CHAPTER AT A GLANCE

128 Science Class - IX

Gravitational Force of Earth
If we release a small stone without pushing it from a height, it
accelerates towards earth. The stone is when accelerated towards earth,
means some force is acting on it.
The force which pulls the objects towards the centre of the earth is
known as gravitational force of the earth.
Here, stone also attracts earth. It means every object in universe attracts
every other object.

Newton’s Universal Law of Gravitation

Sir Isaac Newton in 1687 proposed a law about the force of attraction between
the two objects in the universe which is known as Newton’s law of gravitation.

According to this law :

Every mass in this universe attracts every other mass with a force which is
directly proportional to the product of two masses and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them.
Let masses (m1) and (m2) of two objects are distance (d) apart, then force of
attraction (F) between them
F ∝ m1 × m2
1
F ∝
d2
m1 × m2
F ∝
d2
Gm1 × m2
F =
d2
where G is a constant and is known as Gravitational constant.
Value of G = 6.67 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2
G is called universal gravitational constant.
If unit of F is in Newton, m is in kg, d is in metre, then unit of G can be calculated
as :
F ×d2 Nm 2
G = so unit be or Nm2/kg2
m1 × m2 kg 2

Gravitation 129
Relation between Newton’s third law of motion and Newton’s law of
gravitation
According to Newton’s third law of motion, “Every object exerts equal and
opposite force on other object but in opposite direction.”
According to Newton’s law of gravitation, “Every mass in the universe attracts
the every other mass.”
In case of freely falling stone and earth, stone is attracted towards earth means
earth attracts the stone but according to Newton’s third law of motion, the
stone should also attract the earth and really it is true that stone also attracts the
earth with the same force F = m × a but due to very less mass of the stone, the
acceleration (a) in its velocity is 9.8 m/s2 and acceleration (a) of earth towards
stone is 1.65 × 10-24 m/s2 which is negligible and we cannot feel it.
Importance of universal law of gravitation
(i) The force that binds us to the earth.
(ii) The motion of moon around the earth.
(iii) The motion of earth around the sun.
(iv) The tides due to moon and the sun.
Free fall of an object and acceleration during free fall
When an object is thrown upward, it reaches certain height, then it starts falling
down towards earth. It is because the earth’s gravitational force exerts on it.
This fall under the influence of earth is called ‘free fall of an object’.
During this free fall direction do not change but velocity continuously changes
which is called acceleration due to gravity.
It is denoted by ‘g’.
Its unit is same as acceleration m/s2.
Gravitational Acceleration and its value at the surface of earth
The uniform acceleration produced in a freely falling object due to the
gravitational force of earth, is called acceleration due to gravity. It is represented
by ‘g’ and it always acts towards the centre of the earth.
Value of ‘g’ on the surface of earth
The force acting on an object is
GM e m
F = ...(i)
R2
Where Me = Mass of earth

130 Science Class - IX

 m = Mass of an object
R = Radius of earth
and if acceleration due to gravity is ‘g’ due to force F then,
F = m × g ...(ii)
GM e m
Equating (i) and (ii), we get m×g=
R2
GM e
Or g =
R2
If G = 6.673 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2, Me = 6 × 1024 kg, R2 = (6.37 × 106)2
6.6734 × 10−11 × 6 × 1024
Then, g =
(6.37 × 106 ) 2
g = 9.8 m/s2
Relationship and difference between ‘G’ and ‘g’
G = Gravitational constant
g = Acceleration due to gravity
GM
g =
R2

Difference between G (Gravitational constant) and

g (Acceleration due to gravity)
Gravitation Constant (G) Gravitational acceleration (g)
1. Its value is 6.6734 × 10-11 Nm2/kg2. 1. Its value is 9.8 m/s2.

2. Its value remains constant always and 2. Its value varies at various places.
everywhere.
3. Its unit is Nm2/kg2. 3. Its unit is m/s2.
4. It is a scalar quantity. 4. It is a vector quantity.

Example. If two stones of 150 gm and 500 gm are dropped from a height, which
stone will reach the surface of earth first and why ? Explain your answer.
Ans. It was Galileo, who first time demonstrated and depicted that the acceleration
of an object falling freely towards earth does not depend on the mass of the
object.
It can be verified by universal law of gravitation. Let an object of mass m, is
allowed to fall from a distance of R, from the centre of the earth.

Gravitation 131
 GM e m
Then, the gravitational force, F= (Me = Mass of the earth)
R2
The force acting on the stone is F=m×a
GM e m
So, m×a=
R2
GM e
Or a =
R2
So, acceleration in an object falling freely towards earth depends on the mass of
earth and height of the object from the centre of the earth. So stones of mass 150
gm and 500 gm will reach the earth surface together.
Equation of motion when an object is falling freely towards earth or thrown
vertically upwards :
Case 1. When an object is falling towards earth with initial velocity (u), then
Velocity (v) after t seconds, v = u + gt
Height covered in t seconds, h = ut + ½gt2
Relation between v and u when t is not mentioned :
v2 = u2 + 2gh
Case 2. When object is falling from rest position means initial velocity u = 0
(zero), then
Velocity (v) after t seconds, v = gt
Height covered in t seconds, h = ½gt2
Relation between v and u when t is not mentioned :
v2 = 2gh
Case 3. When an object is thrown vertically upwards with initial velocity u, the
gravitational acceleration will be negative (− g), then
Velocity (v) after t seconds, v = u − gt
Height covered in t seconds, h = ut − ½gt2
Relation between v and u when t is not mentioned :
v2 = u2 − 2gh
Mass
The mass of a body is the quantity of matter contained in it. Mass is a scalar
quantity which has only magnitude but no direction.

132 Science Class - IX

SI unit of mass is kilogram which is written in short form as kg.
• Mass of a body is constant and does not change from place to place.
• Mass of a body is usually denoted by the small ‘m’.
• Mass of a body cannot be zero.
Weight
The force with which an object is attracted towards the centre of the earth, is
called the weight of the object.
Force = m × a
In case of earth, a=g
So, F = m× g
But the force of attraction of earth on an object is called its weight (W). So,
W = m × g
So, weight is the force and its SI unit is Newton (N). It depends on ‘g’ and is a
vector quantity.
Relation between 1 kg wt and express it into Newton :
We know that W=m×g
If mass (m) = 1 kg, g = 9.8 m/s2, then
W = 1 kg × 9.8 m/s2
Or 1 kg wt = 9.8N
So, the gravitational force of earth that acts on an object of mass 1 kg is called
as 1 kg wt.
Distinguish between Mass and Weight
Mass Weight
1. We can measure mass of an object 1. Weight = mass × acceleration or
by its inertia. m× g.

2. The total quantity of matter 2. The gravitational force by which

contained in an object is called mass earth attracts an object is called weight
of an object. of the object.
3. Mass of the object remains constant 3. Weight of the object is different at
at all the places. different places.

4. Measurement of mass is done by 4. Measurement of weight is done by

using a pan or beam balance. using a spring balance.

Gravitation 133
 5. Mass does not change even value of 5. Weight of the object becomes zero
g is zero at any place. if g is zero.

Factors affecting value of g

Earth is not a perfect sphere. The radius of earth increases when we go from pole
to equator. Therefore, in most of the calculation, we can take g as constant at the
surface of earth or closer to it. But, as we move away from earth, we can use
GM
equation g = for solving problems.
d2
Example. Calculate the value of ‘g’ at a height of 12800 km from the centre of
the earth (radius of earth is 6400 km). Draw its interpretation.
GM e
Solution : We know that g1 = , Re = 6400 km
(2 Re )
2

Weight of the object from the centre of earth = 12800 km = 2Re

GM e
∴ g2 =
(2 Re )
2

g1 G ⋅ M e ( 2R e )
2

Or = ×
g 2 ( R e )2 G ⋅ M e
g1 4
= Or 4g2 = g1
g2 1
So, the value of gravitational acceleration ‘g’ at a distance of 12800 km from the
centre of the earth is ¼.
The value of gravitational acceleration ‘g’ decreases with increasing height.
The weight of an object on moon is one-sixth of the weight on earth.
Let mass of an object be m, its weight on earth means the force by which earth
attracts it towards the centre.
GM e m
Now, Fe = ...(i)
R e2
where G = Gravitational constant, Me = Mass of the earth, m = Mass of object,
Re = Radius of the earth
Weight of an object on moon,
GM m m
Fm = ...(ii)
R m2

134 Science Class - IX

where Mm = Mass of the moon, Rm = Radius of the moon
Dividing equation (i) by equation (ii), we get

Fe GM e ⋅ m R m2
= ×
R e2 GM m ⋅ m
Fm
2
R  Fe Me
= × m 
F Mm  R e 
m
We know that mass of earth is 100 times the mass of the moon.
So, Me = 100Mm
And radius of earth is 4 times the radius of moon.
So, Re = 4Rm
2
Fe 100M m  R 
= × m 
Fm Mm  4R m 
Then,
Fe 100 1
= ×
Fm 1 16

Fe
= 6 times (approx.)
Fm

Hence, Fe = 6Fm
Thrust and Pressure
Thrust : The force acting on an object perpendicular to the surface is called
thrust.
Pressure : The effect of thrust per unit area is called pressure.
Force (F)
Pressure (P) =
Area (A)
SI unit is N/m2 or Nm-2.
SI unit of pressure is Pascal denoted by ‘Pa’.
Factors on which pressure depends
Pressure depends on two factors :

Gravitation 135
 (i) Force applied
(ii) Area of surface over which force acts
Examples :
• The base of high buildings is made wider so that weight of walls act
over a large surface area and pressure is less.
• School bags are having broad strap so that the weight of school bags
fall over a larger area of the shoulder and produce less pressure and
becomes less painful.
• The blades of knives are made sharp so very small surface area and on
applying force, it produces large pressure and cuts the object easily.
• All liquids and gases are fluids and they exert pressure in all directions.
Buoyancy
The upward force experienced by an object when it is immersed into a fluid
is called force of buoyancy. It acts in upward direction and it depends on the
density of the fluid.
• Force of gravitational attraction of the earth on the surface of the object
< buoyant force exerted by fluid on the surface of the object.
Result : The object floats.
• Force of gravitational attraction of the earth on the surface of the object
> buoyant force exerted by fluid on the surface of the object.
Result : The object sinks.
That is why, allpin sinks and boat/ship floats on the surface of water. (Archimedes’
principle)
Density
The mass per unit volume is called density of an object. If M is the mass and V
is the volume, then density (d) is
Mass ( M )
Density (d) =
Volume ( V )
SI unit = kg/m3
Archimedes’ Principle
It states, when a body is immersed fully or partially in a fluid, it experiences a
upward force that is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by it.
Applications of Archimedes’ Principle :
(i) It is used in determining relative density of substances.

136 Science Class - IX

 (ii) It is used in designing ships and submarines.
(iii) Hydrometers and lactometers are made on this principle.
It is because of this ship made of iron and steel floats in water whereas a small
piece of iron sinks in it.
Relative density
The ratio of the density of a substance to that of the density of water is called
relative density.
Density of a substance
Relative density =
Density of water
It has no unit.
Solved Numericals
Example 1. Relative density of gold is 19.3. The density of water is 103 kg/m3.
What is the density of gold in kg/m3 ?
Solution : Given, Relative density of gold = 19.3
Density of water = 103 kg/m3
So, Density of gold = Relative density of gold
× Density of water
= 19.3 × 103
Hence, density of gold = 19.3 × 103 kg/m3. Ans.
Example 2. Mass of 0.025 m3 of aluminium is 67 kg. Calculate the density of
aluminium.
Solution : Given, Mass of aluminium = 67 kg
Volume of aluminium = 0.025 m3
M 67
So, Density = =
V 0.025

= 2680 kg/m3 Ans.

Example 3. The mass of brick is 2.5 kg and its dimensions are 20 cm × 10 cm ×
5 cm. Find the pressure exerted on the ground when it is placed on the ground
with different faces.
Solution : Given, Mass of the brick = 2.5 kg
Dimensions of the brick = 20 cm × 10 cm × 5 cm
So, Weight of the brick (Thrust/Force)
= F = mg = 2.5 × 9.8 = 24.5 N

Gravitation 137
(i) When the surface area 10 cm × 5 cm is in contact with the ground, then
Area = 10 × 5 = 50 cm2
50
= = 0.005 m2
10000
F 24.5
So, P = =
A 0.0050
= 4900 N/m2 Ans.
(ii) When the surface area 20 cm × 5 cm is in contact with the ground, then
Area = 20 × 5 = 100 cm2
100
= = 0.01 m2
10000
F 24.5
So, P = =
A 0.01
= 2450 N/m2 Ans.
(iii) When the surface area 20 cm × 10 cm is in contact with the ground, then
Area = 20 × 10 = 200 cm2
200
= = 0.02 m2
10000
F 24.5
So, P = =
A 0.02
= 1225 N/m2 Ans.
Example 4. A force of 20N acts upon a body whose weight is 9.8N. What is the
mass of the body and how much is its acceleration ?
Solution : Given, Force = 20N, Weight W = 9.8N
We know, W = mg
So, 9.8 = m × 9.8
Or m = 1 kg Ans.
And, F = ma
So, 20 =1×a
Or a = 20 m/s2 Ans.
Example 5. A man weighs 1200N on the earth. What is his mass (take g = 10 m/
s2) ? If he was taken to the moon, his weight would be 200N. What is his mass on

138 Science Class - IX

moon ? What is his acceleration due to gravity on moon ?
Solution : Given, Weight of man on earth W1 = 1200 N
Weight of man on moon W2 = 200 N
Gravitational acceleration of earth = 10 m/s2
Now, W = mg
Or m = W/g
= 120 kg
So, mass on moon will be 120 kg as it is constant everywhere so mass of man on
moon = 120 kg. Ans.
Now, W2= mg2
Or 200 = 120 × g
200 10 5
Or g = = =
120 6 3
= 1.66 m/s2 Ans.
Example 6. An object is thrown vertically upwards and reaches a height of 78.4
m. Calculate the velocity at which the object was thrown ? (g = 9.8 m/s2)
Solution : Given, h = 78.4 m, v = 0, g = 9.8 m/s2, u = ?
v2 = u2 – 2gh
Or 0 = u2 – 2 × 9.8 × 78.4
2 × 98 × 784
Or u2 =
10 × 10
2 × 2 × 49 × 784
Or u =
10 × 10
2×7
u = 784
10
Or u = 39.2 m/s2 Ans.
Example 7. What is the mass of an object whose weight is 49 Newton ?
Solution : Given, Weight of object W = 49N
g = 9.8 m/s2
Now, W = mg
W 49
Or m = =
g 9.8
= 5 kg Ans.

Gravitation 139
 QUESTIONS
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark)
1. State the universal law of gravitation.
2. Write the formula to find the magnitude of the gravitational force between
the earth and an object on the surface of the earth.
3. Is value of G constant at all the places ?
4. What is the weight of an object of mass 1 kg ? Ans : 9.8N
5. A body has weight of 10 kg on the surface of earth. What will be its
weight when taken to the centre of the earth ? Ans : 0
6. What is the value of gravitational acceleration acting on a free falling
object ?
7. What is the value of universal constant G and its unit ?
8. Why do pin sinks in water ?
9. Name a factor on which g depends.
10. Name the balance used to measure weight of an object.
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 Marks)
1. Mass of an object is 1600 gm on the earth. What is its mass on the moon
? Why ? Ans : 1600 gm
2. Two objects placed in a room, are not pulling each other. Why ?
3. Name the force responsible for the motion of moon around the earth.
How can some objects move around the earth ?
4. State Archimedes’ Principle and explain it with example.
5. State two factors on which buoyant force depends.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (5 Marks)
1. Density of aluminium is 2700 kg m-3. What is its relative density ?
Denisty of water is 1000 kg m-3. Define relative density. Ans : 2.7
2. A ball is released from a height of 1 metre. What time it will take to reach
the surface of the earth ? Ans : 0.45 s
3. A ball thrown up, vertically returns to the thrower after 6 s. Find :
(a) the velocity with which it was thrown up. Ans : 29.4 m/s
(b) the maximum height it reaches and Ans : 4.9 m
(c) its position after 4 s. Ans : 39.2 m

140 Science Class - IX