BANSALCLASSES

TARGET IIT JEE 2008

PHYSICS
ACME

QUESTION BANK ON
GRAVITATION
 QUESTIONS FOR SHORT ANSWER
Q.1 Two satellites move along a circular orbit in the same direction at a small distance from each other. A
container has to be thrown from the first satellite onto the second one. When will the container reach the
second satellite faster: if its is thrown in the direction of motion of the first satellite or in the opposite
direction ? The velocity of the container with respect to the satellite u is much less than that ofthe satellite v.
Q.2 Because the Earth bulges near the equator, the source of the Mississippi River (at about 50°N latitude),
although high above sea level, is about 5 km closer to the centre of the Earth than is its mouth (at about
30°N latitude). How can the river flow "uphill" as it flows south?
Q.3 Use qualitative arguments to explain why the following four periods are equal (all are 84 min, assuming
a uniform Earth density) :
(a) time of revolution of a satellite just above the Earth's surface
(b) period of oscillation of mail in a tunnel through the Earth
(c) period of a simple pendulum having a length equal to the Earth's radius in a uniform field 9.8 m/s2
(d) period of an infinite simple pendulum in the Earth's real gravitational field.
Q.4 After Sputnik I was put into orbit, it was said that it would not return to Earth but would burn up in its
descent. Considering the fact that it did not burn up in its ascent, how is this possible ?
Q.5 An artificial satellite is in a circular orbit about the Earth. How will its orbit change if one of its rockets is
momentarily fired. (a) towards earth, (b) away from the Earth, (c) in a forward direction, (d) in a
backward direction, and (e) at right angles to the plane of the orbit?
Q.6 A stone is dropped along the centre of a deep vertical mine shaft. Assume no air resistance but consider
the Earth's rotation. Will the stone continue along the centre of the shaft ? If not, describe its motion.
Q.7 An iron cube is placed near an iron sphere at a location remote from the Earth's gravity. What can you
say about the location of the centre of gravity of the cube? Of the sphere ? In general, does the location
of the centre of gravity of an object depend on the nature of the gravitational field in which the object is
placed?
Q.8 Figure shows a particle of mass m that is moved from an infinite distance to the
centre of a ring of mass M, along the central axis of the ring. For the trip, how
does the magnitude of the gravitational force on the particle due to the ring
change.

Q.9 In figure, a particle of mass m is initially at point A, at distance d from the centre of one uniform sphere
and distance 4d from the centre of another uniform sphere, both of mass M >> m. State whether, if you
moved the particle to point D, the following would be positive, negative, or zero:
(a) the change in the gravitational potential energy of the particle,
(b) the work done by the net gravitational force on the particle,
(c) the work done by your force.
(d) What are the answers if, instead, the move were from point B to point C ?

Q.10 Reconsider the situation of above question. Would the work done by you be positive, negative, or zero
if you moved the particle (a) from A to B, (b) from A to C, (c) from B to D ? (d) Rank those moves
accroding to the absolute value of the work done by your force, greatest first.

SUBODH KUMAR
 ONLY ONE OPTION IS CORRECT.
Take approx. 2 minutes for answering each question.

Q.1 A large spherical planet of radius R, made of a material of density d, has a spherical cavity of radius
R/2, with center of cavity a distance R/2 from the centre of the planet. Find the gravitational force on a
small mass ‘m’ at the center of the cavity.
(A) 2RGmd/3 (B) RGmd/3 (C) 2RGmd (D) 4RGmd/3
Q.2 At what altitude will the acceleration due to gravity be 25% of that at the earth’s surface (given radius of
earth is R)?
(A) R/4 (B) R (C) 3R/8 (D) R/2

Q.3 At what distance from the centre of the moon is the point at which the strength of the resultant field of
earth's and moon's gravitational field is equal to zero. The earth's mass is 81 times that of moon and the
distance between centres of these planets is 60R where R is the radius of the earth
(A) 6 R (B) 4 R (C) 3 R (D) 5 R

Q.4 Two masses m1 & m2 are initially at rest and are separated by a very large distance. If the masses
approach each other subsequently, due to gravitational attraction between them, their relative velocity
of approach at a separation distance of d is :

(A)
2 Gd
(B)
 m1  m2  G 
(C)  m1  m2 
2G
1/ 2

(D) (m1 + m2)1/2 2 Gd

 m1  m2  2d 
d 

Q.5 Let  be the angular velocity of the earth’s rotation about its axis. Assume that the acceleration due to
gravity on the earth’s surface has the same value at the equator and the poles. An object weighed at the
equator gives the same reading as a reading taken at a depth d below earth’s surface at a pole (d<<R)
The value of d is
2R2 2R2 2 2 R 2 Rg
(A) (B) (C) (D)
g 2g g g

Q.6 A spherical hole of radius R/2 is excavated from the asteroid of mass M
as shown in fig. The gravitational acceleration at a point on the surface
of the asteroid just above the excavation is
(A) GM/R2 (B) GM/2R2 (C) GM/8R2 (D) 7GM/8R2

Q.7 If the radius of the earth be increased by a factor of 5, by what factor its density be changed to keep the
value of g the same?
(A) 1/25 (B) 1/5 (C) 1/ 5 (D) 5

Q.8 A man of mass m starts falling towards a planet of mass M and radius R. As he reaches near to the
surface, he realizes that he will pass through a small hole in the planet. As he enters the hole, he sees that
2M
the planet is really made of two pieces a spherical shell of negligible thickness of mass and a point
3
M
mass at the centre. Change in the force of gravity experienced by the man is
3
2 GMm 1 GMm 4 GMm
(A) (B) 0 (C) (D)
3 R2 3 R2 3 R2
SUBODH KUMAR
Q.9 An infinite number of masses, each of one kg are placed on the +ve X axis at 1m, 2m, 4m, ______ fromthe
origin. The magnitude of the gravitational field at origin due to this distribution of masses is:
4G 3G
(A) 2G (B) (C) (D) 
3 4
Q.10 With what angular velocity the earth should spin in order that a body lying at 30° latitude may become
weightless [R is radius of earth and g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth]
2g 4g g 4g
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3R R 3R 3R

Q.11 Two concentric shells of uniform density of mass M1 and M2 are situated
as shown in the figure. The forces experienced by a particle of mass m
when placed at positions A, B and C respectively are (given OA = p, OB
= q and OC = r)
M1m ( M1 + M 2 )m
(A) zero, G and G
q2 p2

(M1 + M 2 )m Mm
(B) G 2
, G ( M1 + M 2 )m and G 12
p q2 r
M1m (M + M )m
(C) G 2
,G 1 2 2 and zero
q p
( M1 + M 2 ) m M1m
(D) G , G and zero
p2 q2

Q.12 A satellite of the earth is revolving in circular orbit with a uniform velocity V. If the gravitational force
suddenly disappears, the satellite will
(A) continue to move with the same velocity in the same orbit.
(B) move tangentially to the original orbit with velocity V.
(C) fall down with increasing velocity.
(D) come to a stop somewhere in its original orbit.

Q.13 A newly discovered planet has a density eight times the density of the earth and a radius twice the radius
of the earth. The time taken by 2 kg mass to fall freely through a distance S near the surface of the earth
is 1 second. Then the time taken for a 4 kg mass to fall freely through the same distance S near the
surface of the new planet is
(A) 0.25 sec. (B) 0.5 sec (C) 1 sec. (D) 4 sec.

Q.14 Four particles of equal masses M move along a circle of radius R under the action of their mutual
gravitational attraction maintaining a square shape. The speed of each particle is

GM  2 2  1  GM  2  1  GM 4GM
(A) R  4  (B)   (C) (D)
  R  4  
R 2 1  
R 2 1 

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.15 At what height above the earth’s surface does the acceleration due to gravity fall to 1% of its value at the
earth’s surface?
(A) 9R (B) 10R (C) 99R (D) 100R

Q.16 Find the distance between centre of gravity and centre of mass of a two particle
system attached to the ends of a light rod. Each particle has same mass. Length of the
rod is R, where R is the radius of earth
(A) R (B) R/2 (C) zero (D) R/4

Q.17 The radius of a planet is R. A satellite revolves around it in a circle of radius r with angular velocity 0.
The acceleration due to the gravity on planet’s surface is
r 30 r 330 r 302 r 302
(A) (B) (C) (D)
R R2 R R2

Q.18 A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R applies a gravitational

force of attraction equal to F1 on a particle placed at a distance 3R from
the centre of the sphere. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now made in
the sphere as shown in the figure. The sphere with cavity now applies a
gravitational force F2 on the same particle. The ratio F2/F1 is:
9 41 3 22
(A) (B) (C) (D)
50 50 25 25

Q.19 The mass and diameter of a planet are twice those of earth. What will be the period of oscillation of a
pendulum on this planet if it is a seconds pendulum on earth?
1 1
(A) 2 second (B) 2 2 seconds (C) second (D) second
2 2 2

Q.20 A particle of mass M is at a distance a from surface of a thin spherical

shell of equal mass and having radius a.
(A) Gravitational field and potential both are zero at centre of the shell.
(B) Gravitational field is zero not only inside the shell but at a point
outside the shell also.
(C) Inside the shell, gravitational field alone is zero.
(D) Neither gravitational field nor gravitational potential is zero inside the shell.

Q.21 Three point masses, M each, are moving in a circle , each with a speed v, under their mutual gravitational
attractive force. The distance between any two masses must be:
(A) 2GM/v2 (B) 3GM/v2 (C) GM 3 / v 2 (D) GM/v2

Q.22 A cavity of radius R/2 is made inside a solid sphere of radius R. The centre of the cavity is located at a
distance R/2 from the centre of the sphere. Find the gravitational force on a particle of mass ‘m’ at a
distance R/2 from the centre of the sphere on the line joining both the centres of sphere and cavity
(opposite to the centre of cavity). [Here g = GM/R2, where M is the mass of the sphere]
mg 3mg mg
(A) (B) (C) (D) none of these
2 8 16

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.23 How much deep inside the earth should a man go so that his weight becomes one fourth of that at a point
which is at a height R above the surface of earth .
(A) R/4 (B) 15R/16 (C) 3R/4 (D) R/2

Q.24 Two identical spherical balls each of mass m are placed as shown in figure.
Plot the variation of g(gravitation intensity) along the x-axis.

(A) (B) (C) (D)

Q.25 A satellite revolves in the geostationary orbit but in a direction east to west. The time interval between its
successive passing about a point on the equator is :
(A) 48 hrs (B) 24 hrs (C) 12 hrs (D) never
Q.26 A particle starts from rest at a distance R from the centre and along the axis of a
fixed ring of radius R & mass M. Its velocity at the centre of the ring is:

2 GM 2GM
(A) (B)
R R
 1  GM
(C) 1 


2 R
(D) 2  2 GM
R

Q.27 A spherical uniform planet is rotating about its axis. The velocity of a point on its equator is V. Due to the
rotation of planet about its axis the acceleration due to gravity g at equator is 1/2 of g at poles. The
escape velocity of a particle on the planet in terms of V.
(A) Ve = 2V (B) Ve = V (C) Ve = V 2 (D) Ve = 3 V
Q.28 Two point masses of mass 4m and m respectively separated by d distance are revolving under mutual
force of attraction. Ratio of their kinetic energies will be :
(A) 1 : 4 (B) 1 : 5 (C) 1 : 1 (D) 1 : 2

Q.29 Two planets A and B have the same material density. If the radius of A is twice that of B, then the ratio of
v
the escape velocity A is
vB
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 1 2 (D) 1 2
Q.30 The escape velocity on the surface of the earth is V0. If M and R are the mass and the radius of the earth
respectively, then the escape velocity on another planet of mass 2M and radius R/2 will be :
(A) 4 V0 (B) 2 V0 (C) V0 (D) V0 /2
Q.31 A ball 'A' of mass m falls to the surface of the earth from infinity. Another ball 'B' of mass 2m falls to the
earth from the height equal to six times radius of the earth then ratio of velocities of 'A' and 'B' on
reaching the earth is
(A) (B) (C)1 (D)(7/6)

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.32 If an artificial satellite revolves in circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to half its escape velocity
from the earth. Then its height above the surface of earth will be: [Radius of earth=6400 km]
(A) 3200 km (B) 6400 km (C) 12800 km (D) 24000 km
Q.33 The ratio of gravitational acceleration at height 3R to that at height 4R from the surface of the earth is :
(where R is the radius of the earth)
(A) 9/16 (B) 25/16 (C) 16/25 (D) 16/9
Q.34 A small body of superdense material, whose mass is twice the mass of the earth but whose size is very
small compared to the size of the earth, starts from rest at a height H<< R above the earth’s surface, and
reaches the earth’s surface in time t. Then t is equal to
(A) 2H / g (B) H/g (C) 2 H / 3g (D) 4 H / 3g .

Q.35 A rocket is launched straight up from the surface of the earth. When its altitude is one fourth of the radius
of the earth, its fuel runs out and therefore it coasts. The minimum velocity which the rocket must have
when it starts to coast if it is to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth is [escape velocity on
surface of earth is 11.2km/s]
(A) 1km/s (B) 5km/s (C) 10km/s (D) 15km/s
Q.36 Gravitational potential difference between a point on surface of planet and another point 10m above is
4J/kg. Considering gravitational field to be uniform, how much work is done in moving a mass of 2.0 kg
from the surface to a point 5.0m above the surface ?
(A) 0.40 J (B) 2.5 J (C) 4.0 J (D) 8.0 J
Q.37 Referring to previous problem, what is the gravitational field strength in this region ?
(A ) 0.025 N kg1 (B) 0.40 N kg1 (C) 2.5 Nkg1 (D) 4.0 N kg1

Q.38 Select the correct choice(s):

(A) The gravitational field inside a spherical cavity, within a spherical planet must be non zero and uniform.
(B) When a body is projected horizontally at an appreciable large height above the earth, with a velocity
less than for a circular orbit, it will fall to the earth along a parabolic path.
(C) A body of zero total mechanical energy placed in a gravitational field will escape the field
(D) Earth’s satellite must be in equatorial plane .
Q.39 The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit just above the earth’s surface is V0. The
value of orbital velocity for another satellite orbiting at an altitude of half of earth’s radius is
3 3 2 2
(A)  V0 (B) V (C) V (D)  V0
2 2 0 3 0 3

4gR
Q.40 A particle is projected with a velocity vertically upward from the surface of the earth, R being
3
the radius of the earth & g being the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. The velocity
of the particle when it is at half the maximum height reached by it is
gR gR 2gR
(A) (B) (C) gR (D)
2 3 3

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.41 A satellite is in a circular orbit very close to the surface of a planet. At some point it is given an impulse
along its direction of motion, causing its velocity to increase  times.
It now goes into an elliptical orbit. The maximum possible value of  for this to occur is
1
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 2 +1 (D)
2 1
Q.42 A satellite of mass m, initially at rest on the earth, is launched into a circular orbit at a height equal to the
radius of the earth. The minimum energy required is
3 1 1 3
(A) mgR (B) mgR (C) mgR (D) mgR
4 2 4 4

Q.43 The figure shows the variation of energy with the orbit radius of a body in circular
planetary motion. Find the correct statement about the curves A, B and C
(A) A shows the kinetic energy, B the total energy and C the potential energy of
the system.
(B) C shows the total energy, B the kinetic energy and A the potential energy
of the system.
(C) C and A are kinetic and potential energies respectively and B is the total energy of the system.
(D) A and B are kinetic and potential energies and C is the total energy of the system.

Q.44 The ratio of the radius of the earth to that of the moon is 10. The ratio of the acceleration due to gravity
on the earth to that on the moon is 6. The ratio of the escape velocity from the earth’s surface to that from
the moon is
(A) 6 (B) 1.5 (C) 12 (D) 60

Q.45 An artificial satellite of the earth releases a package. If air resistance is neglected, the point where the
package will hit (with respect to the position at the time of release) will be
(A) ahead (B) exactly below
(C) behind (D) it will never reach the earth

Q.46 A space ship of mass m is in circular orbit of radius 2Re about the earth of mass M and radius Re. Energy
required to transfer the space ship to circular orbit of radius 3Re is
GMm GMm GMm GMm
(A) 8R (B) 4R (C) 24R (D) 12R
e e e e

Q.47 A particle is projected from the mid-point of the line joining two fixed particles each of mass m. If the
distance of separation between the fixed particles is l, the minimum velocity of projection of the particle
so as to escape is equal to
GM GM 2GM 2GM
(A) (B) (C) (D) 2
l 2l l l

Q.48 The escape velocity for a planet is ve. A tunnel is dug along a diameter of the planet and a small body is
dropped into it at the surface. When the body reaches the centre of the planet, its speed will be
ve ve
(A) ve (B) (C) (D) zero
2 2

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.49 A per son brings a mass of 1 kg from infinity to a point A. Initially the mass was at rest but it moves at a
speed of 2 m/s as it reaches A. The work done by the person on the mass is –3J. The potential at Ais :
(A) –3 J/kg (B) –2 J/kg (C) –5 J/kg (D) – 7 J/kg

Q.50 A small ball of mass ‘m’ is released at a height ‘R’ above the earth surface, as shown in the figure above.
If the maximum depth of the ball to which it goes is R/2 inside the earth through a narrow grove before
coming to rest momentarily. The grove, contain an ideal spring of spring constant K and natural length R,
find the value of K if R is radius of earth and M mass of earth
3GMm 6GMm
(A) 3 (B)
R R3
9GMm 7GMm
(C) 3 (D)
R R3

Q.51 The magnitude of the potential energy per unit mass of the object at the surface of earth is E. Then the
escape velocity of the object is:
(A) 2E (B) 4E2 (C) E (D) 2E

Q.52 Suppose a smooth tunnel is dug along a straight line joining two points on the surface of the earth and a
particle is dropped from rest at its one end. Assume that mass of earth is uniformly distributed over its
Volume. Then
GM e
(A) the particle will emerge from the other end with velocity where Me and Re are earth’s mass
2R e
and radius respectively,
(B) the particle will come to rest at centre of the tunnel because at this position, particle is closest to earth centre.
(C) potential energy of the particle will be equal to zero at centre of tunnel if it is along a diameter.
(D) acceleration of the particle will be proportional to its distance from midpoint of the tunnel.

Q.53 A hollow spherical shell is compressed to half its radius. The gravitational potential at the centre
(A) increases
(B) decreases
(C) remains same
(D) during the compression increases then returns at the previous value.

Q.54 A body is projection horizontally from the surface of the Earth (radius = R) with a velocity equal to ‘n’
times the escape velocity. Neglect rotational effects of the earth. The maximum height attained by the
body from the Earth’s surface is R/2. Then, ‘n’ must be
(A) 0. 6 (B)  3 2 (C) 0. 4 (D) None

Q.55 Consider two configurations of a system of three particles of masses

m, 2m and 3m. The work done by external agent in changing the
configuration of the system from figure (i) to figure (ii) is
6Gm 2  1 
(A) zero (B) – 1  
a  2

6Gm 2  1  6Gm 2  1 
(C) – 1   (D) – 2  
a  2 a  2

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.56 Two satellites of mass m1 & m2 are in same circular orbit around earth but are revolving in opposite
sense. When they undergo completely inelastic collision, the combination
(A) continues in same orbit
(B) goes to a circular orbit of lesser radius
(C) goes in an elliptical orbit within the original circle
(D) goes in an elliptical orbit outside the original circle

Q.57 A uniform spherical planet (Radius R) has acceleration due to gravity at its surface g. Points P and Q
g
located inside and outside the planet have acceleration due to gravity . Maximum possible separation
4
between P and Q is
7R 3R 9R
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
4 2 4

Q.58 A particle is dropped on Earth from height R (radius of Earth) and it bounces back to a height R/2 the
coefficient of restitution for collision is (ignore air resistance and rotation of Earth)
2 2 1 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 3 3 2
Q.59 A body of mass m is lifted up from the surface of the earth to a height three times the radius of the earth.
The change in potential energy of the body is
(A) 3mgR (B) 3/4 mgR (C) 1/3 mgR (D) 2/3 mgR
where g is acceleration due to gravity at the surface of earth.

Q.60 Two satellites S1 and S2 describe circular orbits of radius r and 2r respectively around a planet. If the
orbital angular velocity of S1 is , that of S2 is :
(A) /(22) (B) (2)/3 (C) /2 (D) /2

Q.61 When a satellite moves around the earth in a certain orbit, the quantity which remains constant is :
(A) angular velocity (B) kinetic energy (C) aerial velocity (D) potential energy

Q.62 A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R around the earth. A second satellite is launched into an
orbit of radius 1.02R. The period of second satellite is larger than the first one by approximately
(A) 1.5% (B) 3% (C) 1% (D) 2%
Q.63 A satellite of mass 5M orbits the earth in a circular orbit. At one point in its orbit, the satellite explodes into two
pieces, one of mass M and the other of mass 4M. After the explosion the mass M ends up travelling in the
same circular orbit, but in opposite direction. After explosion the mass 4M is in
(A) bound orbit
(B) unbound orbit
(C) partially bound orbit
(D) data is insufficient to determine the nature of the orbit.

Q.64 A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around a planet at a distance r from the centre of the planet. If
the angular velocity of the planet about its axis doubles, a satellite can now be in a geostationary orbit
around the planet if its distance from the centre of the planet is
r r r r
(A) (B) (C) 1/ 3 (D)
2 2 2 ( 4) (2)1/ 3

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.65 A planet of mass m is in an elliptical orbit about the sun (m << M sun) with an orbital period T. If A be the
area of orbit, then its angular momentum would be:
2mA mA
(A) (B) mAT (C) (D) 2mAT
T 2T

Q.66 The planets with radii R1, R2 have densities 1, 2 respectively. Their atmospheric pressures are p1, p2
respectively. Therefore, the ratio of masses of their atmospheres, neglecting variation of g within the
limits of atmosphere, is
(A) p1R21 / p2R12 (B) p1R22 / p2R11 (C) p1R11 / p2R22 (D) p1R12 / p2R21

Q.67 Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the nth power of distance. Then the time period of a
planet in circular orbit of radius R around the sun will be proportional to
 n 1   n 1   n 2 
     
(A) R 2  (B) R 2  (C) Rn (D) R 2 

Q.68 A satellite is seen after every 6 hours over the equator. It is known that it rotates opposite to that of
earth’s direction. Then the angular velocity of the satellite about the centre of earth will be :
(A) /2 rad/hr (B) /3 rad/hr (C) /4 rad/hr (D) /8 rad/hr

Q.69 A satellite is orbiting round the earth. In a particular orbit its time period is T and orbital speed is V. In
another orbit the orbital speed is 2V, then time period will be
(A) 8T (B) 2T (C) T/2 (D) T/8

Q.70 In a double star system, the masses of the two stars are M and 3M. The orbit radius of the lighter star is
R. The time period of each star is
(A) 8[R3/GM]1/2 (B) 16[R3/GM]1/2 (C)4[2R3/GM]1/2 (D) None

Question No. 71 to 72
Figure shows the orbit of a planet P round the sun S. AB and CD are
the minor and major axes of the ellipse.

Q.71 If t1 is the time taken by the planet to travel along ACB and t2 the time along BDA, then
(A) t1 = t2 (B) t1 > t2 (C) t1 < t2 (D) nothing can be concluded

Q.72 If U is the potential energy and K kinetic energy then |U| > |K| at
(A) Only D (B) Only C
(C) both D & C (D) neither D nor C

Q.73 If a tunnel is cut at any orientation through earth, then a ball released from one end will reach the other
end in time(neglect earth rotation)
(A) 84.6 minutes (B) 42.3 minutes (C) 8 minutes (D) depends on orientation

SUBODH KUMAR
 Questions 74 to 79 (6 questions)
Two stars bound together by gravity orbit each other because of their mutual attraction. Such a pair of stars
is referred to as a binary star system. One type of binary system is that of a black hole and a companion star.
The black hole is a star that has collapsed on itself and is so massive that not even light rays can escape its
gravitational pull. Therefore, when describing the relative motion of a black hole and a companion star, the
motion of the black hole can be assumed negligible compared to that of the companion.
The orbit of the companion star is either elliptical with the black hole at one of the foci or circular with the
black hole at the centre. The gravitational potential energy is given by U = – GmM/r, where G is the
universal gravitational constant, m is the mass of the companion star, M is the mass of the black hole, and
r is the distance between the centre of the companion star and the centre of the black hole. Since the
gravitational force is conservative, the companion star’s total mechanical energy is a constant of the
motion. Because of the periodic nature of the orbit, there is a simple relation between the average kinetic
energy <K > of the companion star and its average potential energy < U>. In particular, <K> = –<U/2>
Two special points along the orbit are singled out by astronomers. Perigee is the point at which the companion
star is closest to the black hole, and apogee is the point at which it is furthest from the black hole.
Q.74 At which point in the elliptical orbit does the companion star attain its maximum kinetic energy?
(A) Apogee (B) Perigee (C) The point midway from apogee to perigee
(D) All points in the orbit, since the kinetic energy is a constant of the motion.

Q.75 For circular orbits, the potential energy of the companion star is constant throughout the orbit. If the
radius of the orbit doubles, what is the new value of the velocity of the companion star?
(A) It is 1/2 of the old value (B) It is 1 2 of the old value
(C) It is the same as the old value. (D) It is double the old value

Q.76 Which of the following prevents the companion star from leaving its orbit and falling into the black hole?
(A) The centripetal force (B) The gravitational force
(C) The companion star’s potential energy (D) the companion star’s kinetic energy

Q.77 The work done on the companion star in one complete orbit by the gravitational force of the black hole equals
(A) the difference in the kinetic energy of the companion star between apogee and perigee.
(B) the total mechanical energy of the companion star
(C) zero
(D) the gravitational force on the companion star times the distance that it travels in one orbit.

Q.78 For a circular orbit, which of the following gives the correct expression for the total energy?
(A) – (1/2) mv2 (B) mv2 (C) – (GmM) / r (D) (GmM) / 2r

Q.79 What is the ratio of the acceleration of the black hole to that of the companion star?
(A) M / m (B) m / M (C) mM / r (D) 1 / 1

SUBODH KUMAR
 ONE OR MORE THAN ONE OPTION MAY BE CORRECT
Take approx. 3 minutes for answering each question.
Q.1 Assuming the earth to be a sphere of uniform density the acceleration due to gravity
(A) at a point outside the earth is inversely proportional to the square of its distance from the centre
(B) at a point outside the earth is inversely proportional to its distance from the centre
(C) at a point inside is zero
(D) at a point inside is proportional to its distance from the centre.

Q.2 Mark the correct statement/s

(A) Gravitational potential at curvature centre of a thin hemispherical shell of radius R and mass M is
GM
equal to .
R
(B) Gravitational field strength at a point lying on the axis of a thin, uniform circular ring of radius R and
GMx
mass M is equal to where x is distance of that point from centre of the ring.
(R  x 2 )3 / 2
2

(C) Newton’s law of gravitation for gravitational force between two bodies is applicable only when
bodies have spherically symmetric distribution of mass.
(D) None of these.

Q.3 Three particles are projected vertically upward from a point on the surface of the earth with velocities
(2gR/3) , (gR) , (4gR/3) respectively where R is the radius of the earth and g is the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the earth. The maximum heights attained are respectively h1, h2, h3.
(A) h1 : h2 = 2 : 3 (B) h2 : h3 = 3 : 4 (C) h1 : h3 = 1 : 4 (D) h2 = R

Q.4 A geostationary satellite is at a height h above the surface of earth. If earth radius is R
(A) The minimum colatitude q on earth upto which the satellite can be used for communication is
sin–1 R R  h  .
(B) The maximum colatitudes q on earth upto which the satellite can be used for communication is
sin–1 R R  h .
(C) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is given as 2pR2 (1 + sinq)
(D) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is given as 2pR2 (1 + cosq)

Q.5 Gravitational potential at the centre of curvature of a hemispherical bowl of radius R and mass M is V.
(A) gravitational potential at the centre of curvature of a thin uniform wire of mass M, bent into a
semicircle of radius R, is also equal to V.
(B) In part (A) if the same wire is bent into a quarter of a circle then also the gravitational potential at the
centre of curvature will be V.
(C) In part (A) if the same wire mass is nonuniformly distributed along its length and it is bent into a
semicircle of radius R, gravitational potential at the centre is V.
(D) none of these

Q.6 In a solid sphere two small symmetrical cavities are created whose centres lie on a diameter AB of
sphere on opposite sides of the centre.
(A) The gravitational field at the centre of the sphere is zero.
(B) The gravitational potential at the centre remains unaffected if cavitiesare not present
(C) A circle at which all points have same potential is in the plane of diameter AB.
(D) A circle at which all points have same potential is in the plane perpendicular to the diameter AB.
SUBODH KUMAR
Q.7 The spherical planets have the same mass but densities in the ratio 1 : 8. For these planets, the
(A) acceleration due to gravity will be in the ratio 4 : 1
(B) acceleration due to gravity will be in the ratio 1 : 4
(C) escape velocities from their surfaces will be in the ratio 2 : 1
(D) escape velocities from their surfaces will be in the ratio 1 : 2

Q.8 When a satellite in a circular orbit around the earth enters the atmospheric region, it encounters small air
resistance to its motion. Then
(A) its kinetic energy increases
(B) its kinetic energy decreases
(C) its angular momentum about the earth decreases
(D) its period of revolution around the earth increases

Q.9 A communications Earth satellite

(A) goes round the earth from east to west
(B) can be in the equatorial plane only
(C) can be vertically above any place on the earth
(D) goes round the earth from west to east

Q.10 An earth satellite is moved from one stable circular orbit to another larger and stable circular orbit. The
following quantities increase for the satellite as a result of this change
(A) gravitational potential energy (B) angular vleocity
(C) linear orbital velocity (D) centripetal acceleration

Q.11 Two satellites of same mass of a planet in circular orbits have periods of revolution 32 days and 256
days. If the radius of the orbit of the first is x, then the
(A) radius of the orbit of the second is 8x
(B) radius of the orbit of the second is 4x
(C) total mechanical energy of the second is greater than that of the first
(D) kinetic energy of the second is greater than that of the first.

Q.12 Two satellites s1 & s2 of equal masses revolve in the same sense around a heavy planet in coplanar
circular orbit of radii R & 4R
(A) the ratio of period of revolution s1 & s2 is 1 : 8.
(B) their velocities are in the ratio 2 : 1
(C) their angular momentum about the planet are in the ratio 2 : 1
(D) the ratio of angular velocities of s2 w.r.t. s1 when all three are in the same line is 9 : 5.

Q.13 A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small
compared to the mass of the earth
(A) the acceleration of S is always directed towards the centre of the earth
(B) the angular momentum of S about the centre of the earth changes in direction, but its
magnitude remains constant
(C) the total mechanical energy of S varies periodically with time
(D) the linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude

SUBODH KUMAR
Q.14 If a satellite orbits as close to the earth's surface as possible,
(A) its speed is maximum
(B) time period of its rotation is minimum
(C) the total energy of the 'earth plus satellite' system is minimum
(D) the total energy of the 'earth plus satellite'system is maximum

Q.15 For a satellite to orbit around the earth, which of the following must be true?
(A) It must be above the equator at some time
(B) It cannot pass over the poles at any time
(C) Its height above the surface cannot exceed 36,000 km
(D) Its period of rotation must be > 2 R / g where R is radius of earth

SUBODH KUMAR
 Answer Key
ONLY ONE OPTION IS CORRECT
Q.1 A Q.2 B Q.3 A Q.4 C Q.5 A Q.6 B Q.7 B
Q.8 A Q.9 B Q.10 D Q.11 D Q.12 B Q.13 A Q.14 A
Q.15 A Q.16 B Q.17 D Q.18 B Q.19 B Q.20 D Q.21 D
Q.22 B Q.23 B Q.24 A Q.25 C Q.26 D Q.27 A Q.28 A
Q.29 A Q.30 B Q.31 D Q.32 B Q.33 B Q.34 C Q.35 C
Q.36 C Q.37 B Q.38 C Q.39 C Q.40 B Q.41 B Q.42 D
Q.43 D Q.44 D Q.45 D Q.46 D Q.47 D Q.48 B Q.49 C
Q.50 D Q.51 A Q.52 D Q.53 B Q.54 A Q.55 C Q.56 C
Q.57 C Q.58 B Q.59 B Q.60 A Q.61 C Q.62 B Q.63 B
Q.64 C Q.65 A Q.66 D Q.67 A Q.68 C Q.69 D Q.70 D
Q.71 B Q.72 C Q.73 B Q.74 B Q.75 B Q.76 A Q.77 C
Q.78 A Q.79 B

ONE OR MORE THAN ONE OPTION MAY BE CORRECT

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

SUBODH KUMAR