE ENERGY
Minimum energy given to a particle in form of kinetic energy, so that it can
escape from earth’s gravitational field, is called escape energy.

vf = 0
ve

EARTH
0
R

particle projected from earth surface

 GMm
Escape energy =
R

If escape velocity is Ve , then

1 2
Escape energy = m ve
2
A very small groove is made in the earth, and a particle of
mass m 0 is placed at R/2 distance from its centre as
shown in figure. Find the escape energy of the particle
from that place.
A body is projected upwards with a velocity 4x 11.2kms -1

from the surface of earth. What will be the velocity of the

body when it escapes from the gravitational pull of earth?

0
2 -2
The earth is assumed to be a sphere of radius R. A
platform is arranged at a height R from the surface of the
earth. The escape velocity of a body from this platform is
f v surface of the earth. Find the value of f.

0
-2

-1
 MAXIMUM HEIGHT ATTAINED BY A PARTICLE

Suppose a particle of mass is projected vertically upwards

with a speed v and we want to find the maximum height h
attained by the particle.

0 R

A particle projected vertically upwards from

the surface of the earth
Then, we apply conservation of mechanical energy, i.e. decrease in kinetic
energy = increase in gravitational
potential energy of particle

1 2 1 Mgh
mv = ∆ or mv =
2

2 2 1+h/R

Solving this, we get

v 2

h= 2
2g-v /R
From this, we can obtain that

2
(i) If v = ve or v = v 2gR then h = ∞ .
e

(ii) If v < ve, body will attain a certain maximum height and then may
either move in an orbit around the planet or may fall down back to the
planet.

(iii) If v > ve, body will move in inter planetary or interstellar space
with velocity v 2 - v 2e .
A particle is projected from the surface of earth with an
initial speed of 4 km/s. Find the maximum height attained
by the particle. (Take, radius of earth = 6400 km and g =
9.8 m/s 2 )

0
-2

-1
A particle is projected vertically upwards from the
surface of the earth (radius Re ) with a speed equal to
one-fourth of escape velocity. What is the maximum
height attained by it from the surface of the earth?

2
0
-2

-1
 MOTION OF SATELLITES
Just as the planets revolve around the sun, in the same way few celestial
bodies revolve around these planets. These bodies are called satellites. e.g.
Moon is a natural satellite of earth. The paths of these satellites are
elliptical with the centre of earth at a focus.
The difference in major and minor axes is not large, so we
can assume circular orbits.
 ORBITAL VELOCITY OF SATELLITES

The velocity with which a satellite moves in its closed orbit

around the earth is known as orbital velocity.

Vo
M
h
m
R
Satellite

Earth

Motion of satellite
The necessary centripetal force to the satellite is provided by the
gravitational force exerted by the earth on the

2
mv o GMm
Satellite. Thus, =
r R 2

V0 = GM
∴
r

1
V0 = ∝
or r

Here r = R + h, where R is radius of earth and r is the orbital radius.

∴ V0 = GMm
R+h

Further, we know that, GM = gR 2

2
V0 = gR
∴ R+h

g
V0 =
(R + h )
Hence, the orbital speed ( o) of the satellite decreases as the orbital radius
(r ) of the satellite increases. Further, the orbital speed of a satellite close
to the earth’s surface
(r=R+h≈R)is,

g
V0 = = gR
(R + h )
A satellite circled around the earth at a distance of 3400
km. Determine its orbital velocity, if the radius of the
earth is 6400 km and g = 9.8 ms -2 .

2
0
-2

-1
 RELATION BETWEEN ORBITAL VELOCITY AND
ESCAPE VELOCITY

The escape velocity of a body from the earth’s surface,

ve = 2gR

The orbital velocity of a satellite revolving close to earth’s

surface,
v0 = gR
 2gR
Ve
V0
= = 2
gR

Ve = 2 v0

So, Eq. (i) represents that the escape velocity of a body from
the earth’s surface is 2 times its orbital velocity in a
circular orbit just above the earth’s surface.
A particle is projected vertically upwards from the
surface of the earth (radius Re ) with a speed equal to
one-fourth of escape velocity. What is the maximum
height attained by it from the surface of the earth?

2
0

-1
 TIME PERIOD OF REVOLUTION OF SATELLITE

The time taken by a satellite to complete one revolution

around the earth, is known as time period of revolution of
satellite.
2πr 2πr
T= or T =
v0 Gm
R

or T = 2π r 3

GM
 3
(R + h ) ∴ GM = gR2 and r = R + h
or T = 2π
gR 2

2πr
T= = 2π ( R + h )
Also Gm
v0
r

From this expression of T, we can make the following conclusions

 2
(i)T ∝r 3/2or T ∝r 3

which is also the Kepler’s third law.

(ii) Time period of a satellite very close to earth’s surface (r ≈ R) is,

R
T= 2π
g

Substituting the values, we get

T ≈ 84.6 min ≈ 1.4 h
(iii) Suppose the height of as atellite is such that the time period of the satellite is 24
h and it moves in the same sense as the earth. The satellite will always be overhead a
particular place on the equator. As seen from the earth, this satellite will appear to
be stationary. Such a satellite is called a geo-stationary satellite.
Putting T = 24 h in the expression of T, the radius of geo-stationary satellite comes
out to be r = 4.2 × 10 4 km. The height above the surface
4
of earth is about 3.6 × 10 km.
A satellite revolves around the earth at a height of 1000
3
km. The radius of the earth is 6.38 × 10 km. Mass of the
24 -11 2 -2
earth is 6 × 10 kg and G = 6.67 × 10 N-m kg .
Determine its orbital velocity and period of revolution.

2
0

-1
 HEIGHT OF SATELLITE
As it is known that the time period of satellite,

T= 2π r
3 (R+h) 3
= 2π
GM gR 2

By squaring both sides of Eq. (i), we get

T = 4π
2 (R+h)
2
3

gR 2
gR T
2 2
3
= (R + h)
π 2

( )
2 2 v3
Tg R
h= 4π 2 -R
A satellite forms a circle around the earth in 90 min.
Determine the height of the satellite above the earth’s
surface.

2
0
e

-1
 TOTAL ENERGY OF SATELLITE

Assume that a satellite of mass m moving around the earth with velocity
v 0 in an orbit of radius r due to gravitational pull of the earth.
The potential energy of the satellite,

GMm
u =-
r
The kinetic energy of the satellite,

K=
1
2
2
M V 0=
1
2
M ( Gm
r )
or 1 GMm
K=
2 2r

GMm
The total energy, E = K +U = -
2r

GMm
E=
2r
This energy is constant and negative, i.e. the system is closed. The farther the
satellite from the earth, the greater is its total energy. Variation of energy with
distance can be represented by graphs as shown in figure.

Energy
K

O r

E
U E=K+U

Variation of energy of a satellite

 IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE REMEMBERED

(i) The total mechanical energy of a satellite is negative, if the reference level of zero
potential energy is taken when separation is infinity.

U
(ii) For a satellite K = -E, E =
2
and U=- 2k

(iii) If we consider elliptical path of a satellite, then maximum and minimum energies are
as shown in figure.
 Satellite

Perigee Apogee
KE = max KE = min
PE = min a PE = max

rmax
rmin

Motion of satellite
 BINDING ENERGY OF A SATELLITE

The energy required by a satellite to leave its orbit around the earth and escape to infinity,
is known as binding energy of satellite. From above, we know that, the total energy of the
satellite is - GMm/2r. So, if the satellite has to leave the earth’s orbit and escape to infinity,
then an extra energy equal to + GMm/2r is to be supplied to it, so that its total energy
becomes zero.

GMm
∴ Binding energy of a satellite =
2r

Note :
(i) From case (i) to (iv), total energy of the satellite is negative. Hence, these are the closed orbits. For case
(v), total energy is zero and for case (vi), total energy is positive. In these two cases, orbits are open.
(ii) Ifv is not very large the elliptical orbit will intersect the earth and the satellite will fall back to earth.
If a spaceship orbits the earth at a height of 500 km from
its surface, then determine its (i) kinetic energy, (ii)
potential energy, (iii) total energy and (iv) binding energy.
(Take, mass of the satellite = 300 kg, mass of the earth = 6
24
× 10 kg, radius of the earth = 6.4 × 10 m,
6

-11 2 -2
G = 6.67 × 10 N-m kg ). Will your answer alter, if the
earth were to shrink suddenly to half its size?
 ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE
Those man-made objects which revolves around the earth in a fixed orbit are known as
artificial satellites. These satellites are launched from the earth. Artificial satellites
are used for telecommunication, weather forecast and other applications. These
satellites are of two types : Geo-stationary satellite and polar satellite.
 LAUNCHING OF AN ARTIFICIAL
SATELLITE AROUND THE EARTH
Let a satellite be projected from point A with velocity v direction AB. For
different values of v, the paths are different.

A B

O
R Earth

A satellite projected from A

Here, are the possible cases

(i) If v = 0, path is a straight line from A to O.

(ii) If 0 < v < v o, path is an ellipse with centre O of the earth as a focus.

(iii) If v = v o, path is a circle with O as the centre.

(iv) If v o < v < ve , path is again an ellipse with O as a focus.

A A
0 < v < vo v o < v < ve
o

Elliptical orbit with force at lower side and upper side

(v) If v = ve , satellite escapes from the gravitational pull of the earth and path
is a parabola.

(vi) If v > ve , satellite again escapes from the gravitational pull of earth but now
the path is a hyperbola.
GM
Here, vo = orbital speed ( r ) At a

and ve = escape velocity at A.

 WEIGHTLESSNESS IN A SATELLITE

A satellite does not produce its own gravity but moves around the earth in a
circular orbit under the action of gravity. The acceleration of satellite is GM/r 2
towards the centre of the earth as shown in figure.

Weightlessness in a satellite
If a body of mass m placed on a surface inside a satellite moving around the
earth. Then, forces on the body are as follows

GMm
The gravitational pull of the earth =
r2

The reaction by the surface = R r

GMm
By Newton’s law, -R r = ma
r2

GMm
r2
-R r = ma ( GM
r2 )
R r = ma
Thus, the surface does not exert any force on the body and hence, its apparent
weight is zero.

Note : Condition of weightlessness can be experienced only

when the mass of satellite is negligible, so that it does not
produce its own gravity. e.g. Moon is a satellite of the earth but
due to its own weight, it applies gravitational force of attraction
on the body placed on its surface and hence, weight of the body
will not be equal to zero at the surface of the moon.
What will be the mass of an astronaut in a space satellite
if at earth’s surface the astronaut weighs 850 N? (Take, g
-2
=10ms )

2
0

-1
 Two satellites A and B moves round a planet P in circular
orbits having radii 4R and R, respectively. If the velocity of
the satellite A is 3v, the velocity of the satellite B will be

4 3
(a) 12v (b) 6v (c) v (d) v
3 2
02

-1
-2
Two identical satellites are orbiting at distances R and 7R
from the surface of the earth, R being the radius of the
earth. The ratio of their

(a) kinetic energies is 4 (b) potential energies is 4

(c) total energies is 4 (d) All of these

-1
-2
For a satellite orbiting very close to earth’s surface, total
energy is

(a) Zero (b) GMm

R
GMm GMm
(c) - (d) -
-2
R 2R -1
The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular
orbit just above the earth’s surface is v. For a satellite
orbiting at an altitude of half the earth’s radius, the orbital
velocity is

(a) 3 v (b) 3 v
2 2
2 v 2 v
(c) (d)
-2
3 -2
3 -1
 The period of a satellite in a circular orbit around a planet
is independent of

(a) the mass of the planet (b) the radius of the planet
(c) the mass of the (d) All the three parameters
satellite (a), (b) and (c)

-1
-2
Which of the following quantities does not depend upon
the orbital radius of a satellite? (Take, R = radius of orbit)

2
T T
(a) (b)
R R
2 2
T T
(c) (d)
-2
R2 R3