GRAVITATION

EXERCISE – 1: Basic Objective Questions

Newtons Law of Gravitation G  81m  Gm
2

r  x x2
1. The SI unit of gravitational constant G is
81 1
(a) Nm kg2 (b) Nm2 kg2  2

r  x x2
(c) Nm2 kg1 (d) Nm kg1
9 1
Ans. (b)  
rx x
Gm1m 2 Fr 2  9x  r  x
Solution: F  2
G
r m1m 2
 10x  r
2 2
 unit of G  Nm kg
r
x
10
2. The value of gravitational constant G depends upon
(a) The masses of the bodies 4. A mass M is divided into two parts xM and (1  x)M.
(b) the sizes of the bodies For a given separation, the value of x for which the
(c) the separation of the bodies gravitational attraction between the two pieces
(d) none of the above quantities becomes maximum is

Ans. (d) 1 3
(a) (b)
Solution: G is universal constant, doesn’t depend on 2 5
masses of bodies, sizes of bodies or separation (c) 1 (d) 2
between bodies. Ans. (a)
Solution: Let both parts xM and (1  x)M are at
3. A rocket is fired from the earth to the moon. The separation ‘r’.
distance between the earth and the moon is r and the
G  xM 1  x  M
mass of the earth is 81 times the mass of the moon. F
The gravitational force on the rocket will be zero,
r2
when its distance from the moon is For F to be maximum
r r dF
(a) (b) 0
20 15 dx

r r M
dG  xM 1  x 
(c) (d) r2  0
10 5 
dx
Ans. (c)
GM2 d
Solution:   x 1  x    0
r 2 dx 



d x  x2 0
dx
 1  2x  0
Net force on rocket will be zero, where gravitational 1
fields due to earth and moon are equal and opposite. x
2
GRAVITATION 21

5. The acceleration due to gravity on planet A is 9 times From figure

the acceleration due to gravity on planet B. A man
mv2
jumps to a height of 2 m on the surface of A. What is mg  N 
r
the height of jump by the same persons on the planet
B? For weightlessness

2 N=0
(a) 6 m (b) m
3 mv2
mg 
2 r
(c) m (d) 18 m
9 v  rg  20  10  10 2  14.14 ms1
Ans. (d)
Solution: Velocity is constant on both the planets 8. Assertion: A spaceship while entering the earth’s
g1h1  g 2 h 2 atmosphere is likely to catch fire.
Reason: The temperature of upper atmosphere is very
 9g  2   gh 2  h 2  18 m
high.
(a) A (b) B
6. Two sphere of masses m and M are situated in air and (c) C (d) D
the gravitational force between them is F. The space
Ans. (c)
around the masses is now filled with a liquid of
specific gravity 3. The gravitational force will now Solution: Because of high velocity and resistive force
be: of atmosphere.

F F
(a) (b) 9. Weight of an object is:
3 9
(a) Normal reaction between ground and the object
(c) 3 F (d) F
(b) Gravitational force exerted on the object
Ans. (d)
(c) Depends on frame of reference.
Solution: Gravitational force between two bodies is
independent of the medium between them, hence the (d) Net force on the object
GMm Ans. (b)
force always remains same i.e. F 
r2 Solution: Weight of an object is the gravitational
force exerted on the object.

7. A roller coaster is designed such that riders For object close to surface of earth, it is
experience “weightlessness” as they go round the top approximately equal to gravitational force on the
of a hill whose radius of curvature is 20 m. The speed object by the earth.
of the car at the top of the hill is between
(a) 14 m/s and 15 m/s (b) 15 m/s and 16 m/s 10. If the distance between two masses is doubled, the
(c) 16 m/s and 17 m/s (d) 13 m/s and 14 m/s gravitational attraction between them

Ans. (a) (a) Is doubled (b) Becomes four times

Solution: (c) Is reduced to half (d) Is reduced to a quarter

Ans. (d)
1
Solution: F  If r becomes double then F reduces
r2
F
to .
4
 GRAVITATION

11. Two particles of equal mass go round a circle R under 13. If both the mass and the radius of the earth decrease
the action of their mutual gravitational attraction. The by 1%, the value of the acceleration due to gravity
speed of each particle is:- will
1 1 Gm (a) decrease by 1% (b) increase by 1%
(a) v  (b) v 
2R GM 2R (c) increase by 2% (d) remain unchanged
Ans. (b)
1 Gm 4Gm
(c) v  (d) v 
2 R R 1 99
Solution: New mass  M    M  M M
100 100
Ans. (c)
Solution: Centripetal force provided by the 1 99
New Radius  R    R  R R
gravitational force of attraction between two particles. 100 100

mv 2 Gm  m 1 Gm GM G  0.99M  GM
i.e.  v g  2
 2
 1.01 2
R 2
2 R R  0.99R  R
 
2R
 1  GM
g  1   2
 100  R
1
g  g  g
100
g   g  1% of g
Thus g, would increase by 1%

Acceleration due to Gravity 14. The acceleration due to gravity on earth of radius Re
is ge and that on moon of radius Rm is gm. The ratio of
12. The acceleration due to gravity g on earth is 9.8 ms2. the masses of the earth and the moon is given by
What would the value of g for a planet whose size is ge R e ge R e
the same as that of earth but the density in twice that (a) . (b) .
gm R m gm R m
of earth?
(a) 19.6 ms2 (b) 9.8 ms2 g e R 2e g e2 R e
(c) . (d) .
g m R 2m g 2m R m
(c) 4.9 ms2 (d) 2.45 ms2
Ans. (a) Ans. (c)
GM
4  Solution: g 
G  R 3   R2
GM 3
Solution: g  2   2 
R R gR 2
M  M  gR 2
4  G
 g   GR  
3  Me g R2
  e e2
As G, R = constant Mm gmR m
g

g 2 2   15. Two planets of radii R1 and R2 are made from the

   g 2   2  g1  2g1  2  9.8 ms 2 same material. The ratio of the accelerations due to
g1 1  1  gravity g1/g2 at the surfaces of the planets is
 19.6 ms 2 R1 R2
(a) (b)
R2 R1
GRAVITATION 23

2 2
R  R 
(c)  1  (d)  2 
 R2   R1 
Ans. (a)
4 
Solution: g   G  R
3 
As G, p = constant here Fm  Fe
gR GMm GMm

g1 R1 81r 2  60R  r 
2

 
g2 R 2 2
81r 2   60R  r 

9r  60R  r
16. When the radius of earth is reduced by 1% without
changing the mass, then change in the acceleration 10r  60R
due to gravity will be: r  6R
(a) increased by 2% (b) decreased by 1.5%
(c) increased by 1% (d) decreased by 1% 18. The value of acceleration due to gravity at distance r
Ans. (a) from earth’s centre such that r < R depend on r
according to relation (R = radius of earth):
Solution: Acceleration due to gravity
1 1
GM (a) g  (b) g 
g r2 r
R2
ln g  ln  GM   2 ln R (c) g  r (d) g  r 2
Ans. (c)
dg dR
 2 Solution: Formula of force,
g R
GMmr
dg F
 2   1  2% R3
g
Now we know that,
g increase by 2%
F  mg

F
17. If the mass of moon is M/81, where M is the mass of g
earth, find the distance of the point where gravitation m
field due to earth and moon cancel each other, from GMmr
3
the moon. Given that distance between earth and g R
moon is 60R where R is the radius of earth: m
(a) 4 R (b) 8 R GMr
g
(c) 2 R (d) 6 R R3
Ans. (d) gr
Solution: Considering mass m at point O where, the
gravitational force due to moon and earth cancel out 19. The radius of earth is about 6400 km and that of mars
each other, is about 3200 km. The mass of earth is about 10 times
the mass of mars. An object weighs 200 N on earth’s
surface. Then its weight on the surface of the mars is:
(a) 80 N (b) 40 N
 GRAVITATION

(c) 8 N (d) 20 N Multiplying with m,

Ans. (a) GMm
mg 
Solution: We know that, R2
GMe 1
ge  w
R e2 R2
GM m From above equation we can conclude that if R
gm 
R 2m decrease then weight will increase hence option (a) is
correct.
Taking ratio of both the equation,
GM e
21. If the earth loses its gravity, then for a body:
ge R e2
 (a) weight becomes zero but not the mass
g m GM m
R 2m (b) mass becomes zero but not the weight
(c) both mass and weight becomes zero
ge M R2
 e  m2 (d) neither mass nor weight becomes zero
g m Mm R e
Ans. (a)
2
g e 10M m  3200  Solution: Mass is not affected by the acceleration of
  
gm M m  6400  gravity hence it is the same on everywhere but weight
g e 10 is depend the acceleration of gravity so answer (a)
 weight becomes zero but not the mass.
gm 4
g m  0.4 g e
22. If M is the mass of the earth and R its radius, the ratio
Now given that, of the gravitational acceleration and the gravitational
w e  mg e constant is:

200  mg e R2 M
(a) (b)
M R2
Weight on mars,
w  mg m M
(c) MR 2 (d)
R
w  0.4  mg e
Ans. (b)
w  0.4  200
GM
w  80 N GM g R2 M
Solution: g  2    2
R G G R
20. If the radius of earth is reduced by 2% keeping its
mass constant. Then the weight of the body on its 23. Assuming earth to be a sphere of uniform density.
surface will: What is the value of acceleration due to gravity at a
(a) increase (b) decrease point 100 km below the earth’s surface? (given R =
(c) remain same (d) either (b) or (c) 6380 × 103m)
Ans. (a) (a) 3.6 m/s2 (b) 6.6 m/s2
Solution: Given that, (c) 7.66 m/s2 (d) 9.65 m/s2

R Ans. (d)
 0.02
R Solution: Acceleration due to depth,

GM  d
Acceleration due to gravity, g  g d  g 1  
R2  R
GRAVITATION 25

 100  10 3  1 R2
gd  g 1    Rh  2 R
3  2  R  h 2
 6380  10 
g d  9.8  0.984  
h  0.41R  0.41 6.4106  2.65106
g d  9.65 ms 2  2650 km

24. The earth of mass 6 × 1024 kg revolves around the sun 27. Assertion: A tennis ball bounces higher on hills than
with an angular velocity of 2 × 107 rad/s in a circular in plains.
orbit of radius 1.5 × 108 km. The force exerted by the Reason: Acceleration due to gravity on the hill is
sun on earth is: greater than that on the surface of earth.
(a) 6 × 1019 N (b) 18 × 1025 N (a) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason
(c) 36 × 1021 N (d) 27 × 1039 N is the correct explanation of assertion.
Ans. (c) (b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is
Solution: not the correct explanation of assertion.
2 (c) If assertion is true but reason is false.

F  Me 2 R  6 1024 2 107   1.5 10 10 
8 3

(d) If both assertion and reason are false.

39
F  27  10 N Ans. (c)
Gm
Solution: g  So, gravitational acceleration
25. Two particle of equal mass go round a circle of radius 2
R  h
R under the action of their mutual gravitational
attraction. The speed v of each particle is: is inversely proportional to R  h . Hence
acceleration due to gravity is lesser on hills compared
(a)  GM  (b) 1  1 
    to plains. Also, since gravity is low on hills, height of
 2R  2R  GM 
bounce is also higher on hills.
(c) 1  G M  (d)  4GM 
 
2  R   R 
28. In a gravitational force field a particle is taken from A
Ans. (c) to B along different paths as shown in figure. Then
Solution: Centripetal force is provided by
gravitational force of attraction between two
particles:

mv2 GMm 1 GM
 2
v
R  2R  2 R

26. At what height above the surface of earth the value of (a) Work done along path I will be maximum
acceleration due to gravity would be half of its value (b) Work done along path II will be maximum
on the surface of earth? (Radius of the earth is 6400
(c) Work done along path IV will be maximum
km)
(d) Work done along all the paths will be the same
(a) 2561 km (b) 2650 km
Ans. (d)
(c) 3200 km (d) 9800 km
Solution: Since displacements through all the paths is
Ans. (b)
same. Hence work done is also same as gravitational
Solution: g  Gm
2
,g 
Gm force is conservative.
2 R  h  R2

Dividing the two:

 GRAVITATION

Variation of Acceleration due to Gravity (With on the surface of the earth. Its weight on the surface
height and depth) of mars would be
(a) 6 N (b) 20 N
(c) 40 N (d) 80 N
29. Assuming that the earth is a sphere of radius R, at
what altitude will the value of the acceleration due to Ans. (d)
gravity be half its value at the surface of the earth? GMm
Solution: Weight  W  
R R R2
(a) h  (b) h 
2 2 M
w
R2
(c) h   2 1 R (d) h   
2 1 R
2
w M MM  R E 
Ans. (d)    
wE ME  R M 
1
Solution:  g  wM 1  6400 
2
r2    
2
w E 10  3200 
g1  r2 
    w M  w E  0.4
g 2  r1 
2 2   200  0.4  N
Rh  h
 2   1    80 N
 R   R
h
 2  1
R 32. The acceleration due to gravity g and mean density of
earth  are related by which of the following
h  2 1 R relations? [G = gravitational constant and R = radius
of earth]

30. The height of the point vertically above the earth’s 4 gR 2 4 gR 3
(a)   (b)  
surface at which the acceleration due to gravity 3G 3G
becomes 1% of its value at the surface is (R is the 3g 3g
(c)   (d)  
radius of the earth) 4 GR 4 GR 3
(a) 8 R (b) 9 R Ans. (c)
(c) 10 R (d) 20 R 4
Solution: M  V   R 3
Ans. (b) 3
2
g1  r2   4 
Solution:   G   R 3 
g 2  r1  GM  3 
g 2 
2
R R2
Rh
 100    4GR
 R  g
3
Rh h
 10   1 3g
R R 
4 GR
 h  9R

33. What will be the formula of the mass is terms of g, R

31. The radius of the earth is about 6400 km and that of and G? (R = radius of earth)
mars is about 3200 km. The mass of the earth is about
R R2
10 times the mass of mars. An object weights 200 N (a) g 2 (b) G
G g
GRAVITATION 27

R R2 g   3g
(c) G (d) g
g G

Ans. (d) 36. Acceleration due to gravity is g on the surface of the

Solution: Acceleration due to gravity is earth. The value of acceleration due to gravity at a
height of 32 km above the earth surface is
GM
g (radius of the earth = 6400 km)
R2
(a) 1.01 g (b) 0.8 g
gR 2
M (c) 0.99 g (d) 0.9 g
G
Ans. (c)

34. A body has a weight 72 N. When it is taken to a Solution: Formular for acceleration due gravity at
height h = R = radius of earth, it would weigh: height h,

(a) 72 N (b) 36 N  2h 
g  g 1  
 R 
(c) 18 N (d) zero
Ans. (c)  64 
g  g 1  
 6400 
Solution: Acceleration due to gravity at height h = R
 1 
g g   g 1  
gh  2  100 
 h
1    99 
 R g  g  
 100 
g g
gh  2
 g   0.99 g
 R 4
1  
 R
Weight 72 N will decrease by 1/4, new weight 37. Astronauts in a stable orbit around the earth are said
to be in a weightless condition. The reason for this is
72
W  18 N that
4
(a) the capsule and its contents are falling freely at the
same rate
35. Imagine a new planet having the same density as that
(b) there is no gravitational force acting on them
of earth but it is 3 times bigger, than the earth in
radius. If the acceleration due to gravity on the (c) the gravitational force of the earth balances that of
surface of earth is g and that on the surface of the new the sun
planet is g’, then: (d) there is no atmosphere at the height at which they
g are orbiting.
(a) g   3g (b) g  
9 Ans. (a)
(c) g  9g (d) g  27g Solution: As capsule and astronauts are felling at
same rate hence effective g is zero.
Ans. (a)
4
Solution: g  RG 38. At what depth below the surface of earth, the
3 acceleration due to gravity g will be half of its value
g1 R 1 1600 km above the surface of earth: (Radius of earth

g2 R 2 = 6400 km)
(a) 1600 km (b) 2400 km
g R
 (c) 3200 km (d) 4352 km
g  3R
Ans. (d)
 GRAVITATION

Solution: We know that, x  2h

 d
g  g 1  
 R Variation of Acceleration due to Gravity (Due
And to Rotation of Earth)
1 g
g  2
2 h
 1   40. What must be the angular velocity of rotation of the
 R earth so that the effective acceleration due to gravity
Equating both the equation, at the equator is zero? The radius of the earth = 64 ×
104 m.
 d 1 g
g 1   
 R 2 h
2 (a) 3.3 × 103 rad s1 (b) 3.5 × 103 rad s1
1   (c) 3.7 × 103 rad s1 (d) 3.9 × 103 rad s1
 R
d 1 Ans. (d)
1  2
R  1600  Solution: g  2 R  0
2 1  
 6400 
g 9.8
   rad/s
d 1 R 64  10 4
1 
R  25 
2  =3.9  103 rad/s
 16 
d 16
 1 41. If a man at the equator would weight (3/5)th of his
R 50
weight, the angular speed of the earth is
d 34
 2g g
R 50 (a) (b)
5R R
d  0.68  6400
R 2R
d  4352 km (c) (d)
g 5g
Ans. (a)
39. If the change in the value of g at a height h above the
3g
surface of the earth is the same as at a depth x below Solution: g  2 R 
5
its surface, then (h  R):
(a) x = h2 (b) x = 0.4 h 2g
 
5R
(c) x = 2h (d) x = h
Ans. (c)
Solution: Formula for gravity at height h and depth d, 42. The density of newly discovered planet is twice that
of earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the surface
 2h 
g h  g 1   of the planet is equal to that at the surface of earth. If
 R  the radius of earth is R, the radius of the planet would
 x be
g d  g 1  
 R  (a) 2 R (b) 4 R
Equating both the equation, 1 1
(c) R (d) R
 2h   x 4 2
g 1    g 1  
 R   R Ans. (d)
2h x 4
1  1 Solution: g  RG
R R 3
GRAVITATION 29

g1 R11 (c) decreases (d) increases


g 2 R 2 2 Ans. (c)

g R Solution: Variation of g due to rotation of earth


g R 2  2  g r  g  2 R cos 2 

R At equator
R2 
2   0
g r  g  2 R
43. The angular speed of earth in rad/s, so that the object
If  increases than gr decreases.
on equator may appear weightless is: (radius of earth
= 6400 km)
(a) 1.25 × 103 (b) 1.50 × 103 46. The speed of earth’s rotation about its axis is . Its
speed is increased to x times to make the effective
(c) 1.56 (d) 1.25 × 101
acceleration due to gravity equal to zero at the
Ans. (a) equator. then x is:
Solution: Variation of g due to rotation of earth (a) 1 (b) 8.5
2 2
g r  g   R cos  (c) 17 (d) 34
At equator Ans. (c)
  0 Solution: At equator,

g r  g  2 R mg  N  m2 R

For weightlessness mg   mg  m2 R

g  2 R g   g  2 R

g 10 1 When 1  2 then g  0
    10 2
R 6400  103 8
0  g  22 R
3
  1.25  10 rad/s
g
2 
R
44. If we move from equator to pole value of g:
2 g
(a) first increases then decreases 
T2 R
(b) remains same
(c) increases R
T2  2
(d) decreases g

Ans. (c) 6400  103

T2  2
Solution: Variation of g due to rotation of earth 10
g r  g  2 R cos 2  T2  83.8 min
Angle increase from 0 to 90 degree, therefore cos Now,
decreases and gr increases T1  24  60
T1  1440 min
45. If the spinning speed of the earth is increased, then
weight of the body at the equator: Now taking ratio,

(a) does not change (b) doubles 2 2 T1

 
1 T2 2
 GRAVITATION

2 T1 Solution:

1 T2
Gm Gm Gm Gm
2 1440 g  2   ........
 r2 4r 16r 2 64r 2
1 83.8
Gm  1 1 1 
2  17 1  2 
1     ........ 
r  4 16 64 
4Gm

Field due to Discreet Mass 3r 2

47. Three particles, each of mass m, are placed at the Field due to Continuous Mass
vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. The
gravitational field intensity at the centroid of the
49. A mass m is placed in the cavity inside a hollow
triangle is
sphere of mass M as shown in the figure. What is the
Gm2 gravitational force on mass m?
(a) zero (b)
a2
2Gm2 3Gm 2
(c) (d)
a2 a2
Ans. (a)
Solution:
GMm GMm
(a) (b)
R2 r2
GMm
(c) 2
(d) zero
R  r
Ans. (d)
Solution: Gravitational field intensity inside uniform
Magnitude of gravitational field at centroid is same hollow sphere is zero. So, mass will not experience
for all three masses. any force inside it.
Vector sum of three vectors having same magnitude
at an angle 120 with each other is zero.
Gravitational Potential and Kinetic Energy

48. Infinite number of masses, each of mass m, are placed

50. Two objects of masses m and 4m are at rest at infinite
along a straight line at distances of r, 2r, 4r, 8r, etc.
separation. They move towards each other under
from a reference point O. The gravitational field
mutual gravitational attraction. Then, at a separation
intensity at point O will be
r, which of the following is true?
5Gm 4Gm (a) The total energy of the system is zero.
(a) (b)
4r 2 3r 2
(b) The force between them is not zero.
3Gm 2Gm
(c) (d) (c) The centre of mass of the system is at rest.
2r 2 r2
(d) All the above are true.
Ans. (b)
Ans. (d)
Solution: Total mechanical energy of the system = 0
(KE + PE)
So, it should remain zero
GRAVITATION 31

G  m 4m h2
Force at separation ‘r’, F    43
r 2 2
2  h 2  24 m
4Gm
F
r2
As there is no external force on the system, so centre 53. A body of mass m is raised to a height h above the
of mass should remain at rest. surface of the earth of mass M and radius R until its
1
gravitational potential energy increases by mgR.
3
51. A body is released from a height equal to the radius
The value of h is
(R) of the earth. The velocity of the body when it
strikes the surface of the earth will be R R
(a) (b)
3 2
(a) gR (b) 2gR
mR mR
(c) 2 2gR (d) 2 gR (c) (d)
M  m M
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
Solution: Applying conservation of mechanical
Solution:
energy
 KE i   PE i   KE f   PE f  GMm   GMm  1
     mgR
2
 GMm  mv  GMm   Rh   R  3
 0   
 2R  2  R  As GM  gR 2
mv 2 GMm  mgR 2   mgR 2  1
 
2 2R     mgR
 Rh   R  3
GM gR 2
 v   gR R
R R On solving: h 
2

52. A high jumper can jump 2.0 m on earth. With the

54. The change in the gravitational potential energy when
same effort how high will he be able to jump on a
a body of mass m is raised to a height nR above the
planet whose density is one-third and radius one-
surface of the earth is (here R is the radius of the
fourth those of the earth?
earth)
(a) 4 m (b) 8 m
 n   n 
(c) 12 m (d) 24 m (a)   mgR (b)   mgR
 n 1  n 1 
Ans. (d)
mgR
Solution: v2  u 2  2gh  v  0 (c) nmgR (d)
n
u2 1 Ans. (a)
h  h
2g g  mgR 2 
Solution: Change in PE      mgR 
As, g 
4  R  nR 
GR 
3
mgR
  mgR
1 1 n
 h
R 1 

 mgR 1  
h R   1 n 
 2  1 1
h1 R 2 2
 GRAVITATION

 n  U GM
  mgR m
 n 1 ve 2R

55. A body of mass m is placed on earth surface is taken 57. The escape velocity of a projectile on the earth's
to a height of h = 3R, then change in gravitation surface is 11.2 kms1. A body is projected out with
potential energy is thrice this speed. The speed of the body far away
mgR 2 from the earth will be:
(a) (b) mgR
4 3 (a) 22.4 kms1 (b) 31.7 kms1
3 mgR (c) 33.6 kms1 (d) zero
(c) mgR (d)
4 4 Ans. (b)
Ans. (c) Solution: Potential energy on surface of earth,
Solution: Change in PE GMm
U
 mgR 2
 R
    mgR 
 R  3R  Kinetic energy on surface of earth,

mgR 1
  mgR E mve2
4 2
Now when speed is thrice,
3mgR
 v  3v e
4
2GM
v3
56. If the potential energy of a body on a planet is R
numerically U and the escape velocity for the same
Total energy on surface = total energy away from
body be ve for the same planet, then U/ve will be: surface,
U GM U GM 1 GMm 1
(a) m (b) m mv 2   mv2
ve R ve 2R 2 R 2
U 2GM U GM 9  GM GM 1 2
(c) m (d) m   v
ve R ve R R R 2

Ans. (b) 16GM

v 2 
R
Solution: Formula for gravitational potential energy,
GMm 2GM
U v  2 2
R R
Formula for escape velocity, v  2 2  ve
2GM v  2 2 11.2
ve 
R
v  31.68 kms 1
Taking ratio of both the equation,
GMm
U 58. Radius of orbit of satellite of earth is R. Its Kinetic
 R
energy is proportional to:
ve 2GM
R 1 1
(a) (b)
R R
U GMm R
 
ve R 2GM
GRAVITATION 33

1  GMm
(c) R (d) 3
Solution: E i 
2
4R
R
GMm
Ans. (a) Ef 
6R
Solution: For satellite,
E  E f  E i
Centripetal force = gravitational force,
GMm MgR
mv 2 GMm E  
 12R 12
R R2

GM
v 61. A planet is moving in an elliptical orbit around the
R
sun. If T, U, E and L stand for its kinetic energy,
Now kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, total energy and
1 magnitude of angular momentum about the centre of
K.E  mv 2 force, which of the following is correct?
2
2 (a) T is conserved
1  GM 
K.E  m   (b) U is always positive
2  R 
(c) E is always negative
mGM (d) L is conserved but direction of vector L changes
K.E 
2R continuously
1 Ans. (c)
K.E 
R 1
Solution: (a) Kinetic energy T  mv2 , as velocity
2
59. If a body is raised from the surface of the earth upto changes therefore kinetic energy is not conserved
height R, what is the change in potential energy? GMm
(b) Potential energy U  , always remains
3 a
(a) mgR (b) mgR
2 negative

mgR mgR GMm

(c) (d) (c) Total energy E  T  U  always remains
2 4 2a
negative because the system is bounded
Ans. (c)
(d) Angular momentum about sun is always
Solution:
conserved and remains constant and does not change
its direction
gR 2 m  gR 2 m  m g R
U    
 R  R   R  2
62. The earth is assumed to be a sphere of radius R A
platform is arranged at a height R from the surface of
60. A satellite of mass m moving in a circular orbit at a
the earth. The escape velocity of a body from this
height R above the surface of a planet of mass M and
platform is fve, where ve is its escape velocity from
radius R. The amount of work done to shift the
the surface of the earth. The value of f is:
satellite to higher orbit of radius 2 R is
1
mgR (a) 2 (b)
(a) mgR (b) 2
6
1 1
mMgR mMgR (c) (d)
(c) (d) 3 2
M  m 6M  m
Ans. (b)
Ans. (b)
Solution: Total energy of the system is conserved
 GRAVITATION

TE i  TE f Ans. (a)

K i  Ui  K f  U f Solution:

1 GMm 1
mv 2   00 Total energy    kinetic energy    Mv 2
2 RR 2
1 GMm
mv 2 
2 2R
2 GM Escape Velocity and Maximum Height
 fve  
R
 2GM  GM
f2   65. The masses and radii of the earth and moon are M1,
 R  R
R1 and M2, R2 respectively. Their centres are a
1 distance d apart. The minimum speed with which a
f2 
2 particle of mass m should be projected from a point
1 midway between the two centres so as to escape to
f infinity is given by
2
1 1
 G  M1  M 2   2  G  M1  M 2   2
(a) 2   (b) 2  
63. A body attains a height equal to the radius of the  md   d 
earth. The velocity of the body with which it was 1 1
projected is:  G  M1  M 2   2  G  M1  M 2   2
(c) 2   (d) 2  
GM 2GM  md   d 
(a) (b)
R R Ans. (b)
5 GM 3GM Solution:
(c) (d)
4 R R
Ans. (a)
Solution: According to the conservation of energy,
total energy at the surface of earth must equal to the
total energy at the maximum height.
As from key idea, energy at surface of earth = energy
at maximum height or (K + U) at maximum height For escape: total mechanical energy = 0
1 GMm 1 2 GMm    
 mu 2   m  0  1 2  GM1m   GM 2 m 
2 R 2 Rh  mv    0
1 GMm GMm 2  d   d 
or mu  2
  h  R   2   2 
2 R RR
2GM 2GM GM GM On solving
or u 2   or u 2  u 
R 2R R R 1
 G  M1  M 2   2
v  2 
 d 
64. A satellite moves around the earth in a circular orbit
of radius r with speed v. If the mass of the satellite is
M, its total energy is- 66. A rocket is launched vertically from the surface of the
1 1 earth of radius R with an initial speed v. If
(a)  Mv 2 (b) Mv 2 atmospheric resistance is neglected, the maximum
2 2
height attained by the rocket is given by
3
(c) Mv 2 (d) Mv2
2
GRAVITATION 35

R R Ans. (a)
(a) h  (b) h 
 2gR   2gR  2GM
 2  1  2  1 Solution: Vescape 
 v   v  R
 2gR   2gR  As mass and radius both have got doubled, so, Vescape
(c) h  R  2  1 (d) h  R  2  1
 v   v  won’t change.
Ans. (a)
Solution: Applying conservation of mechanical 70. A body is projected up with a velocity equal to 3/4 of
energy the escape velocity from the surface of the earth. The
height it reaches is: (Radius of the earth = R)
 mgR 2  mv2
   mgR 10R 9R
 Rh  2 (a) (b)
9 7
On solving:
9R 10R
(c) (d)
Rv2 R 8 3
h 2

2gR  v 2gR
1 Ans. (b)
v2
 3  20M
Solution: Velocity of body  v    
4 R
67. The escape velocity of a body projected vertically
upwards from the surface of the earth is v. If the body Applying conservation of mechanical energy:
is projected in a direction making an angle  with the 1 GMm GMm
mv 2  
vertical, the escape velocity would be 2 R R  h
(a) v (b) v cos  2
m  3 2GM  GMm GMm
(c) v sin  (d) v tan      
Ans. (a)
2 4 R  R R  h
Solution: Escape velocity does not On solving:
depend on angle of projection. 9R
h
7
68. For earth the escape velocity is 11.2 kms1. For a
planet whose mass and radius are twice those of the 71. For a satellite escape velocity is 11 km/s. If the
earth, the escape velocity will be satellite is launched at an angle of 60° with the
(a) 44.8 kms1 (b) 22.4 kms1 vertical, then escape velocity will be
(c) 11.2 kms1 (d) 2.8 kms1 (a) 11 km/s (b) 11 3 m / s
Ans. (c) 11
(c) m/s (d) 33 km/s
2GM 3
Solution: Vescape 
R Ans. (a)
As mass and radius both have got doubled, so, Vescape Solution: Escape velocity is given by
won’t change. 2GM
ve   11 kms 1 and is independent of angle
R
69. The escape velocity from the earth is ve. What is the of projection. Escape velocity remains same.
escape velocity from a planet whose mass and radius
are twice those of the earth? 72. The escape velocity from the surface of the earth is
(a) v e (b) 2ve ve. The escape velocity from the surface of a planet
(c) 4ve (d) 16v e
 GRAVITATION

whose mass and radius are three times those of the 2GM GMe
earth, will be (c) (d)
Re Re2
(a) Ve (b) 3Ve
Ans. (b)
1
(c) 9Ve (d) Solution: Escape velocity for any object on earth is
3Ve
2GM e
given by v e 
Ans. (a) Re
Solution: Escape velocity is given by
2GM 75. Escape velocity from earth is 11.2 km/s. Another
ve 
R planet of same mass has radius 1/4 times that of earth.
What is the escape velocity from another planet?
2G  3M 
ve  (a) 11.2 km/s (b) 44.8 km/s
3R
(c) 22.4 km/s (d) 5.6 km/s
2GM
ve   ve Ans. (c)
R
Solution: Escape velocity is given by
2GM
73. The escape velocity of a body on the surface of the ve 
earth is 11.2 km/s. If the earth’s mass increases to R
twice its present value and the radius of the earth 2GM
becomes half, the escape velocity would become ve 
R
(a) 44.8 km/s 4
(b) 22.4 km/s
2GM
(c) 11.2 km/s (remain unchanged) ve  2
R
(d) 5.6 km/s
ve  2ve  2 11.2  22.4 kms1
Ans. (b)
Solution: Escape velocity is given by
76. A body attains a height equal to the radius of the
2GM
ve  earth. The velocity of the body with which it was
R
projected is:
2G  2M  GM 2GM
ve  (a) (b)
R R R
2
5 GM 3GM
2GM (c) (d)
ve  2 4 R R
R
Ans. (a)
ve  2ve  2 11.2  22.4 kms1 Solution: Total energy of the body is conserved
TE i  TE f
74. The escape velocity of a sphere of mass m is given by K i  Ui  K f  U f
(G = universal gravitational constant, Me = mass of
earth and Re = radius of earth) 1 GMm GMm
mv2   0
2 R RR
GM e 2GM e
(a) (b) 1 GMm GMm
Re Re mv 2   
2 2R R
GRAVITATION 37

1 GMm 4  2GM  2 2GM 2

mv 2  vm     ve
2 2R 81  R  9 R 9
GM 2
v vm   11.2  2.5 kms 1
R 9

77. The ratio of the radii of the planet P1 and P2 is k. the 79. The velocity with which a projectile must be fired
ratio of acceleration due to gravity on them is r. then from surface, so that it escape earth’s gravitation does
the ratio of the escape velocities from them will be: not depend on:
r k (a) mass of the earth
(a) (b)
k r (b) mass of the projectile
(c) kr (d) kr (c) radius of the projectile’s orbit
Ans. (d) (d) gravitational constant
Ans. (b)
Solution: Escape velocity is ve  2gR
Solution: Formula for escape velocity,
g1
r 2GM
g2 vo 
R
R1
k We can see from above that escape velocity does not
R2 depend upon mass of projectile.
Ratio of escape velocity
v e1 g1 R 1 80. Four equal masses (each of mass M) are placed at the

v e2 g2R 2 corners of a square of side a. The escape velocity of a
body is from the centre O of the square is:
ve1
 kr
ve2 2GM 8 2GM
(a) 4 (b)
a a

78. Knowing that the mass of moon is 1/81 times that of 4GM 4 2GM
(c) (d)
earth and its radius is 1/4 the radius of earth. If the a a
escape velocity at the surface of the earth is 11.2 Ans. (b)
km/s. Then the value of escape velocity at the surface
Solution: Formula for potential energy at center,
of the moon is:
(a) 2.5 km/s (b) 0.14 km/s GMm
U
a
(c) 5 km/s (d) 8 km/s
2
Ans. (a)
There are four masses so potential energy will be,
2GM
Solution: Escape velocity is v e  4GMm
R U
a
2GM 2
ve 
R
4 2GMm
U
M a
2G  
vm   81  Now,
R
1 4 2GMm
4 mv 2 
2 a
 GRAVITATION

8 2GM (c) 4 km/s (d) 8 km/s

v2 
a Ans. (d)
Solution: Formula for earth’s escape velocity,
8 2GM
v 2GM e
a ve 
Re

81. Mass of moon is 1/81 times that of earth and its Given that,
radius is 1/4 of the earth radius. If the escape velocity Me
on the earth’s surface is 11.2 km/s. Then its value at Mp 
4
the surface of moon will be
Re
(a) 5 km/s (b) 2.5 km/s Rp 
2
(c) 1.25 km/s (d) none of these Escape velocity for planet,
Ans. (b)
2GM p
Solution: Formula for earth’s escape velocity, vp 
Rp
2GM e
ve 
Re Me
2G
vp  4
Given that, Re
Me 2
Mm 
81
1 2GM e
vp 
R 2 Re
Rm  e
4
1
Escape velocity for moon, vp   ve
2
2GM m
vm  1
Rm vp   11.2
2
Me vp  8 kms 1
2G
vm  81
Re
4 83. The escape velocity from earth is 11.2 kms1. Another
planet is having mass 1000 times and radius 10 times
2 2GM e
vm  that of the earth, then escape velocity at that planet
9 Re
will be:
2 (a) 11.2 km/s (b) 112 km/s
vm   ve
9 (c) 1.12 km/s (d) 1120 km/s
2 Ans. (b)
v m   11.2
9 Solution: Formula for escape velocity of earth,
1
v m  2.5 kms 2GM
ve 
R
82. The escape velocity of a body from the earth is 11.2 Escape velocity of planet,
km/s. If the radius of planet be half the radius of earth
2GM p
and its mass be one fourth that of the earth. The vp 
escape velocity of the planet will be: Rp

(a) 2 km/s (b) 16 km/s

GRAVITATION 39

2G1000M 2G  3M 
vp  vp 
10R  3R 
2GM 2GM
vp  10 vp 
R R
vp  10Ve vp  Ve
vp  10 11.2

vp  112 kms1 86. The escape velocity of sphere of mass m will be:
(G = universal gravitation constant, Me = mass of the
earth, Re = radius of the earth)
84. A satellite with kinetic energy EK is revolving round
2GM e  R e 2GM e m
the earth in a circular orbit. How much more kinetic (a) (b)
energy should be given to it, so that it may just escape Re Re
into outer space: 2GM e GM
(c) (d)
(a) E K (b) 2EK Re Re
1 Ans. (c)
(c) EK (d) 3EK
2 Solution: To escape from earth orbit satellite’s total
Ans. (a) energy needs to be zero or positive,
Solution: To escape from earth orbit satellite’s total 1 GM e m
mv 2 
energy needs to be zero or positive, 2 Re
1 GMm
T.E   2GM e
2 r v2 
Re
T.E  E k
2GM e
So if we add E k in total energy then total energy v
Re
will be zero then satellite can escape from orbit of
earth. 87. There are two planet and the ratio of radius of the two
planets is K but ratio of acceleration due to gravity of
both planets is g. What will be the ratio of their
85. The escape velocity from earth is Ve. If the mass of a escape velocity?
certain planet is 3 times and radius 3 times that of 1 1

earth, then the escape velocity from the planet will (a)  Kg  2 (b)  Kg  2

be:
2 2
(c)  Kg  (d)  Kg 
(a) 3 ve (b) 6 ve
(c) 3 ve (d) ve Ans. (a)
Solution: Formula for escape velocity,
Ans. (d)
Solution: Formula for escape velocity of earth, v  2gR

2GM Now,
ve 
R v1 2g1R 1

Escape velocity of planet, v2 2g 2 R 2

2GM p v1 g1 R1
vp   
Rp v2 g2 R2
 GRAVITATION

v1 Solution: Orbital velocity

 Kg
v2 GM gR 2
v0  
v1 1 r Rh
  Kg  2
v2 g
 v0   R  
  h
R
88. Escape velocity from a planet is Ve. If its mass is Orbital speed depends on
increased to 8 times and its radius is increased to 2
(i) Average radius of planet (R)
times, then the new escape velocity would be:
(ii) Height of body above planet (h)
(a) Ve (b) 2 Ve
(iii) Acceleration due to gravity (g)
(c) 2Ve (d) 2 2 Ve
91. An object weights W newton on earth. It is suspended
Ans. (c) from the lower end of a spring balance whose upper
2G M end is fixed to the ceiling of a space capsule in a
Solution: v e  stable orbit around the earth. The reading of the
R
spring balance will be
2G  8M  (a) W (b) less than W
v  2R  (c) more than W (d) zero
 e  2
ve 2GM Ans. (d)
R
Solution: A spring balance measures the weight of an
 v e  2 v e object by opposing the force of gravity acting with
force of an extended spring. For a body revolving
around the earth the situation is same like freefall,
89. For a satellite escape velocity is 11 km/s. If the
everything in satellite including satellite itself is
satellite is launched at an angle of 60o with the
freefalling with acceleration g. so from frame of
vertical, then escape velocity will be
satellite we can say centrifugal force is balancing the
(a) 11 km/s (b) 11 3km / s weight of body so the spring balance shows no
11 reading.
(c) km / s (d) 33 km/s
3 92. Two satellites of masses 3M and M orbit the earth in
Ans. (a) circular orbits of radii r and 3r respectively. The ratio
of their speeds is
Solution: Escape velocity isn’t Actually velocity at
all. It is a scalar quantity. So, no direction presumed (a) 1:1 (b) 3 :1
and so it is applied to any direction hence, V = 11
(c) 3 :1 (d) 9 :1
km/s projected velocity or otherwise. Escape velocity
does not depend upon the angles of projection. Ans. (b)
1 v1 r 3r
Solution: v0    2   3
Orbital Velocity r v2 r1 r

 v1 : v 2  3 :1
90. Choose the wrong statement. The orbital velocity of a 93. The gravitational force between two objects is
body in a stable orbit around a planet depends upon proportional to 1/R (and not as 1/R2) where R is
(a) the average radius of the planet separation between them, then a particle in circular
(b) the height of the body above the planet orbit under such a force would have its orbital speed
(c) the acceleration due to gravity at surface v proportional to

(d) the mass of the orbiting body 1

(a) (b) R 0
R2
Ans. (d)
GRAVITATION 41

1 GM
(c) R 1 (d) v0 
R r
Ans. (b) 1
v0 
1 r
Solution: As gravitational force  (given)
R r1  r2
GMm mv 2
 Gravitational force   v1  v 2
R R
96. If v0 be orbital velocity of a satellite in a circular
 v  GM
orbital close to the earth’s surface and Ve is escape
 R0 velocity from earth, then relation between the two is:
94. The ratio of the escape velocity of an earth satellite to (a) ve  2vo (b) v e  3 v o
its orbital velocity is very nearly equal to
(c) v e  2 v o (d) vo  ve
(a) 2 (b) 2
Ans. (c)
1 1
(c) (d) Solution: Orbital velocity of satellite,
2 2
GM
Ans. (a) vo 
R
GM Formula for escape velocity,
Solution: Orbital speed  v0 
r
2GM
ve 
R

GM
ve  2 
R
ve  2 vo
97. A satellite of mass m is put into a circular orbit of
height h from the surface of the earth (mass = Me,
For escaping the satellite, Total energy = 0 radius = Re). The orbital speed of satellite is

1 GMm  2GM e h   2GM e 

mv 2E  0 (a)   (b)  
2 r  R e  R e  h     R e  h  
2GM
 vE   2v0  GMe   GM e 
r (c)   (d)  
  R e  h    2  R e  h  
vE
  2
v0 Ans. (c)
Solution: We know that,
95. Two satellites of mass m1 and m2 (m1 > m2) are going
around the earth in orbit of radius r1 and r2 (r1 > r2). Centripetal force = gravitational force,
Which one statement about their velocities is correct? mv 2 GmM e

v1 v 2 R e  h  R e  h 2
(a)  (b) v1  v 2
r1 r2
GM e
(c) v1  v 2 (d) v1  v 2 v2 
Re  h
Ans. (b)
GM e
Solution: Orbital velocity of satellite is independent v
Re  h
of their masses,
 GRAVITATION

98. A seconds pendulum is mounted in a rocket. Its

period of oscillation decreases when the rocket r1  R  R  2R
(a) comes down with uniform acceleration r2  R  7R  8R
(b) moves round the earth in a geostationary orbit GMm GMm GMm GMm
U1  and U 2  , K1  and K 2 
(c) moves up with a uniform velocity r1 r2 2r1 2r2
(d) moves up with uniform acceleration GMm GMm
E1  and E 2 
2r1 2r2
Ans. (d)
U1 K1 E1
Solution: When rocket moves up with constant    4
acceleration its time period decreases as U2 K 2 E2

l
T g  a increases and time period decreases 101. Two satellites A and B go round a planet in circular
ga
orbits having radii 4R and R, respectively. If the
99. Two satellites of earth, S1 and S2, are moving in the speed of satellite A is 3v, then speed of satellite B is
same orbit. The mass of S1 is four times the mass of
3v 4v
S2. Which one of the following statements is true? (a) (b)
2 2
(a) The time period of S1 is four times that of S2
(c) 6v (d) 12v
(b) The potential energies of earth and satellite in the
two cases are equal Ans. (c)

(c) S1 and S2 are moving with the same speed Solution:

(d) The kinetic energies of the two satellite are equal vB r 4R

 A   2  vB  2  v A  2  3v  6v
vA rB R
Ans. (c)
Solution: Orbital velocity of the satellite is 102. Calculate the orbital velocity of the earth so that the
satellite revolves around the earth if the radous of
GM
independent of the mass of satellite, v0 
r earth R  6.5 106 m, the mass of earth
24
Velocity of both satellites will remain same, if they M  5.9722  10 kg and gravitational constant
are in same orbits G  6.67408  1011 m 3 kg 1s 2
100. Two identical satellites are at R and 7R away from
earth surface, the wrong statement is (R = Radius of (a) 7.5  109 km / s (b) 7.5 1010 m / s
earth) (c) 7.5 109 km / s (d) 7.5  1010 km / s
(a) Ratio of total energy will be 4 Ans. (a)
(b) Ration of kinetic energies will be 4
Solution: R  6.5  106 m
(c) Ratio of potential energies will be 4
M  5.9722 1024 kg
(d) Ratio of total energy will be 4 but ratio of
potential and kinetic energies will be 2 G  6.67408 1011 m3 kg 1
Ans. (a) The orbital velocity formula is given by
Solution: Orbital radius of satellites GM
V orbit 
R

6.67408 1011  5.9722 1024


6.5 106

36.68 1013

6.5  106
 7.5  109 km / s
GRAVITATION 43

103. Assume that a satellite orbits earth 225 km above its 105. An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit
surface. Given that the mass of Earth is 5.97 x 1024 kg around the earth has a total (kinetic + potential)
and the radius of Earth is 6.38 x 106 m, what is the energy E0. Its potential energy is
satellite’s orbital speed? (a) E 0 (b) 1.5 E 0
3 3
(a) 7  10 km / s (b) 7.76 10 m / s (c) 2 E 0 (d) E0
3 3
(c) 7.76 10 km / s (d) 7  10 m / s Ans. (c)
Ans. (b)
GM
Solution: v0 
Solution: h  2.25  105 m (height of the satellite’s r
orbit)
1 GMm
KE  Mv 02 
rE  6.38 106 m (Earth 's radius) 2 2r

m E  5.97  1024 kg (Earth 's mass) GMm

PE 
r
G  6.67 1011 Nm 2 / kg 2
TE  KE  PE
Orbital velocity = V =? GMm GMm GMm
E0   
We get the orbital radius r by adding the height of the r r 2r
satellite’s orbit to Earth’s radius.
 PE  TE  2  2E 0
5 6 6
r  h  rE  2.25 10 m  6.38 10 m  6.61 10 m
106. A ball is dropped from a satellite revolving around
So, orbital speed. the earth at a height of 120 km. The ball will:

 G mE  1/ 2 (a) continue to move with same speed along a straight

 G mE 
V    7.76  103 m / s line tangentially to the satellite at that time
r  r 
(b) continue to move with the same speed along the
original orbit of satellite
Motion and Mechanical Energy of Satellite (c) fall doom to earth gradually
(d) go far away in space
104. Two satellites of the same mass are orbiting round the Ans. (b)
earth at heights of R and 4R above the earth’s Solution: As ball drops from an orbiting satellite, it
surface: R being the radius of the earth. Their kinetic will acquire the orbital velocity and revolves around
energies are in the ratio of
the earth, just like satellite is revolving and having
(a) 4 :1 (b) 3: 2 orbital velocity,
(c) 4 : 3 (d) 5: 2 GM 6.67  1011  6 1024
v0    7.8 kms 1
Ans. (d) Rh 6.4 106  0.12  106

GM 107. The satellite of mass m is orbiting around the earth in

Solution: Orbital speed v0  a circular orbit with a velocity v. What will be its
Rh
total energy?
1 m  GM 
KE  mv02    3 2 1
2 2 Rh (a) mv (b) mv 2
4 2
1 1
 KE 
Rh (c) mv 2 (d)    mv 2
2
KE1 R  h 2 R  4R 5R 5 Ans. (d)
    
KE 2 R  h1 RR 2R 2
Solution: Total energy of the system
E  KU
 GRAVITATION

2
1 GMm  24   36000 
2
E mv 2 
2 r    
T
 2  6400 
Orbital velocity
3
24
GM   5.62  2
v T2
r
T2  1.8 hr
2 GM
v  T2  2 hr
r
Therefore, 110. An artificial satellite is revolving around the earth in a
circular orbit. If its speed is half of the escape
1
E mv 2  mv 2 velocity. Then its height above the surface of earth of
2
radius R, is:
1
E   mv 2 R R
2 (a) (b)
4 2
108. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the
(c) 2 R (d) R
ratio of kinetic energy to magnitude potential energy
is Ans. (d)

1 ve
(a) 2 (b) Solution: v 0 
2 2
1 GM 1 2GM
(c) (d) 2 
2 Rh 2 R
Ans. (b) 4R  2  R  h 
1 2 GMm
Solution: K  mv  2R  R  h
2 2r
hR
GMm
U 111. A planet of mass m moves around the sun of mass M
r
in an elliptical orbit. The maximum and minimum
K 1 distance of the planet from the sun are r1 and r2

U 2 respectively. The time period of the planet is
109. A geostationary satellite orbits around the earth in a proportional to:
circular orbit of radius 36000 km. Then, the time 2 3
period of satellite orbiting a few hundred kilometres (a) r15 (b)  r1  r2  2
above the earth’s surface (Rearth = 6400 km) will 3 3
approximately be (c)  r1  r2  2 (d) r 2
1 Ans. (b)
(a) h (b) 1 h
2
Solution: For elliptical orbit
(c) 2 h (d) 4 h
T2  a3
Ans. (c)
r1  r2
Solution: Time period for geo stationary satellite is a
24 hrs. 2
3
Using Kepler’s Law r r 
T2   1 2 
2 3  2 
 T1   r1 
    3
 T2   r2  T   r1  r2  2
GRAVITATION 45

112. An earth satellite is kept moving in orbit by the GMm

U
centripetal force provided by r
(a) the burning of fuel in its engine GMm
U
(b) the ejection of hot gases from its exhaust Re  h
(c) the gravitational attraction of the sun
GMm
(d) the gravitational attraction of the earth U
Re  Re

 h  R e  6.4  106 m 
Ans. (d)
gR 2e m
Solution: The gravitational attraction of the earth U
2R e
provides the required centripetal force.
113. An instrument package is released from an orbiting U  0.5mgR e
earth satellite by simply detaching it from the outer 116. The distance of a geostationary satellite from the
wall of the satellite. The package will centre of earth (radius R = 6400 km) is nearest to:
(a) go away from the earth and get lost in outer space (a) 18 R (b) 10 R
(b) fall to the surface of the earth (c) 7 R (d) 5 R
(c) continue moving along with the satellite in the Ans. (c)
same orbit and with the same velocity
Solution: Height of geostationary satellite from earth
(d) fall through a certain distance and then move in an surface is 36000 Km
orbit around the earth.
h = 36000 km
Ans. (c)
36000
Solution: Continue moving along with the satellite in h  5.6 R
6400
the same orbit and with the same velocity. As ithas
gained orbital velocity. From centre of earth

114. A satellite is moving around the earth in a stable r  R  h  R  5.6 R

circular orbit. Which one of the following statements r  6.6 R
will be wrong for such a satellite?
r7R
(a) It is moving at a constant speed.
117. Two satellite A and B go around a planet P in circular
(b) Its angular momentum remains constant.
orbits having radius 4R and R respectively. If the
(c) It is acted upon by a force directed away from the speed of satellite A is 3v, then the speed of satellite B
centre of the earth which counter balances the will be:
gravitational pull of the earth.
(a) 6 v (b) 9 v
(d) It behaves as if it were a freely falling body.
(c) 3 v (d) none of these
Ans. (c)
Ans. (a)
Solution: It’s uniform circular motion: So, speed =
Solution: Formula for velocity,
constant. Gravitational force is a central force, so
angular momentum should be conserved. GM
v
115. Potential energy of a satellite having mass m and R
rotating at a height of 6.4 × 106 m from the earth 1
v
surface is: R
(a) 0.2 mg Re (b) 2 mg Re Now,
(c) 0.5 mg Re (d) mg Re
vA 1 RB
Ans. (c)  
vB RA 1
Solution: Formula for potential energy,
 GRAVITATION

3v R earth’s surface is g. What will be the radius of the

 orbit of a geostationary satellite?
vB 4R
1 1
3v 1  R 2g 3  Rg  3
 (a)  2  (b)  2 
vB 2     
vB  6v 1 1
 R 2 2 3  R 2g 3
118. A geostationary satellite has a orbit period: (c)   (d)  
 g    
(a) 2 h (b) 6 h
(c) 12 h (d) 24 h Ans. (a)

Ans. (d) Solution: We know

Solution: Geostationary is still at one position when 2r 3/ 2

T
we see from earth the reason behind it has same time GM
period as earth taking one revolution to its own axis For geo stationary,
and that is 24 hours hence time period for
2
geostationary satellite is 24 hours. T

119. The period of revolution of an earth’s satellite close
to surface of earth is 90 min. The time period of 2 2r 3/ 2 3/ 2 GM
 ,r 
another satellite in an orbit at a distance of four times  GM 
the radius of earth from its surface will be: 1/3
 GM 
(a) 9 0 9 m in (b) 720 min r 2 
 
(c) 450 5 min (d) 360 min 1
 R 2g 3
Ans. (c) r 2 
3
  
3
T   4R  R  2 3
122. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around a
  5 2  5 5
Solution: T  R 2
 
T  R  planet at a distance r from the centre of the planet. If
T  5 5  T   450 5 the angular velocity of the planet about its axis
doubles, a satellite can now be in a geostationary
120. By what percent the energy of a satellite has to be orbit around the planet if its distance from the centre
3 of the planet is
increased to shift it from an orbit of radius r to r ?
2 r
r
(a) 15% (b) 20.30% (a) (b)
2 2 2
(c) 66.7% (d) 33.33%
r r
Ans. (d) (c) 1
(d) 1

GMm  4Mm 
 4 3  2 3
Solution: TE  TE 3r  TE r    
2
3r  2r  Ans. (c)
Solution: For a geo – stationary satellite
GMm
TE 
6r
GMm
% change in energy  6r 100  33.33%
GMm
2r
121. The mean radius of earth is R, its angular speed on its
own axis is  and the acceleration due to gravity at
GRAVITATION 47

Tsatellite  Tearth (c) 1.5% (d) 3.0%

2 Ans. (c)
4 3 2
r 
Gme earth dT 3 dR
Solution:  .
1 T 2 R
r
earth 2/3 dT 3  0.01R 
As earth is doubled
  
T 2 R 
1 1
So r will be 2/3
 1/3 times 3
2 4 % change  %
2
126. If the distance between the earth and the sun were
Kepler’s Law half its present value, the number of days in a year
would have been
123. A satellite is orbiting the earth in a circular orbit of (a) 64.5 (b) 129
radius r. Its period of revolution varies as (c) 182.5 (d) 730
(a) r (b) r Ans. (b)
3 3

(c) r 2 (d) r 2 Solution: T  r 2

3
Ans. (c)
T  r 2
 2  2
 4 2  3 T1  r1 
Solution: T 2   r
 GM  3
T  1 2
3  2  
 T  r2 365  2 

124. A satellite of mass m is in a stable circular orbit On calculation: T2 = 129 days.

around the earth at an altitude of about 100
kilometres. If M is the mass of the earth, R its radius 127. Two satellites A and B of masses m1 and m2 (m1 =
and g the acceleration due to gravity, the time period 2m2) are moving in circular orbits of radii r1 and r2 (r1
T of the revolution of the satellite is given by = 4r2), respectively, around the earth. If their periods
R g are TA and TB, then the ratio TA/TB is
(a) T  2  (b) T  2
g R (a) 4 (b) 16
(c) 2 (d) 8
MR mR
(c) T  2  (d) T  2  Ans. (d)
mg Mg
3 3
Ans. (a) T  r  2  4r  2
Solution: A   A      8
Solution: If satellite is revolving close to the surface TB  rB   r 
of planet
i.e. r  R
128. A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a
R height of 6R above the surface of the earth; R being
T  2
g the radius of the earth. What will be the time period
of another satellite at a height 2.5 R from the surface
125. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R
of the earth?
around the earth. A second satellite is launched into
an orbit of radius 1.01R. The period of the second (a) 6 2 hours (b) 6 2.5 hours
satellite is longer than that of the first by
(c) 6 3 hours (d) 12 hours
approximately
(a) 0.5% (b) 1.0% Ans. (a)
 GRAVITATION

3
2r1r2 r1  r2
T  r 2 (c) (d)
Solution: 1   1  r1  r2 3
T2  r2 
Ans. (c)
3 3
T1  2.5R  R  1 2 2 Solution: In ellipse
    
24hr  6R  R  2
On calculation:
T1  6 2 hr.
129. Two satellites A and B are orbiting around the earth
in circular orbits of the same radius. The mass of A is
16 times that of B. the ratio of the period of
revolution of B to that of A is
(a) 1 : 16 (b) 1 : 4
(c) 1 : 2 (d) 1 : 1
Ans. (d)
r1  a  ae  1  e  a
Solution: Period of revolution does not depend on
mass of satellite. As r is same, So T is also same. r2  a  ae  1  e  a
130. The period of revolution of planet A round the sun is r1  r2  2a
8 times that of B. The distance of A from the sun is
how many times that of B from the sun? r1  r2
a
2
(a) 5 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) 2  
r1r2  a 2 1  e 2  b2
Ans. (b) d b2 2r r
  12
Solution: By Kepler’s law 2 a r1  r2
2 3
 T1   r1  132. The distances of two planets from the sun are 1013
    and 1012 m respectively. The ratio of time periods of
 T2   r2 
these two planets is:
2 3
 TA   rA  1
    (a) (b) 100
 TB   rB  10
2 3 (c) 10 10 (d) 10
 8TB   rA 
    Ans. (c)
 TB   rB 
Solution: By Kepler’s law
3
 rA  2 3
   64  T1   r1 
 rB     
 T2   r2 
rA  4rB
2 3
 T1   1013 
131. The largest and the shortest distance of the earth from     12 
the sun are r1 and r2. Its distance from the sun when it  T2   10 
is perpendicular to the major axis of the orbit drawn 2
from the sun  T1  3
   10
T
 2
r1  r2 r1  r2
(a) (b)
4 r1  r2 T1 3
 10 2  10 10
T2
GRAVITATION 49

133. A satellite A of mass m is at a distance r from the A1 A 2


surface of the earth. Another satellite B of mass 2 m t1 t2
is at a distance of 2r from the earth’s surface. Their
time periods are in the ratio of 2A A

t1 t2
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 16
(c) 1 : 32 (d) 1 : 2 2 t1  2t 2

Ans. (d) Therefore, t1  t 2

Solution: By Kepler’s law 135. The radius vector, drawn from the sun to a planet,
2 3 sweeps out equal areas in equal times. This is the
 T1   r1 
    statement of:
 T2   r2  (a) Newton’s third law (b) Kepler’s third law
2
 T1   r 
3 (c) Kepler’s second law (d) Kepler’s first law
    Ans. (c)
 T2   2r 
Solution: Kepler’s second law is also known as law
2
 T1  1 of area, according to this line joining sun and planet
   will sweep equal area in equal interval of time.
 T2  8
A
T1 1  constant
 t
T2 2 2
ASSERTION REASONS
(A) If both assertion and reason are correct and
134. The figure shows elliptical orbit of a planet m about reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
the sun S. The shared area SCD is twice the shaded
(B) If both assertion and reason are reason are true
area SAB. If t1 is the time for the planet to move from
but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
C to D and t2 is the time to move from A to B, then
(C) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(D) if both assertion and reason are false.
(E) If assertion is false but reason is true.
136. Assertion: The comet does not obey Kepler’s law of
planetary motion.
Reason: The comet does not have elliptical orbit.
(a) t2 > t1 (b) t1 = 4t2 (a) A (b) B
(c) t1 = 2t2 (d) t1 = t2 (c) C (d) D
Ans. (c) Ans. (a)
Solution: Solution: Comets travels in straight path, therefore
does not form any elliptical orbits. Therefore Kepler’s
law is not applicable here.
137. Assertion: The square of the period of revolution of a
planet is proportional to the cube of its distance from
the sun. [Assuming circular orbit]
Reason: Sun’s gravitation field is inversely
By using Kepler’s law of area: proportional to the square of its distance from the
A planet:
= constant
t (a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
 GRAVITATION

Ans. (b) Taking ratio,

Solution: Assertion: It follows the T12 r 3
2 3 
Kepler’s law i.e. T  r T22 r 3
GM 64
Reason: Gravitational field is given by a  ,
r2
T12  64  T22
inversely proportional to distance.
T1
Reason does not explain assertion T2 
8
138. The earth rotates about the sun in an elliptical orbit as
shown in figure. At which point its velocity will be 140. An earth satellite S has an orbit radius which is 4
maximum? times that of communication satellite C. The period of
revolution of S will be:
(a) 32 days (b) 18 days
(c) 8 days (d) 9 days
Ans. (c)
Solution: According to Kepler’s third law,
(a) At C (b) At A T2  r3
(c) At D (d) At B Now for satellite S,
Ans. (b)
Ts2  rs3
Solution: Angular momentum of a planet is
3
conserved about the sun. Ts2   4rc 

For satellite c,
Tc2  rc3
Taking ratio of above equations,
Ts2 64r 3
mvr sin  = constant  3
Tc2 r
1
v
r Ts2  64  Tc2
Distance between planet and sun is minimum at point Ts  8Tc
A, therefore velocity is maximum at point A
A communication satellite is geostationary satellite
139. If the radius of earth’s orbit is made one fourth, the hence its time period is 1 day so that from above
duration of a year will become: equation time period for satellite S is 8 days.
1 1 141. The time period of planet X around the sun is 8 times
(a) times (b) times
4 8 that of Y. The distance of X from the sun is how
(c) 4 times (d) 8 times many times greater than that of the sun?
Ans. (b) 1
(a) 5 times (b) 4 times
Solution: According to Kepler’s third law, 2
(c) 3 times (d) none of these
T2  r3
From above equation, Ans. (c)
Solution: Given that,
T12  r 3
Tx  8Ty
3
r
T22    Now according to Kepler’s third law,
4
T2  r3
GRAVITATION 51

Now, L L
(a) (b)
Tx2  rx3 2m m

And 2L 2L
(c) (d)
m Me
Ty2  ry3
Ans. (a)
Taking ratio,
Solution: According to Kepler’s second law,
Tx2 rx3
 dA vr
Ty2 ry3 
dt 2
2
8T  y

rx3 dA vr m
 
Ty2 ry3 dt 2 m
dA mvr
rx3 
 64 dt 2m
ry3
dA L
rx  4ry , r  rx  ry  3ry
  L  mvr 
dt 2m
Correct answer is 4 times greater than of Y from the 144. A satellite in a circular orbit of radius R has a period
sun. of 4 h. Another satellite with orbital radius 3 R
142. A satellite orbiting the circular orbit of radius R around the same planet will have a period (in hours)
completes one revolution in 3 h. If orbital radius of (a) 16 (b) 4
geostationary satellite is 36000 km, the orbital radius (c) 4 27 (d) 4 8
R of satellite is:
Ans. (c)
(a) 6000 km (b) 9000 km
Solution: According to Kepler’s third law,
(c) 12000 km (d) 15000 km
T2  R3
Ans. (b)
For radius R,
Solution: Time period for geostationary satellite,
T2  24 h T12  R 3

According Kepler’s third law, For radius 3R,

3
T2  r3 T22   3R 
Now, Taking ratio,
2 3
T1 r 1 T12 R3

2 3 
T2 r 2 T22  3R 3
2
 3  r13  4
2
R3
   3 
 24   36000  T2
2 27R 3
3
3  36000  T22  27  16
r 
1
64
T2  4 27 h
36000
r1  145. The radius of orbit of a planet is two times that of the
4
earth. The time period of planet is:
r1  9000 km
(a) 4.2 T (b) 2.8 T
143. A satellite of mass m, moving around the earth in a (c) 5.6 T (d) 8.4 T
circular orbit of radius R, has angular momentum L.
Ans. (b)
The areal velocity of satellite is: (Me = mass of earth)
 GRAVITATION

Solution: According to Kepler’s third law, 3 3

T  R   2  2R  2
T2  R3     2 2
T R  R 
Now,
T  2 2 T  2 .8 T
T2 R3
 148. Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the
T 2  2R 3
nth power of the distance. The time period of a planet
T2 1 in circular orbit of radius R around the sun will be
 proportional to:
T 2 8
 n 1  n 1
T 2  8  T 2 (a) R 2
(b) R 2

T  2.8 T (c) R n 1 (d) R n 1

Ans. (b)
146. Earth is revolving around the sun. If the distance of 1

1 mv2 GMm  GMm  2

the earth from the sun is reduced to th of the Solution:  n
 v   n 1 
4 R R  R 
present distance, then the length of present day will 1
 n21 
be reduced by: 2R  R n 1  2  R 
T  2R    2  1 
1 1 v  GM 
(a) (b)   GM 2 
4 2
 n  1
1 1  TR 2
(c) (d)
8 6
Ans. (c)
149. A planet revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit.
Solution: According to Kepler’s third law, The linear speed of the planet will be maximum at
T2  R3
Now,
T12 R3

T2  R 3
2

 
4
(a) D (b) B
T12
 64 (c) A (d) C
T22
Ans. (c)
2 1 2
T 
2 T1 Solution: Using Kepler’s second law of planetary
64
motion, the linear speed of a planet is maximum
1 when its distance from the sun is the least.
T2  T1
8
147. The radius of orbit of a planet is two times that of the 150. The orbital angular momentum of a satellite revolving
earth. The time period of planet is: [T being time at a distance r form the center is L. If the distance is
period of Earth] increased to 16r, then the new angular momentum
(a) 4.2 T (b) 2.8 T will be
(c) 5.6 T (d) 8.4 T (a) 16 L (b) 64 L
Ans. (b) L
(c) (d) 4L
2 3
3
4
Solution: T  R  TR 2

Ans. (c)
GRAVITATION 53

GM
Solution: L  mvr  m r  m GMr  L  r
r