404 Gravitation

Newton’s Law of Gravitation 9. Two particles of equal mass go round a circle of radius R
under the action of their mutual gravitational attraction.
1. The tidal waves in the sea are primarily due to
The speed of each particle is [CBSE PMT 1995; RPMT
(a) The gravitational effect of the moon on the earth 2003]
(b) The gravitational effect of the sun on the earth
(c) The gravitational effect of venus on the earth
(a) (b)
(d) The atmospheric effect of the earth itself
2. If there were a smaller gravitational effect, which of the
following forces do you think would alter in some respect
(c) (d)
[NCERT 1978]
(a) Viscous forces (b) Archimedes uplift 10. The earth (mass ) revolves round the sun
(c) Electrostatic force (d) None of the above
with angular velocity in a circular orbit of
3. A satellite of the earth is revolving in a circular orbit with
a uniform speed v. If the gravitational force suddenly radius . The force exerted by the sun on the
disappears, the satellite will [AIIMS 1982; AIEEE 2002] earth in newtons, is [CBSE PMT 1995; AFMC 1999; Pb. PMT
(a) Continue to move with velocity v along the original 2003]
orbit (a) (b) Zero
(b) Move with a velocity v, tangentially to the original
orbit (c) (d)
(c) Fall down with increasing velocity 11. Gravitational mass is proportional to gravitational
[AIIMS 1998]
(d) Ultimately come to rest somewhere on the original
orbit (a) Field (b) Force
(c) Intensity (d) All of these
4. The atmosphere is held to the earth by [IIT 1986]
(a) Winds (b) Gravity 12. The gravitational force between two point masses
(c) Clouds (d) None of the above
5. The weight of a body at the centre of the earth is and at separation r is given by
[AFMC 1988] The constant k [CPMT 1993]
(a) Zero (a) Depends on system of units only
(b) Infinite (b) Depends on medium between masses only
(c) Same as on the surface of earth (c) Depends on both (a) and (b)
(d) Is independent of both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the above
13. The distance of the centres of moon and earth is D. The
6. If the distance between two masses is doubled, the
mass of earth is 81 times the mass of the moon. At what
gravitational attraction between them
distance from the centre of the earth, the gravitational
[CPMT 1973; AMU (Med.) 2000]
force will be zero [RPET 1996]
(a) Is doubled (b) Becomes four times
(c) Is reduced to half (d) Is reduced to a quarter
(a) (b)
7. Which of the following is the evidence to show that there
must be a force acting on earth and directed towards the
sun (c) (d)
[AIIMS 1980] 14. Who among the following gave first the experimental
(a) Deviation of the falling bodies towards east value of G
[AFMC 1997]
(b) Revolution of the earth round the sun
(a) Cavendish (b) Copernicus
(c) Phenomenon of day and night
(c) Brook Teylor (d) None of these
(d) Apparent motion of sun round the earth
8. The gravitational force between two stones of mass 1 kg 15. The mass of the moon is and the radius is
each separated by a distance of 1 metre in vacuum is
. The value of gravitation force will be
[DPMT 1984]
[AMU 1999]
(a) Zero (b) (a) 1.45 N/kg (b) 1.55 N/kg
(c) 1.75 N/kg (d) 1.62 N/kg
(c) (d)
 Gravitation 405

16. The centripetal force acting on a satellite orbiting round 24. Two identical solid copper spheres of radius R placed in
the earth and the gravitational force of earth acting on the contact with each other. The gravitational attraction
satellite both equal F. The net force on the satellite is between them is proportional to
[AMU 1999] [Kerala PET 2005]
(a) Zero (b) F (a) R2 (b) R–2
(c) R4 (d) R–4
(c) (d) 2 F
17. Reason of weightlessness in a satellite is [RPMT 2000]
(a) Zero gravity Acceleration Due to Gravity
(b) Centre of mass
1. Weightlessness experienced while orbiting the earth in
(c) Zero reaction force by satellite surface space-ship, is the result of [NCERT 1978; DPMT 1982]
(d) None (a) Inertia (b) Acceleration
18. Mass M is divided into two parts xM and . For a (c) Zero gravity (d) Free fall towards earth
given separation, the value of x for which the gravitational 2. If the change in the value of ‘g’ at a height h above the
attraction between the two pieces becomes maximum is surface of the earth is the same as at a depth x below it,
[EAMCET 2001] then (both x and h being much smaller than the radius of
the earth) [NCERT 1983; BHU 2002]

(a) (b) (a) (b)

(c) 1 (d) 2
19. The force of gravitation is [AIIMS 2002] (c) (d)
(a) Repulsive (b) Electrostatic 3. The time period of a simple pendulum on a freely moving
(c) Conservative (d) Non-conservative artificial satellite is [CPMT 1984; AFMC 2002]
(a) Zero (b) 2 sec
20. The gravitational force between two objects does not (c) 3 sec (d) Infinite
depend on [RPET 2003] 4. Two planets have the same average density but their radii
(a) Sum of the masses
are and . If acceleration due to gravity on these
(b) Product of the masses
(c) Gravitational constant planets be and respectively, then [AIIMS 1985]
(d) Distance between the masses
21. Two sphere of mass m and M are situated in air and the (a) (b)
gravitational force between them is F. The space around
the masses is now filled with a liquid of specific gravity 3.
The gravitational force will now be (c) (d)
[CBSE PMT 2003]
5. An iron ball and a wooden ball of the same radius are
released from a height ‘h’ in vacuum. The time taken by
(a) F (b) both of them to reach the ground is
[NCERT 1975; AFMC 1998]
(a) Unequal (b) Exactly equal
(c) (d) 3 F
(c) Roughly equal (d) Zero
22. Earth binds the atmosphere because of [J&K CET 2005]
6. The correct answer to above question is based on
(a) Gravity
[NCERT 1975]
(b) Oxygen between earth and atmosphere
(a) Acceleration due to gravity in vacuum is same
(c) Both (a) and (b)
irrespective of size and mass of the body
(d) None of these (b) Acceleration due to gravity in vacuum depends on
23. Which of the following statements about the gravitational the mass of the body
constant is true [Kerala PET 2005] (c) There is no acceleration due to gravity in vacuum
(a) It is a force (d) In vacuum there is resistance offered to the motion of
(b) It has no unit the body and this resistance depends on the mass of
(c) It has same value in all systems of units the body
(d) It depends on the value of the masses 7. When a body is taken from the equator to the poles, its
(e) It does not depend on the nature of the medium in weight [EAMCET 1978]
which the bodies are kept. (a) Remains constant
(b) Increases
 406 Gravitation
(c) Decreases
16. The radius of the earth is 6400 km and . In
(d) Increases at N-pole and decreases at S-pole
order that a body of 5 kg weighs zero at the equator, the
8. A body of mass m is taken to the bottom of a deep mine.
angular speed of the earth is [MP PMT 1985]
Then [NCERT 1982]
(a) 1/80 radian/sec (b) 1/400 radian/sec
(a) Its mass increases (b) Its mass decreases
(c) 1/800 radian/sec (d) 1/1600 radian/sec
(c) Its weight increases (d) Its weight decreases
9. A body weighs 700 gm wt on the surface of the earth. 17. The value of ‘g’ at a particular point is .
How much will it weigh on the surface of a planet whose Suppose the earth suddenly shrinks uniformly to half its
present size without losing any mass. The value of ‘g’ at
mass is and radius is half that of the earth the same point (assuming that the distance of the point
[CMC Vellore 1984; AFMC 2000] from the centre of earth does not shrink) will now be
(a) 200 gm wt (b) 400 gm wt [NCERT 1984; DPMT 1999]
(c) 50 gm wt (d) 300 gm wt
(a) (b)
10. In order to find time, the astronaut orbiting in an earth
satellite should use [DPMT 1982]
(c) (d)
(a) A pendulum clock 18. If R is the radius of the earth and g the acceleration due
(b) A watch having main spring to keep it going to gravity on the earth's surface, the mean density of the
(c) Either a pendulum clock or a watch earth is
(d) Neither a pendulum clock nor a watch [CPMT 1990; BHU 1998; Kerala PMT 2002;
MH CET (Med.) 1999; CBSE PMT 1995]
11. A spherical planet far out in space has a mass and
diameter . A particle of mass m falling freely near the (a) (b)
surface of this planet will experience an acceleration due (c) (d)
to gravity which is equal to [MP PMT 1987; DPMT 2002]
19. The weight of an object in the coal mine, sea level, at the
(a) (b) top of the mountain are and respectively,
then
(c) (d) [EAMCET 1990]
12. If the earth stops rotating, the value of ‘g’ at the equator
will (a) (b)
[CPMT 1986] (c) (d)
(a) Increase (b) Remain same
(c) Decrease (d) None of the above 20. The radii of two planets are respectively and
13. The mass and diameter of a planet have twice the value and their densities are respectively and . The
of the corresponding parameters of earth. Acceleration ratio of the accelerations due to gravity at their surfaces is
due to gravity on the surface of the planet is [MP PET 1994]
[NCERT 1971; Pb. PMT 2000]

(a) (b) (a) (b)

(c) (d) (c) (d)

14. As we go from the equator to the poles, the value of g 21. The mass of the earth is 81 times that of the moon and
[CPMT 1975; AFMC 1995; AFMC 2004] the radius of the earth is 3.5 times that of the moon. The
(a) Remains the same ratio of the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of
(b) Decreases the moon to that at the surface of the earth is
[MP PMT 1994]
(c) Increases
(a) 0.15 (b) 0.04
(d) Decreases upto a latitude of 45°
(c) 1 (d) 6
15. Force of gravity is least at [CPMT 1992]
22. Spot the wrong statement :
(a) The equator
The acceleration due to gravity ‘g’ decreases if
(b) The poles
[MP PMT 1994]
(c) A point in between equator and any pole
(a) We go down from the surface of the earth towards its
(d) None of these
centre
(b) We go up from the surface of the earth
 Gravitation 407

(c) We go from the equator towards the poles on the MP PET 2000, 01; RPET 2000; Pb. PET 2001]
surface of the earth (a) g/4 (b) g/5
(d) The rotational velocity of the earth is increased (c) g/6 (d) g/8
23. Which of the following statements is true 30. R is the radius of the earth and is its angular velocity
[Manipal MEE 1995]
(a) g is less at the earth's surface than at a height above and is the value of g at the poles. The effective value
it or a depth below it of g at the latitude will be equal to [MP PMT 1999]
(b) g is same at all places on the surface of the earth
(c) g has its maximum value at the equator
(a) (b)
(d) g is greater at the poles than at the equator
24. A spring balance is graduated on sea level. If a body is
weighed with this balance at consecutively increasing (c) (d)
heights from earth's surface, the weight indicated by the 31. The depth d at which the value of acceleration due to
balance [MP PET 1995]
(a) Will go on increasing continuously gravity becomes times the value at the surface, is [R
(b) Will go on decreasing continuously = radius of the earth] [MP PMT 1999; Kerala PMT 2005]
(c) Will remain same
(d) Will first increase and then decrease
(a) (b)
25. The value of g on the earth's surface is . Its
value at a height of 64 km from the earth's surface is
(c) (d)
[MP PMT 1995]
32. At what height over the earth's pole, the free fall
(a) (b) acceleration decreases by one percent (assume the
radius of earth to be 6400 km)
(c) (d) [KCET 1994]
(Radius of the earth R = 6400 kilometers) (a) 32 km (b) 80 km
26. Choose the correct statement from the following : (c) 1.253 km (d) 64 km
Weightlessness of an astronaut moving in a satellite is a 33. The diameters of two planets are in the ratio 4 : 1 and
situation of [MP PMT 1995] their mean densities in the ratio 1 : 2. The acceleration
(a) Zero g (b) No gravity due to gravity on the planets will be in ratio [ISM Dhanbad
1994]
(c) Zero mass (d) Free fall
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 3
27. If the earth rotates faster than its present speed, the
(c) 2 : 1 (d) 4 : 1
weight of an object will [Haryana CEE 1996]
34. At what altitude in metre will the acceleration due to
(a) Increase at the equator but remain unchanged at the
gravity be 25% of that at the earth's surface (Radius of
poles
earth = R metre) [ISM Dhanbad 1994]
(b) Decrease at the equator but remain unchanged at the
poles
(c) Remain unchanged at the equator but decrease at (a) (b) R
the poles
(d) Remain unchanged at the equator but increase at the (c) (d)
poles 35. If the angular speed of the earth is doubled, the value of
28. If the earth suddenly shrinks (without changing mass) to acceleration due to gravity (g) at the north pole
half of its present radius, the acceleration due to gravity [EAMCET (Med.) 1995]
will be (a) Doubles (b) Becomes half
[MNR 1998] (c) Remains same (d) Becomes zero
(a) g/2 (b) 4g 36. At the surface of a certain planet, acceleration due to
(c) g/4 (d) 2g gravity is one-quarter of that on earth. If a brass ball is
29. The moon's radius is 1/4 that of the earth and its mass is transported to this planet, then which one of the following
1/80 times that of the earth. If g represents the statements is not correct [SCRA 1994]
acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth, (a) The mass of the brass ball on this planet is a quarter
that on the surface of the moon is of its mass as measured on earth
[MP PMT 1997; (b) The weight of the brass ball on this planet is a quarter
of the weight as measured on earth
 408 Gravitation
(c) The brass ball has the same mass on the other 45. What should be the velocity of earth due to rotation about
planet as on earth its own axis so that the weight at equator become 3/5 of
(d) The brass ball has the same volume on the other initial value. Radius of earth on equator is 6400 km
planet as on earth [AMU 1999]
37. Weight of 1 kg becomes 1/6 on moon. If radius of moon is
(a) (b)
, then the mass of moon will be [RPET 1997]
(c) (d)
(a) (b) 46. Acceleration due to gravity is ‘g’ on the surface of the
earth. The value of acceleration due to gravity at a height
(c) (d) of 32 km above earth’s surface is (Radius of the earth =
38. Radius of earth is around 6000 km. The weight of body at 6400 km)
height of 6000 km from earth surface becomes [KCET (Engg./Med.) 1999]
[RPMT 1997] (a) 0.9 g (b) 0.99 g
(a) Half (b) One-fourth (c) 0.8 g (d) 1.01 g
(c) One third (d) No change 47. At what height from the ground will the value of ‘g’ be the
39. Let g be the acceleration due to gravity at earth's surface same as that in 10 km deep mine below the surface of
and K be the rotational kinetic energy of the earth. earth
Suppose the earth's radius decreases by 2% keeping all [RPET 1999]
other quantities same, then [BHU 1994; JIPMER 2000]
(a) 20 km (b) 10 km
(a) g decreases by 2% and K decreases by 4% (c) 15 km (d) 5 km
(b) g decreases by 4% and K increases by 2% 48. If the Earth losses its gravity, then for a body
(c) g increases by 4% and K increases by 4% [BHU 1999; MHCET 2003]
(d) g decreases by 4% and K increases by 4% (a) Weight becomes zero, but not the mass
40. Where will it be profitable to purchase 1 kilogram sugar (b) Mass becomes zero, but not the weight
[RPET 1996] (c) Both mass and weight become zero
(a) At poles (b) At equator (d) Neither mass nor weight become zero
(c) At 45° latitude (d) At 40° latitude 49. The height of the point vertically above the earth’s
41. If the radius of the earth shrinks by 1.5% (mass remaining surface, at which acceleration due to gravity becomes 1%
same), then the value of acceleration due to gravity of its value at the surface is (Radius of the earth = R)
changes by [EAMCET (Engg.) 2000]
[BHU 1997]
(a) 8 R (b) 9 R
(a) 1% (b) 2%
(c) 10 R (d) 20 R
(c) 3% (d) 4%
50. An object weights 72 N on earth. Its weight at a height of
42. If radius of the earth contracts 2% and its mass remains
R/2 from earth is [AIIMS 2000]
the same, then weight of the body at the earth surface
(a) 32 N (b) 56 N
[CPMT 1997; KCET (Engg./Med.) 2001]
(c) 72 N (d) Zero
(a) Will decrease (b) Will increase
51. The angular velocity of the earth with which it has to
(c) Will remain the same (d) None of these
rotate so that acceleration due to gravity on 60o latitude
43. If mass of a body is M on the earth surface, then the
becomes zero is (Radius of earth = 6400 km. At the poles
mass of the same body on the moon surface is
[AIIMS 1997; RPMT 1997; JIPMER 2000] [EAMCET 2000]
(a) M/6 (b) Zero
(c) M (d) None of these (a) (b)

44. Mass of moon is kg. If the acceleration due to (c) (d)

52. Assuming earth to be a sphere of a uniform density, what
gravity on the moon is , the radius of the moon
is the value of gravitational acceleration in a mine 100 km
is
below the earth’s surface (Given R = 6400 km)
[AFMC 1998] [AFMC 2000; Pb. PMT 2000]

(a) (b) (a) (b)

(c) (d) (c) 5.06m/s2 (d)

53. If radius of earth is R then the height ‘h’ at which value of
‘g’ becomes one-fourth is [BHU 2000]
 Gravitation 409

whose density and radius are, respectively, one-quarter

and one-third that of planet A
(a) (b)
[AMU (Med.) 2001]
(a) 1.5 m (b) 15 m
(c) R (d) (c) 18 m (d) 28 m
54. R and r are the radii of the earth and moon respectively. 61. Weight of a body is maximum at [AFMC 2001]
and are the densities of earth and moon (a) Moon (b) Poles of earth
respectively. The ratio of the accelerations due to gravity (c) Equator of earth (d) Centre of earth
on the surfaces of earth and moon is 62. What will be the acceleration due to gravity at height h if h
[EAMCET 2000] >> R. Where R is radius of earth and g is acceleration
due to gravity on the surface of earth
[RPET 2001]
(a) (b)

(c) (d)
(a) (b)
55. If the mass of earth is 80 times of that of a planet and
diameter is double that of planet and ‘g’ on earth is

, then the value of ‘g’ on that planet is

[Pb. PMT 1999; CPMT 2000] (c) (d)
63. The acceleration due to gravity near the surface of a
(a) (b) planet of radius R and density d is proportional to
[MP PET 2002; AIEEE 2004]
(c) (d)
56. Assume that the acceleration due to gravity on the
surface of the moon is 0.2 times the acceleration due to (a) (b)

gravity on the surface of the earth. If is the maximum

range of a projectile on the earth’s surface, what is the (c) dR (d)
maximum range on the surface of the moon for the same 64. The acceleration due to gravity is g at a point distant r
velocity of projection [Kerala (Engg.) 2001]
from the centre of earth of radius R. If , then [CPMT
(a) (b) 2002]

(c) (d) (a) (b)

57. The angular speed of earth, so that the object on equator
(c) (d)
may appear weightless, is , radius of earth
65. A body weight W newton at the surface of the earth. Its
6400 km)
weight at a height equal to half the radius of the earth will
[Pb. PMT 2001]
be
(a) (b) [UPSEAT 2002]

(c) (d) 1.56 rad/sec

58. At what distance from the centre of the earth, the value of (a) (b)
acceleration due to gravity g will be half that on the
surface (R = radius of earth) [MP PMT 2001] (c) (d)
(a) 2 R (b) R
66. If the density of the earth is doubled keeping its radius
(c) 1.414 R (d) 0.414 R
constant then acceleration due to gravity will be
59. If density of earth increased 4 times and its radius
become half of what it is, our weight will [AMU (Engg.) [Pb. PMT 2002; Orissa 2002]
2001]
(a) Be four times its present value (a) (b)
(b) Be doubled
(c) Remain same (c) (d)
(d) Be halved 67. The acceleration due to gravity at pole and equator can
60. A man can jump to a height of 1.5 m on a planet A. What be related as [DPMT 2002]
is the height he may be able to jump on another planet
 410 Gravitation
(a) 2% decrease (b) 0.5% decrease
(a) (b)
(c) 1% increase (d) 0.5% increase
(c) (d) 74. If both the mass and the radius of the earth decrease by
1%, the value of the acceleration due to gravity will
68. If the value of ‘g’ acceleration due to gravity, at earth's
[MP PET 2004]
surface is , its value in at the centre of the (a) Decrease by 1% (b) Increase by 1%
earth, which is assumed to be a sphere of radius ‘R’ (c) Increase by 2% (d) Remain unchanged
metre and uniform mass density is 75. The density of a newly discovered planet is twice that of
[AIIMS 2002] earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the
(a) 5 (b) 10/R planet is equal to that at the surface of the earth. If the
radius of the earth is R, the radius of the planet would be
(c) 10/2R (d) Zero
[CBSE PMT 2004]
69. A research satellite of mass 200 kg circles the earth in an
orbit of average radius 3R/2 where R is the radius of the (a) (b)
earth. Assuming the gravitational pull on a mass of 1 kg
on the earth’s surface to be 10 N, the pull on the satellite (c) (d)
will be
76. Two planets of radii in the ratio 2 : 3 are made from the
[Kerala (Engg.) 2002] material of density in the ratio 3 : 2. Then the ratio of
(a) 880 N (b) 889 N
acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the
(c) 890 N (d) 892 N two planets will be [J & K CET 2004]
70. Acceleration due to gravity on the moon is 1/6 of the (a) 1 (b) 2.25
acceleration due to gravity on earth. If the ratio of (c) 4/9 (d) 0.12
77. A person will get more quantity of matter in kg –wt. at
[J & K CET 2004]
densities of earth and moon is
then radius of moon Rm in terms of Re will be (a) Poles (b) At latitude of 60o
[MP PMT 2003] (c) Equator (d) Satellite
78. At what depth below the surface of the earth,
acceleration due to gravity g will be half its value 1600
(a) (b) km above the surface of the earth
[Pb. PMT 2004]

(c) (d) (a) (b)

71. The acceleration of a body due to the attraction of the
earth (radius R) at a distance 2 R from the surface of the (c) (d) None of these
earth is (g = acceleration due to gravity at the surface of 79. What should be the angular speed of earth, so that body
the earth) lying on equator may appear weightlessness
[MP PET 2003]

[Pb. PET 2000]

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
(c) (d) g
72. The depth at which the effective value of acceleration due (c) (d)
80. A body weight 500 N on the surface of the earth. How
to gravity is is [MP PET 2003] much would it weigh half way below the surface of the
earth
[Pb. PET 2001; BHU 2004]
(a) R (b) (a) 125 N (b) 250 N
(c) 500 N (d) 1000 N
(c) (d) 81. If the density of a small planet is the same as that of
73. Weight of a body of mass m decreases by 1% when it is earth, while the radius of the planet is 0.2 times that of the
raised to height h above the earth’s surface. If the body is earth, the gravitational acceleration on the surface of that
taken to a depth h in a mine, change in its weight is planet is
[KCET 2003; MP PMT 2003] [UPSEAT 2004; CBSE PMT 2005]
 Gravitation 411

(a) 0.2 g (b) 0.4 g 2. In a gravitational field, at a point where the gravitational
(c) 2 g (d) 4 g potential is zero [CPMT 1990]
82. Acceleration due to gravity 'g' for a body of mass 'm' on (a) The gravitational field is necessarily zero
earth's surface is proportional to (Radius of earth=R, (b) The gravitational field is not necessarily zero
mass of earth=M) [DCE 2004] (c) Nothing can be said definitely about the gravitational
(a) (b) field
(d) None of these
(c) (d)
3. The gravitational field due to a mass distribution is
83. A body has a weight 90 kg on the earth's surface, the
mass of the moon is 1/9 that of the earth's mass and its in the x-direction. (K is a constant). Taking the
radius is 1/2 that of the earth's radius. On the moon the gravitational potential to be zero at infinity, its value at a
weight of the body is [Pb. PET 2003] distance x is [MP PET 1994]
(a) 45 kg (b) 202.5 kg (a) K/x (b) K/2x
(c) 90 kg (d) 40 kg
(c) (d)
84. If it is assumed that the spinning motion of earth
increases, then the weight of a body on equator [RPMT 4. The mass of the earth is and that of the
2003]
(a) Decreases (b) Remains constant moon is . The constant of gravitation
(c) Increases (d) Becomes more at poles
85. The masses of two planets are in the ratio 1 : 2. Their . The potential energy of the
radii are in the ratio 1 : 2. The acceleration due to gravity system is . The mean distance
on the planets are in the ratio between the earth and moon is
[MH CET 2004]
[MP PMT 1995]
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 2 : 1
(c) 3 : 5 (d) 5 : 3 (a) (b)
86. If earth is supposed to be a sphere of radius R, if g30 is
value of acceleration due to gravity at latitude of 30o and (c) (d)
5. The change in potential energy, when a body of mass m
g at the equator, the value of is is raised to a height nR from the earth's surface is (R =
[DCE 2005] Radius of earth) [MP PMT 1996]

(a) (b) (a) (b) nmgR

(c) (d)
87. If M the mass of the earth and R its radius, the ratio of the (c) (d)
gravitational acceleration and the gravitational constant is 6. The masses and radii of the earth and moon are
[J&K CET 2005]
and respectively. Their centres are distance d
apart. The minimum velocity with which a particle of mass
(a) (b) m should be projected from a point midway between their
centres so that it escapes to infinity is
[MP PET 1997]
(c) (d)

Gravitation Potential, Energy and Escape

Velocity (a) (b)

1. A body of mass m rises to height h = R/5 from the earth's

surface, where R is earth's radius. If g is acceleration due (c) (d)
to gravity at earth's surface, the increase in potential
7. If mass of earth is M, radius is R and gravitational
energy is
constant is G, then work done to take 1 kg mass from
[CPMT 1989; SCRA 1996; DPMT 2001]
earth surface to infinity will be
[RPET 1997]
(a) mgh (b)

(a) (b)
(c) (d)
 412 Gravitation

(c) (d)
(c) (d)
15. A body is projected vertically upwards from the surface of
8. A rocket is launched with velocity 10 km/s. If radius of
a planet of radius R with a velocity equal to half the
earth is R, then maximum height attained by it will be
escape velocity for that planet. The maximum height
[RPET 1997] attained by the body is [KCET (Engg./Med.) 2002]
(a) 2R (b) 3R (a) R/3 (b) R/2
(c) 4R (d) 5R (c) R/4 (d) R/5
9. There are two bodies of masses 100 kg and 10000 kg 16. Energy required to move a body of mass m from an orbit
separated by a distance of 1 m. At what distance from the of radius 2R to 3R is [AIEEE 2002]
smaller body, the intensity of gravitational field will be zero
[BHU 1997] (a) (b)

(c) (d)
(a) (b) 17. The kinetic energy needed to project a body of mass m
from the earth surface (radius R) to infinity is
[AIEEE 2002]
(c) (d) (a) mgR/2 (b) 2 mgR
10. What is the intensity of gravitational field of the centre of a (c) mgR (d) mgR/4
spherical shell [RPET 2000]
18. Radius of orbit of satellite of earth is R. Its kinetic energy
is proportional to [BHU 2003; CPMT 2004]
(a) (b) g
(c) Zero (d) None of these
11. The gravitational potential energy of a body of mass ‘m’ at (a) (b)

the earth’s surface . Its gravitational potential

(c) R (d)
energy at a height from the earth’s surface will be
19. In some region, the gravitational field is zero. The
(Here is the radius of the earth) gravitational potential in this region [BVP 2003]
[AIIMS 2000; MP PET 2000; Pb. PMT 2004] (a) Must be variable (b) Must be constant
(c) Cannot be zero (d) Must be zero
(a) (b)
20. A particle falls towards earth from infinity. It’s velocity on
reaching the earth would be [Orissa JEE 2003]
(c) (d)
12. Escape velocity of a body of 1 kg mass on a planet is 100 (a) Infinity (b)
m/sec. Gravitational Potential energy of the body at the
Planet is [MP PMT 2002]
(c) (d) Zero
21. Gas escapes from the surface of a planet because it
(a) – 5000 J (b) – 1000 J
acquires an escape velocity. The escape velocity will
(c) – 2400 J (d) 5000 J depend on which of the following factors :
13. A body of mass m is placed on the earth’s surface. It is I. Mass of the planet
taken from the earth’s surface to a height . The II. Mass of the particle escaping
change in gravitational potential energy of the body is III. Temperature of the planet
[CBSE PMT 2002] IV. Radius of the planet
Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
(a) (b) [SCRA 1994]
(a) I and II (b) II and IV
(c) I and IV (d) I, III and IV
(c) (d)
14. A body of mass m kg. starts falling from a point 2R above 22. and denotes the escape velocity from the earth
the Earth’s surface. Its kinetic energy when it has fallen to and another planet having twice the radius and the same
a point ‘R’ above the Earth’s surface [R-Radius of Earth, mean density as the earth. Then [NCERT 1974; MP PMT
M-Mass of Earth, G-Gravitational Constant] [MP PMT 2002] 1994]

(a) (b)
(a) (b)
 Gravitation 413

(c) (d) (a) 2 (b)

23. The escape velocity of a sphere of mass m from earth
(c) (d)
having mass M and radius R is given by
[NCERT 1981, 84; CBSE PMT 1999]
31. The escape velocity of an object from the earth depends
upon the mass of the earth (M), its mean density , its
radius (R) and the gravitational constant (G). Thus the
(a) (b) formula for escape velocity is
[MP PMT 1995]

(c) (d)
24. The escape velocity for a rocket from earth is 11.2 (a) (b)
km/sec. Its value on a planet where acceleration due to
gravity is double that on the earth and diameter of the
planet is twice that of earth will be in km/sec (c) (d)
[NCERT 1983;
32. Escape velocity on a planet is . If radius of the planet
CPMT 1990; MP PMT 2000; UPSEAT 1999]
remains same and mass becomes 4 times, the escape
(a) 11.2 (b) 5.6 velocity becomes [MP PMT 1996; DPMT 1999]
(c) 22.4 (d) 53.6
(a) (b)
25. The escape velocity from the earth is about 11
km/second. The escape velocity from a planet having
twice the radius and the same mean density as the earth, (c) (d)
is 33. The mass of the earth is 81 times that of the moon and
[NCERT 1980; MP PMT 1987; MP PET 2001, 2003; the radius of the earth is 3.5 times that of the moon. The
AIIMS 2001; UPSEAT 1999] ratio of the escape velocity on the surface of earth to that
(a) 22 km/sec (b) 11 km/sec on the surface of moon will be [MP PMT/PET 1998; JIPMER
(c) 5.5 km/sec (d) 15.5 km/sec 2000]
26. A missile is launched with a velocity less than the escape (a) 0.2 (b) 2.57
velocity. The sum of its kinetic and potential energy is (c) 4.81 (d) 0.39
[MNR 1986; MP PET 1995] 34. The escape velocity from the surface of earth is . The
(a) Positive escape velocity from the surface of a planet whose mass
(b) Negative and radius are 3 times those of the earth will be
(c) Zero [MP PMT/PET 1998; JIPMER 2001, 02; Pb. PMT 2004]
(d) May be positive or negative depending upon its initial
(a) (b)
velocity
27. If g is the acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface (c) (d)
and r is the radius of the earth, the escape velocity for the 35. How much energy will be necessary for making a body of
body to escape out of earth's gravitational field is 500 kg escape from the earth
[NCERT 1975; RPET 2003]
, radius of earth
(a) gr (b) [MP PET 1999]

(c) (d) (a) About (b) About

28. The escape velocity of a projectile from the earth is
(c) About (d) About
approximately [DPMT 1982, 84; RPMT 1997; BHU 1998]
36. The escape velocity for the earth is 11.2 km/sec. The
(a) 11.2 m/sec (b) 112 km/sec
mass of another planet is 100 times that of the earth and
(c) 11.2 km/sec (d) 11200 km/sec
its radius is 4 times that of the earth. The escape velocity
29. The escape velocity of a particle of mass m varies as for this planet will be [MP PMT 1999; Pb. PMT 2002]
[CPMT 1978; RPMT 1999; AIEEE 2002] (a) 112.0 km/s (b) 5.6 km/s
(a) (b) m (c) 280.0 km/s (d) 56.0 km/s
37. The escape velocity of a planet having mass 6 times and
(c) (d) radius 2 times as that of earth is
30. For the moon to cease to remain the earth's satellite, its [CPMT 1999; MP PET 2003; Pb. PET 2002]
orbital velocity has to increase by a factor of [MP PET
1994] (a) (b)
 414 Gravitation
and radius is 10 times that of earth
(c) (d) [DCE 2001; DPMT 2004]
38. The escape velocity of an object on a planet whose g (a) 112 km/s (b) 11.2 km/s
value is 9 times on earth and whose radius is 4 times that (c) 1.12 km/s (d) 3.7 km/s
of earth in km/s is [EAMCET 1994]
46. If the radius of a planet is R and its density is , the
(a) 67.2 (b) 33.6
escape velocity from its surface will be
(c) 16.8 (d) 25.2
[MP PMT 2001]
39. The escape velocity on earth is 11.2 km/s. On another
planet having twice radius and 8 times mass of the earth, (a) (b)
the escape velocity will be [Bihar CMEET 1995]
(a) 3.7 km/s (b) 11.2 km/s
(c) 22.4 km/s (d) 43.2 km/s (c) (d)
40. The escape velocity of a body on the surface of the earth 47. Escape velocity on the earth
is 11.2 km/s. If the earth's mass increases to twice its [BHU 2001]
present value and the radius of the earth becomes half, (a) Is less than that on the moon
the escape velocity would become (b) Depends upon the mass of the body
[CBSE PMT 1997] (c) Depends upon the direction of projection
(a) 5.6 km/s (d) Depends upon the height from which it is projected
(b) 11.2 km/s (remain unchanged) 48. If acceleration due to gravity on the surface of a planet is
two times that on surface of earth and its radius is double
(c) 22.4 km/s
that of earth. Then escape velocity from the surface of
(d) 44.8 km/s
that planet in comparison to earth will be [RPET 2001]
41. Given mass of the moon is 1/81 of the mass of the earth (a) 2 ve (b) 3 ve
and corresponding radius is 1/4 of the earth. If escape
(c) 4 ve (d) None of these
velocity on the earth surface is 11.2 km/s, the value of
49. The escape velocity of a rocket launched from the surface
same on the surface of the moon is
of the earth [UPSEAT 2001]
[CPMT 1997; AIIMS 2000; Pb. PMT 2001]
(a) Does not depend on the mass of the rocket
(a) 0.14 km/s (b) 0.5 km/s (b) Does not depend on the mass of the earth
(c) 2.5 km/s (d) 5 km/s (c) Depends on the mass of the planet towards which it
42. The angular velocity of rotation of star (of mass M and is moving
radius R) at which the matter start to escape from its (d) Depends on the mass of the rocket
equator will be [MH CET 1999]
50. The ratio of the radii of planets A and B is and ratio of
acceleration due to gravity on them is . The ratio of
(a) (b) escape velocities from them will be [BHU 2002]

(a) (b)
(c) (d)
43. The least velocity required to throw a body away from the
surface of a planet so that it may not return is (radius of (c) (d)

the planet is [AMU (Engg.) 51. A mass of is to be compressed in a sphere in

1999] such a way that the escape velocity from the sphere is

(a) (b) . Radius of the sphere should be

(c) (d) [UPSEAT 2002]

(a) 9 km (b) 9 m
44. How many times is escape velocity , of orbital (c) 9 cm (d) 9 mm
velocity for a satellite revolving near earth [RPMT 52. The escape velocity of a body on an imaginary planet
2000] which is thrice the radius of the earth and double the

(a) times (b) 2 times mass of the earth is is the escape velocity of earth)
[Kerala (Med.) 2002]
(c) 3 times (d) 4 times
45. Escape velocity on earth is 11.2 km/s. What would be the (a) (b)
escape velocity on a planet whose mass is 1000 times
 Gravitation 415

body of mass 100 kg would be

(c) (d) [DCE 2003]

53. Escape velocity on the surface of earth is . (a) (b)

Escape velocity from a planet whose mass is the same as
that of earth and radius 1/4 that of earth is (c) (d) None of these
[CBSE PMT 2000; JIPMER 2002; BHU 2004]
60. The acceleration due to gravity on a planet is same as
(a) 2.8 km/s (b) 15.6 km/s that on earth and its radius is four times that of earth.
(c) 22.4 km/s (d) 44.8 km/s What will be the value of escape velocity on that planet if
54. The velocity with which a projectile must be fired so that it
it is on earth [RPET 2002]
escapes earth’s gravitation does not depend on
[AIIMS 2003] (a) (b)
(a) Mass of the earth
(b) Mass of the projectile
(c) (d)
(c) Radius of the projectile’s orbit
61. If the radius of a planet is four times that of earth and the
(d) Gravitational constant value of g is same for both, the escape velocity on the
planet will be [RPET 2002]
55. The radius of a planet is of earth’s radius and its (a) (b)
acceleration due to gravity is double that of earth’s
acceleration due to gravity. How many times will the (c) (d) None
escape velocity at the planet’s surface be as compared to 62. If the radius and acceleration due to gravity both are
its value on earth’s surface [BCECE 2003; MH CET 2000] doubled, escape velocity of earth will become
[RPMT 2002]
(a) 11.2 km/s (b) 22.4 km/s
(a) (b)
(c) 5.6 km/s (d) 44.8 km/s
(c) (d) 2 63. A planet has twice the radius but the mean density is

56. The escape velocity for the earth is . The escape

velocity for a planet whose radius is four times and as compared to earth. What is the ratio of escape
density is nine times that of the earth, is velocity from earth to that from the planet
[MP PET 2003] [MH CET 2004]
(a) 3 : 1 (b) 1 : 2
(a) (b)
(c) 1 : 1 (d) 2 : 1
(c) (d)
64. The escape velocity from earth is A body is
57. The escape velocity for a body projected vertically
upwards from the surface of earth is 11 km/s. If the body projected with velocity with what constant velocity
is projected at an angle of 45o with the vertical, the will it move in the inter planetary space
escape velocity will be [DCE 2002]
[AIEEE 2003]
(a) (b)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

(c) 22 km/s (d) 11 km/s 65. A particle of mass 10 g is kept on the surface of a uniform
58. If V, R and g denote respectively the escape velocity sphere of mass 100 kg and radius 10 cm. Find the work
from the surface of the earth radius of the earth, and to be done against the gravitational force between them
acceleration due to gravity, then the correct equation is to take the particle far away from the sphere (you may
[MP PMT 2004]
take
[AIEEE 2005]
(a) 6.67 × 10–9 J (b) 6.67 × 10–10 J
(a) (b)
(c) 13.34 × 10–10 J (d) 3.33 × 10–10 J
(c) (d) 66. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the
59. The escape velocity for a body of mass 1 kg from the ratio of kinetic energy to potential energy is [CBSE PMT
2005]
earth surface is The escape velocity for a
 416 Gravitation
(a) 2 (b)
(d) and are not related
2. If r represents the radius of the orbit of a satellite of mass
m moving around a planet of mass M, the velocity of the
satellite is given by
[CPMT 1974; MP PMT 1987; RPMT 1999]
(c)

(d) (a) (b)

67. 3 particles each of mass m are kept at vertices of an
equilateral triangle of side L. The gravitational field at (c) (d)
centre due to these particles is 3. Select the correct statement from the following
[DCE 2005] [MP PMT 1993]
(a) The orbital velocity of a satellite increases with the
(a) Zero (b) radius of the orbit
(b) Escape velocity of a particle from the surface of the
earth depends on the speed with which it is fired
(c) (d) (c) The time period of a satellite does not depend on the
68. The value of escape velocity on a certain planet is 2 km/s. radius of the orbit
Then the value of orbital speed for a satellite orbiting (d) The orbital velocity is inversely proportional to the
close to its surface is [DCE 2005] square root of the radius of the orbit
(a) 12 km/s (b) 1 km/s 4. An earth satellite of mass m revolves in a circular orbit at
a height h from the surface of the earth. R is the radius of
(c) km/s (d) the earth and g is acceleration due to gravity at the
69. Four particles each of mass M, are located at the vertices surface of the earth. The velocity of the satellite in the
of a square with side L. The gravitational potential due to orbit is given by
this at the centre of the square is [NCERT 1983; AIEEE 2004]
[Kerala PET 2005]

(a) (b) gR
(a) (b)

(c) Zero (d) (c) (d)

70. There are two planets. The ratio of radius of the two 5. Consider a satellite going round the earth in an orbit.
planets is K but ratio of acceleration due to gravity of both Which of the following statements is wrong [NCERT 1966]
planets is g. What will be the ratio of their escape velocity (a) It is a freely falling body
[BHU 2005] (b) It suffers no acceleration
(c) It is moving with a constant speed
(a) (b)
(d) Its angular momentum remains constant
(c) (d)
6. Two satellites of masses and are
revolving round the earth in circular orbits of radius
and respectively. Which of the following
statements is true regarding their speeds and ?
[NCERT 1984; MNR 1995; BHU 1998]
Motion of Satellite
(a) (b)
1. If and represent the escape velocity and orbital
velocity of a satellite corresponding to a circular orbit of
radius R, then [CPMT 1982; MP PMT 1997;
(c) (d)
KCET (Engg./Med.) 1999; AIIMS 2002]
7. A satellite which is geostationary in a particular orbit is
(a) taken to another orbit. Its distance from the centre of
earth in new orbit is 2 times that of the earlier orbit. The
(b) time period in the second orbit is [NCERT 1984; MP PET
1997]
(c)
 Gravitation 417

(c) Moves faster than a near earth satellite

(a) 4.8 hours (b) hours
(d) Is stationary in the space
(c) 24 hours (d) hours 15. A small satellite is revolving near earth's surface. Its
orbital velocity will be nearly
8. The ratio of the K.E. required to be given to the satellite to
[CPMT 1987; Orissa JEE 2002; JIPMER 2001, 02]
escape earth's gravitational field to the K.E. required to be
given so that the satellite moves in a circular orbit just (a) 8 km/sec (b) 11.2 km/sec
above earth atmosphere is [NCERT 1975] (c) 4 km/sec (d) 6 km/sec
(a) One (b) Two 16. A satellite revolves around the earth in an elliptical orbit.
Its speed [NCERT 1981; MP PET 2001]
(c) Half (d) Infinity
(a) Is the same at all points in the orbit
9. An astronaut orbiting the earth in a circular orbit 120 km
(b) Is greatest when it is closest to the earth
above the surface of earth, gently drops a spoon out of
space-ship. The spoon will [NCERT 1971] (c) Is greatest when it is farthest from the earth
(a) Fall vertically down to the earth (d) Goes on increasing or decreasing continuously
depending upon the mass of the satellite
(b) Move towards the moon
17. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular
(c) Will move along with space-ship
orbit just above the earth's surface is v. For a satellite
(d) Will move in an irregular way then fall down to earth orbiting at an altitude of half of the earth's radius, the
10. The period of a satellite in a circular orbit around a planet orbital velocity is
is independent of [NCERT 1974; AIEEE 2004] [MNR 1994]
(a) The mass of the planet
(b) The radius of the planet
(c) The mass of the satellite (a) (b)
(d) All the three parameters (a), (b) and (c)
11. If a satellite is orbiting the earth very close to its surface, (c) (d)
then the orbital velocity mainly depends on [NCERT 1982]
18. In a satellite if the time of revolution is T, then K.E. is
(a) The mass of the satellite only proportional to [BHU 1995]
(b) The radius of the earth only
(c) The orbital radius only
(a) (b)
(d) The mass of the earth only
12. The relay satellite transmits the T.V. programme
(c) (d)
continuously from one part of the world to another
because its 19. If the height of a satellite from the earth is negligible in
[MNR 1984, 93] comparison to the radius of the earth R, the orbital
(a) Period is greater than the period of rotation of the velocity of the satellite is [MP PET 1995; RPET 2001]
earth (a) gR (b) gR/2
(b) Period is less than the period of rotation of the earth
about its axis (c) (d)
(c) Period has no relation with the period of the earth 20. Choose the correct statement from the following : The
about its axis radius of the orbit of a geostationary satellite depends
(d) Period is equal to the period of rotation of the earth upon
about its axis [MP PMT 1995]
(e) Mass is less than the mass of the earth (a) Mass of the satellite, its time period and the
13. Two satellites A and B go round a planet P in circular gravitational constant
orbits having radii 4R and R respectively. If the speed of (b) Mass of the satellite, mass of the earth and the
the satellite A is 3V, the speed of the satellite B will be. gravitational constant
[MNR 1991; AIIMS 1995; UPSEAT 2000] (c) Mass of the earth, mass of the satellite, time period of
(a) 12 V (b) 6 V the satellite and the gravitational constant
(d) Mass of the earth, time period of the satellite and the
gravitational constant
(c) (d)
14. A geostationary satellite [CPMT 1990]
21. Out of the following, the only incorrect statement about
satellites is [Haryana CEE 1996]
(a) Revolves about the polar axis
(a) A satellite cannot move in a stable orbit in a plane
(b) Has a time period less than that of the near earth
passing through the earth's centre
satellite
 418 Gravitation
(b) Geostationary satellites are launched in the 29. Which one of the following statements regarding artificial
equatorial plane satellite of the earth is incorrect [NDA 1995; MP PMT 2000]
(c) We can use just one geostationary satellite for global (a) The orbital velocity depends on the mass of the
communication around the globe satellite
(d) The speed of a satellite increases with an increase in (b) A minimum velocity of 8 km/sec is required by a
the radius of its orbit satellite to orbit quite close to the earth
22. A satellite is moving around the earth with speed v in a (c) The period of revolution is large if the radius of its
circular orbit of radius r. If the orbit radius is decreased by orbit is large
1%, its speed will [MP PET 1996, 99, 2002] (d) The height of a geostationary satellite is about 36000
(a) Increase by 1% (b) Increase by 0.5% km from earth
(c) Decrease by 1% (d) Decrease by 0.5% 30. A ball is dropped from a spacecraft revolving around the
23. Orbital velocity of an artificial satellite does not depend earth at a height of 120 km. What will happen to the ball
upon [MP PMT 1996] [CBSE PMT 1996; CPMT 2001; BHU 1999]
(a) Mass of the earth (a) It will continue to move with velocity v along the
(b) Mass of the satellite original orbit of spacecraft
(c) Radius of the earth (b) It will move with the same speed tangentially to the
(d) Acceleration due to gravity spacecraft
24. The time period of a geostationary satellite is (c) It will fall down to the earth gradually
[EAMCET 1994; MP PMT 1999] (d) It will go very far in the space
(a) 24 hours (b) 12 hours 31. A satellite whose mass is M, is revolving in circular orbit
(c) 365 days (d) One month of radius r around the earth. Time of revolution of satellite
is
25. Orbital velocity of earth's satellite near the surface is 7
km/s. When the radius of the orbit is 4 times than that of [AMU 1999]
earth's radius, then orbital velocity in that orbit is
[EAMCET (Engg.) 1995]
(a) (b)
(a) 3.5 km/s (b) 7 km/s
(c) 72 km/s (d) 14 km/s
26. Two identical satellites are at R and 7R away from earth
(c) (d)
surface, the wrong statement is (R = Radius of earth)
32. An artificial satellite is placed into a circular orbit around
[RPMT 1997]
earth at such a height that it always remains above a
(a) Ratio of total energy will be 4 definite place on the surface of earth. Its height from the
(b) Ratio of kinetic energies will be 4 surface of earth is [AMU 1999]
(c) Ratio of potential energies will be 4 (a) 6400 km (b) 4800 km
(d) Ratio of total energy will be 4 but ratio of potential (c) 32000 km (d) 36000 km
and kinetic energies will be 2 33. The weight of an astronaut, in an artificial satellite
27. For a satellite escape velocity is 11 km/s. If the satellite is revolving around the earth, is
launched at an angle of 60° with the vertical, then escape [BHU 1999]
velocity will be [CBSE PMT 1993; RPMT 1997] (a) Zero
(b) Equal to that on the earth
(a) 11 km/s (b) km/s (c) More than that on the earth
(d) Less than that on the earth
(c) km/s (d) 33 km/s 34. In the following four periods [AMU 2000]

28. The mean radius of the earth is R, its angular speed on (i) Time of revolution of a satellite just above the earth’s

its own axis is and the acceleration due to gravity at surface

earth's surface is g. The cube of the radius of the orbit of (ii) Period of oscillation of mass inside the tunnel bored
a geostationary satellite will be
along the diameter of the earth
[CBSE PMT 1992]
(iii) Period of simple pendulum having a length equal to
(a) (b)
the earth’s radius in a uniform field of 9.8 N/kg
(c) (d) (iv) Period of an infinite length simple pendulum in the
earth’s real gravitational field
 Gravitation 419

(a) (b)

(c) (d) (c) (d)

35. The periodic time of a communication satellite is 42. A geo-stationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a height
[MP PMT 2000] of 6 R above the surface of earth, R being the radius of
(a) 6 hours (b) 12 hours earth. The time period of another satellite at a height of
2.5 R from the surface of earth is
(c) 18 hours (d) 24 hours
[UPSEAT 2002; AMU (Med.) 2002; Pb. PET 2003]
36. The orbital speed of an artificial satellite very close to the
surface of the earth is . Then the orbital speed of (a) 10 hr (b)
another artificial satellite at a height equal to three times
the radius of the earth is [Kerala (Engg.) 2001] (c) 6 hr (d)

(a) (b) 43. The distance between centre of the earth and moon is

(c) (d) 384000 km. If the mass of the earth is and

37. Which of the following statements is correct in respect of . The speed of the moon is
a geostationary satellite [MP PET 2001] nearly
(a) It moves in a plane containing the Greenwich [MH CET 2002]
meridian (a) 1 km/sec (b) 4 km/sec
(b) It moves in a plane perpendicular to the celestial
(c) 8 km/sec (d) 11.2 km/sec
equatorial plane
44. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius ‘R’
(c) Its height above the earth’s surface is about the same
around earth while a second satellite is launched into an
as the radius of the earth
orbit of radius 1.02 R. The percentage difference in the
(d) Its height above the earth’s surface is about six times time periods of the two satellites is
the radius of the earth [EAMCET 2003]
38. The distance of a geo-stationary satellite from the centre (a) 0.7 (b) 1.0
of the earth (Radius R = 6400 km) is nearest to
(c) 1.5 (d) 3
[AFMC 2001]
45. Where can a geostationary satellite be installed
(a) 5 R (b) 7 R
[MP PMT 2004]
(c) 10 R (d) 18 R
(a) Over any city on the equator
39. If Gravitational constant is decreasing in time, what will
(b) Over the north or south pole
remain unchanged in case of a satellite orbiting around
earth [DCE 1999, 2001] (c) At height R above earth
(a) Time period (b) Orbiting radius (d) At the surface of earth
(c) Tangential velocity (d) Angular velocity 46. Distance of geostationary satellite from the surface of
40. Periodic time of a satellite revolving above Earth’s surface earth in terms of is [Pb. PET
at a height equal to R, radius of Earth, is 2000]
[g is acceleration due to gravity at Earth’s surface] (a) (b)
[MP PMT 2002]
(c) (d)
47. A satellite is to revolve round the earth in a circle of
(a) (b) radius 8000 km. The speed at which this satellite be
projected into an orbit, will be
[Pb. PET 2002]
(c) (d) (a) (b)
41. Given radius of Earth ‘R’ and length of a day ‘T’ the height
of a geostationary satellite is [G–Gravitational Constant, (c) (d)
M–Mass of Earth] [MP PMT 2002] 48. Two satellite A and B, ratio of masses 3 : 1 are in circular
orbits of radii r and 4r. Then ratio of total mechanical
energy of A to B is [DCE 2002]

(a) (b) (a) 1 : 3 (b) 3 : 1

(c) 3 : 4 (d) 12 : 1
49. The orbital velocity of a planet revolving close to earth's
surface is [RPMT 2002, 03]
 420 Gravitation
(e) Kinetic energy
(a) (b) 57. If satellite is shifted towards the earth. Then time period of
satellite will be [RPMT 2000]
(a) Increase (b) Decrease
(c) (d) (c) Unchanged (d) Nothing can be said
50. If the gravitational force between two objects were 58. Which of the following quantities does not depend upon
the orbital radius of the satellite
proportional to 1/R (and not as where R is
[DCE 2000,03]
separation between them, then a particle in circular orbit
under such a force would have its orbital speed v
proportional to [CBSE PMT 1994; JIPMER 2001, 02] (a) (b)
(a) (b)

(c) (d) 1/R (c) (d)

59. The time period of a satellite of earth is 5 hours. If the
51. A satellite moves around the earth in a circular orbit of
separation between the earth and the satellite is
radius r with speed v. If the mass of the satellite is M, its
increased to four times the previous value, the new time
total energy is [MP PMT 2001]
period will become [AIIMS 1995; AIEEE 2003]
(a) 20 hours (b) 10 hours
(a) (b) (c) 80 hours (d) 40 hours
60. A satellite moves round the earth in a circular orbit of
radius R making one revolution per day. A second
(c) (d)
satellite moving in a circular orbit, moves round the earth
52. A satellite with kinetic energy is revolving round the once in 8 days. The radius of the orbit of the second
earth in a circular orbit. How much more kinetic energy satellite is
should be given to it so that it may just escape into outer [UPSEAT 2004]
space [KCET (Engg./Med.) 2001] (a) 8 R (b) 4R
(c) 2R (d) R
(a) (b) 2 61. A person sitting in a chair in a satellite feels weightless
because [UPSEAT 2004]
(c) (d) 3 (a) The earth does not attract the objects in a satellite
53. Potential energy of a satellite having mass ‘m’ and (b) The normal force by the chair on the person balances
the earth's attraction
rotating at a height of from the earth surface (c) The normal force is zero
is
(d) The person in satellite is not accelerated
[AIIMS 2000; CBSE PMT 2001; BHU 2001] 62. Two satellites A and B go round a planet in circular orbits
(a) (b) having radii 4R and R, respectively. If the speed of
satellite A is 3v, then speed of satellite B is
(c) (d) [Pb. PET 2004]
54. When a satellite going round the earth in a circular orbit of
radius r and speed v loses some of its energy, then r and (a) (b)
v change as [JIPMER 2002; EAMCET 2000]
(a) r and v both with increase (c) (d)
(b) r and v both will decrease
(c) r will decrease and v will increase 63. If (instead of then the relation between
(d) r will decrease and v will decrease time period of a satellite near earth's surface and radius R
55. An earth satellite S has an orbit radius which is 4 times will be [RPMT 2002]
that of a communication satellite C. The period of
(a) (b)
revolution of S is
[MP PMT 1994; DCE 1999] (c) (d)
(a) 4 days (b) 8 days 64. To an astronaut in a spaceship, the sky appears
(c) 16 days (d) 32 days [KCET 1994]
56. Which is constant for a satellite in orbit (a) Black (b) White
[Bihar CMEET 1995] (c) Green (d) Blue
(a) Velocity (b) Angular momentum
(c) Potential energy (d) Acceleration
 Gravitation 421

65. A geostationary satellite is revolving around the earth. To (c) A parabola (d) A straight line
make it escape from gravitational field of earth, is velocity 5. If a body describes a circular motion under inverse
must be increased [J&K CET 2005] square field, the time taken to complete one revolution T
(a) 100% (b) 41.4% is related to the radius of the circular orbit as
(c) 50% (d) 59.6% [NCERT 1975; RPMT 2000]
66. A satellite moves in a circle around the earth. The radius
(a) (b)
of this circle is equal to one half of the radius of the
moon’s orbit. The satellite completes one revolution in (c) (d)
[J&K CET 2005] 6. If the earth is at one-fourth of its present distance from
the sun, the duration of the year will be [EAMCET 1987]
(a) lunar month (b) lunar month (a) Half the present year
(b) One-eighth the present year
(c) lunar month (d) lunar month
(c) One-fourth the present year
67. A satellite of mass m is placed at a distance r from the
(d) One-sixth the present year
centre of earth (mass M). The mechanical energy of the
satellite is 7. The earth revolves about the sun in an elliptical orbit with
[J&K CET 2005]
mean radius in a period of 1 year. Assuming
that there are no outside influences
(a) (b) (a) The earth's kinetic energy remains constant
(b) The earth's angular momentum remains constant
(c) (d) (c) The earth's potential energy remains constant
(d) All are correct
Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion 8. Venus looks brighter than other planets because
[MNR 1985]
1. The distance of neptune and saturn from sun are nearly
(a) It is heavier than other planets
and meters respectively. Assuming that they
(b) It has higher density than other planets
move in circular orbits, their periodic times will be in the
(c) It is closer to the earth than other planets
ratio [NCERT 1975; CBSE PMT 1994; MP PET 2001]
(d) It has no atmosphere
(a) (b) 100 9. A planet moves around the sun. At a given point P, it is

(c) (d) closest from the sun at a distance and has a speed
2. The figure shows the motion of a planet around the sun in . At another point Q, when it is farthest from the sun
an elliptical orbit with sun at the focus. The shaded areas
A and B are also shown in the figure which can be at a distance , its speed will be [MP PMT 1987; DCE
2002]
assumed to be equal. If and represent the time for
the planet to move from a to b and d to c respectively,
then (a) (b)
[CPMT 1986, 88]

(c) (d)
(a)
10. The orbital speed of Jupiter is [MNR 1986; UPSEAT 2000]
(b) (a) Greater than the orbital speed of earth
(c) (b) Less than the orbital speed of earth
(c) Equal to the orbital speed of earth
(d)
(d) Zero
3. The period of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius R is T,
11. Two planets move around the sun. The periodic times
the period of another satellite in a circular orbit of radius
4R is and the mean radii of the orbits are and
[CPMT 1982; MP PET/PMT 1998; AIIMS 2000; CBSE PMT
respectively. The ratio is equal to
2002]
[CPMT 1978]
(a) 4T (b) T/4
(c) 8T (d) T/8 (a) (b)
4. Orbit of a planet around a star is [CPMT 1982]
(a) A circle (b) An ellipse (c) (d)
 422 Gravitation
12. Kepler's second law regarding constancy of aerial velocity 19. The earth E moves in an elliptical orbit with the sun S at
of a planet is a consequence of the law of conservation of one of the foci as shown in figure. Its speed of motion will
[CPMT 1990; AIIMS 2002] be maximum at the point [BHU 1994; CPMT 1997]
(a) Energy (b) Angular momentum
(c) Linear momentum (d) None of these (a) C
13. The largest and the shortest distance of the earth from (b) A
the sun are and , its distance from the sun when it (c) B
is at the perpendicular to the major axis of the orbit drawn (d) D
from the sun 20. The period of revolution of planet A around the sun is 8
[CBSE PMT 1991] times that of B. The distance of A from the sun is how
many times greater than that of B from the sun
[CBSE PMT 1997; BHU 2001]
(a) (b) (a) 2 (b) 3
(c) 4 (d) 5
21. If the radius of earth's orbit is made 1/4, the duration of an
(c) (d)
year will become [BHU 1998; JIPMER 2001, 2002]
14. The rotation period of an earth satellite close to the
(a) 8 times (b) 4 times
surface of the earth is 83 minutes. The time period of
(c) 1/8 times (d) 1/4 times
another earth satellite in an orbit at a distance of three
earth radii from its surface will be 22. Planetary system in the solar system describes
[MP PMT 1994] [DCE 1999]
(a) Conservation of energy
(a) 83 minutes (b) minutes (b) Conservation of linear momentum
(c) 664 minutes (d) 249 minutes (c) Conservation of angular momentum
15. A satellite of mass m is circulating around the earth with (d) None of these
23. If mass of a satellite is doubled and time period remain
constant angular velocity. If radius of the orbit is and
constant the ratio of orbit in the two cases will be
mass of the earth M, the angular momentum about the
centre of the earth is [MP PMT 1996; RPMT 2000] [RPET 2000]
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 1
(a) (b) (c) 1 : 3 (d) None of these
24. The earth revolves round the sun in one year. If the
distance between them becomes double, the new period
(c) (d) of revolution will be [MP PET 2000]
16. According to Kepler, the period of revolution of a planet
(a) 1/2 year (b) years
(T) and its mean distance from the sun (r) are related by
(c) 4 years (d) 8 years
the equation
25. Kepler discovered [DCE 2000]
[EAMCET (Med.) 1995; MH CET 2000; Pb. PET 2001]
(a) Laws of motion
(a) constant (b) constant (b) Laws of rotational motion
(c) Laws of planetory motion
(c) constant (d) constant
(d) Laws of curvilinear motion
17. A planet revolves around sun whose mean distance is
26. In the solar system, which is conserved [DCE 2001]
1.588 times the mean distance between earth and sun.
The revolution time of planet will be (a) Total Energy (b) K.E.
[RPET 1997] (c) Angular Velocity (d) Linear Momentum
(a) 1.25 years (b) 1.59 years 27. The maximum and minimum distances of a comet from
(c) 0.89 years (d) 2 years the sun are and . If its velocity
18. A satellite A of mass m is at a distance of r from the when nearest to the sun is 60 m/s, what will be its velocity
centre of the earth. Another satellite B of mass 2m is at a in m/s when it is farthest [Orissa 2001]
distance of 2r from the earth's centre. Their time periods (a) 12 (b) 60
are in the ratio of
(c) 112 (d) 6
[CBSE PMT 1993]
28. A body revolved around the sun 27 times faster then the
(a) 1 : 2 (b) 1 : 16 earth what is the ratio of their radii [DPMT 2002]

(c) 1 : 32 (d) (a) 1/3 (b) 1/9

(c) 1/27 (d) 1/4
 Gravitation 423

29. The period of moon’s rotation around the earth is nearly

29 days. If moon’s mass were 2 fold, its present value
(c) (d) 4 L
and all other things remained unchanged, the period of
37. According to Kepler’s law the time period of a satellite
moon’s rotation would be nearly [Kerala (Engg.) 2002]
varies with its radius as [Orissa JEE 2003]

(a) days (b) days (a) (b)

(c) 29 × 2 days (d) 29 days
(c) (d)
30. Two planets at mean distance and from the sun
38. In planetary motion the areal velocity of position vector of
and their frequencies are n1 and n2 respectively then
[Kerala (Med.) 2002] a planet depends on angular velocity and the
distance of the planet from sun (r). If so the correct
(a) (b) relation for areal velocity is [EAMCET 2003]

(c) (d)
31. Which of the following astronomer first proposed that sun (a) (b)
is static and earth rounds sun
[AFMC 2002]
(c) (d)
(a) Copernicus (b) Kepler
39. The ratio of the distances of two planets from the sun is
(c) Galileo (d) None
1.38. The ratio of their period of revolution around the sun
32. The distance of a planet from the sun is 5 times the is [Kerala PMT 2004]
distance between the earth and the sun. The time period
of the planet is [UPSEAT 2003] (a) 1.38 (b)

(a) years (b) years (c) (d)

(c) years (d) years (e)
33. A planet is revolving around the sun as shown in elliptical 40. Kepler's second law (law of areas) is nothing but a
path [UPSEAT 2003] statement of
[UPSEAT 2004]
(a) Work energy theorem
(b) Conservation of linear momentum
(c) Conservation of angular momentum
(d) Conservation of energy
The correct option is 41. In an elliptical orbit under gravitational force, in general
(a) The time taken in travelling DAB is less than that for [UPSEAT 2004]
BCD
(a) Tangential velocity is constant
(b) The time taken in travelling DAB is greater than that
(b) Angular velocity is constant
for BCD
(c) Radial velocity is constant
(c) The time taken in travelling CDA is less than that for
ABC (d) Areal velocity is constant
(d) The time taken in travelling CDA is greater than that 42. If a new planet is discovered rotating around Sun with
for ABC the orbital radius double that of earth, then what will be its
34. In the previous question the orbital velocity of the planet time period (in earth's days) [DCE 2004]
will be minimum at [UPSEAT 2003; RPET 2002] (a) 1032 (b) 1023
(a) A (b) B (c) 1024 (d) 1043
(c) C (d) D 43. Suppose the law of gravitational attraction suddenly
35. The radius of orbit of a planet is two times that of the changes and becomes an inverse cube law i.e.
earth. The time period of planet is
, but still remaining a central force. Then
[BHU 2003; CPMT 2004]
[UPSEAT 2002]
(a) 4.2 years (b) 2.8 years
(a) Keplers law of areas still holds
(c) 5.6 years (d) 8.4 years
36. The orbital angular momentum of a satellite revolving at a (b) Keplers law of period still holds
distance r from the centre is L. If the distance is increased (c) Keplers law of areas and period still hold
to 16r, then the new angular momentum will be (d) Neither the law of areas, nor the law of period still
[MP PET 2003] holds
(a) 16 L (b) 64 L 44. What does not change in the field of central force
 424 Gravitation
[MP PMT 2004]
(a) Potential energy (b) Kinetic energy
(a) (b)
(c) Linear momentum (d) Angular momentum
45. The eccentricity of earth's orbit is 0.0167. The ratio of its
maximum speed in its orbit to its minimum speed is (c) (d)
[NCERT 1973]
(a) 2.507 (b) 1.033
(c) 8.324 (d) 1.000
46. The mass of a planet that has a moon whose time period
and orbital radius are T and R respectively can be written
as 1. Imagine a light planet revolving around a very massive
star in a circular orbit of radius R with a period of
[AMU 1995]
revolution T. If the gravitational force of attraction
(a) (b)
between planet and star is proportional to , then
(c) (d)
is proportional to
47. If orbital velocity of planet is given by , then [IIT 1989; RPMT 1997]
[EAMCET 1994] (a) (b)
(a) (c) (d)
(b) 2. The magnitudes of the gravitational force at distances

(c) and from the centre of a uniform sphere of radius R

(d) and mass M are and respectively. Then [IIT 1994]

48. Hubble's law states that the velocity with which milky way
is moving away from the earth is proportional to (a) if and
[Kerala PMT 2004]
(a) Square of the distance of the milky way from the
earth (b) if and
(b) Distance of milky way from the earth
(c) Mass of the milky way (c) if and
(d) Product of the mass of the milky way and its distance
from the earth
(e) Mass of the earth (d) if and
49. Two satellite are revolving around the earth with velocities 3. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the
earth. The mass of the satellite is very small compared to
and and in radii and respectively. the mass of earth [IIT 1998]
Then
(a) The acceleration of S is always directed towards the
[BHU 2005] centre of the earth
(a) (b) (b) The angular momentum of S about the centre of the
earth changes in direction but its magnitude remains
constant
(c) (d) (c) The total mechanical energy of S varies periodically
50. The condition for a uniform spherical mass m of radius r with time
to be a black hole is [G= gravitational constant and g= (d) The linear momentum of S remains constant in
acceleration due to gravity] [AIIMS 2005] magnitude
4. A mass M is split into two parts, m and (M–m), which are
(a) (b) then separated by a certain distance. What ratio of m/M
maximizes the gravitational force between the two parts
(c) (d) [AMU 2000]
51. Earth is revolving around the sun if the distance of the (a) 1/3 (b) 1/2
Earth from the Sun is reduced to 1/4th of the present (c) 1/4 (d) 1/5
distance then the present day length reduced by
[BHU 2005]
 Gravitation 425

5. Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the 11. An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit around the
power of distance. Then the time period of a planet in earth has a total (kinetic + potential) energy . Its
circular orbit of radius R around the sun will be potential energy is [IIT 1997 Cancelled; MH CET 2002;
proportional to MP PMT 2000]
[AIEEE 2004]
(a) (b)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

12. A rocket of mass M is launched vertically from the surface
(c) (d) of the earth with an initial speed V. Assuming the radius
of the earth to be R and negligible air resistance, the
6. If the radius of the earth were to shrink by 1% its mass
maximum height attained by the rocket above the surface
remaining the same, the acceleration due to gravity on
of the earth is
the earth's surface would
[AMU 1995]
[IIT 1981; CPMT 1981; MP PMT 1996, 97;
Roorkee 1992; MP PET 1999; Kerala PMT 2004]
(a) Decrease by 2% (b) Remain unchanged (a) (b)
(c) Increase by 2% (d) Increase by 1%
7. The radius and mass of earth are increased by 0.5%.
Which of the following statements are true at the surface (c) (d)
of the earth [Roorkee 2000] 13. A solid sphere of uniform
(a) g will increase density and radius 4 units
(b) g will decrease is located with its centre at
(c) Escape velocity will remain unchanged the origin O of coordinates.
(d) Potential energy will remain unchanged Two spheres of equal radii
8. In order to make the effective acceleration due to gravity 1 unit with their centres at
equal to zero at the equator, the angular velocity of A(– 2, 0, 0) and B(2, 0, 0)
respectively are taken out
rotation of the earth about its axis should be of the solid leaving behind
and radius of earth is 6400 kms) spherical cavities as shown in figure
[Roorkee 2000] [IIT 1993]
(a) The gravitational force due to this object at the origin
is zero
(a) (b)
(b) The gravitational force at the point B (2, 0, 0) is zero
(c) The gravitational potential is the same at all points of
(c) (d)
the circle
9. A simple pendulum has a time period when on the
(d) The gravitational potential is the same at all points on
earth’s surface and when taken to a height R above
the circle
the earth’s surface, where R is the radius of the earth.
14. Two bodies of masses and are initially at rest at
The value of is [IIT-JEE 2001]
infinite distance apart. They are then allowed to move
(a) 1 (b) towards each other under mutual gravitational attraction.
Their relative velocity of approach at a separation
(c) 4 (d) 2
distance r between them is [BHU 1994; RPET 1999]
10. A body of mass m is taken from earth surface to the
height h equal to radius of earth, the increase in potential
energy will be (a) (b)
[NCERT 1971; CPMT 1971, 97; IIT 1983;
CBSE PMT 1991; Kurukshetra CEE 1996;
CMEET Bihar 1995; MNR 1998; AIEEE 2004]
(c) (d)
15. A projectile is projected with velocity in vertically
(a) mgR (b)
upward direction from the ground into the space. ( is

(c) 2 mgR (d) escape velocity and . If air resistance is considered

to be negligible then the maximum height from the centre
of earth to which it can go, will be : (R = radius of earth)
[Roorkee 1999; RPET 1999]
 426 Gravitation

(a) (b)

3. By which curve will the variation of gravitational potential

(c) (d)
of a hollow sphere of radius R with distance be depicted
16. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R
around the earth. A second satellite is launched into an
orbit of radius (1.01)R. The period of the second satellite
is larger than that of the first one by approximately [IIT
1995] (a) (b)
(a) 0.5% (b) 1.0%
(c) 1.5% (d) 3.0%
17. If the distance between the earth and the sun becomes
half its present value, the number of days in a year would
have been [IIT 1996; RPET 1996]
(a) 64.5 (b) 129
(c) 182.5 (d) 730
18. A geostationary satellite orbits around the earth in a (c) (d)
circular orbit of radius 36000 km. Then, the time period of
a satellite orbiting a few hundred kilometres above the
earth’s surface will approximately be
[IIT-JEE (Screening) 2002] 4. A sphere of mass M and radius R2 has a concentric cavity
(a) 1/2 h (b) 1 h of radius R1 as shown in figure. The force F exerted by
(c) 2 h (d) 4 h the sphere on a particle of mass m located at a distance r
from the centre of sphere varies as

1. Assuming the earth to have a constant density, point out

which of the following curves show the variation of
acceleration due to gravity from the centre of earth to the
points far away from the surface of earth
[AMU (Engg.) 2000]

(a) (b)

(a) (b)

(c) (d) None of these (c) (d)

5. Which one of the following graphs represents correctly

the variation of the gravitational field (F) with the distance
2. The diagram showing the variation of gravitational
(r) from the centre of a spherical shell of mass M and
potential of earth with distance from the centre of earth is
radius a

(a) (b)
(a) (b)

(c) (d)
(c) (d)
 Gravitation 427

10. A shell of mass M and radius R has a point mass m

6. Suppose, the acceleration due to gravity at the earth’s placed at a distance r from its centre. The gravitational
surface is 10 m/s2 and at the surface of Mars it is 4.0 potential energy U (r) vs r will be
m/s2. A 60 kg passenger goes from the earth to the Mars
in a spaceship moving with a constant velocity. Neglect all
other objects in the sky. Which part of figure best (a) (b)
represents the weight (net gravitational force)of the
passenger as a function of time.

(c) (d)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D

7. Which of the following graphs represents the motion of a

planet moving about the sun [NCERT 1983]

(a) (b) Read the assertion and reason carefully to mark the correct
option out of the options given below:
(a) If both assertion and reason are true and the reason is
the correct explanation of the assertion.
(b) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the
(c) (d) correct explanation of the assertion.
(c) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) If the assertion and reason both are false.
(e) If assertion is false but reason is true.
8. The curves for potential energy (U) and kinetic energy
of a two particle system are shown in figure. At 1. Assertion :
what points the system will be bound? Smaller the orbit of the planet around the
sun, shorter is the time it takes to complete
one revolution.
(a) Only at point D
Reason : According to Kepler’s third law of planetary
(b) Only at point A
motion, square of time period is
(c) At point D and A proportional to cube of mean distance from
(d) At points A, B and C sun.
2. Assertion :
9. The correct graph representing the variation of total Gravitational force between two particles
is negligibly small compared to the
energy kinetic energy and potential energy (U)
electrical force.
of a satellite with its distance from the centre of earth is
Reason : The electrical force is experienced by
charged particles only.
3. Assertion :
(a) (b)
The universal gravitational constant is
same as acceleration due to gravity.
Reason : Gravitational constant and acceleration due
to gravity have same dimensional formula.
4. Assertion :
The value of acceleration due to gravity
(c) (d)
 428 Gravitation
does not depend upon mass of the body on 13. Assertion :
which force is applied. A planet moves faster, when it is closer to
Reason : Acceleration due to gravity is a constant the sun in its orbit and vice versa.
quantity. Reason : Orbital velocity in orbital of planet is
5. Assertion : constant.
If a pendulum is suspended in a lift and 14. Assertion :
lift is falling freely, then its time period Orbital velocity of a satellite is greater
becomes infinite. than its escape velocity.
Reason : Free falling body has acceleration equal to Reason : Orbit of a satellite is within the gravitational
acceleration due to gravity. field of earth whereas escaping is beyond
6. Assertion : the gravitational field of earth.
If earth suddenly stops rotating about its 15. Assertion :
axis, then the value of acceleration due to If an earth satellite moves to a lower
gravity will become same at all the places. orbit, there is some dissipation of energy
Reason : The value of acceleration due to gravity is but the satellite speed increases.
independent of rotation of earth. Reason : The speed of satellite is a constant quantity.
7. Assertion : 16. Assertion :
The difference in the value of Earth has an atmosphere but the moon
acceleration due to gravity at pole and does not.
equator is proportional to square of angular Reason : Moon is very small in comparison to earth.
velocity of earth. 17. Assertion :
Reason : The value of acceleration due to gravity is The time period of geostationary satellite
minimum at the equator and maximum at is 24 hours.
the pole. Reason : Geostationary satellite must have the same
8. Assertion : time period as the time taken by the earth
There is no effect of rotation of earth on to complete one revolution about its axis.
acceleration due to gravity at poles. 18. Assertion :
Reason : Rotation of earth is about polar axis. The principle of superposition is not valid
9. Assertion : for gravitational force.
A force act upon the earth revolving in a Reason : Gravitational force is a conservative force.
circular orbit about the sun. Hence work 19. Assertion :
should be done on the earth. Two different planets have same escape
Reason : The necessary centripetal force for circular velocity.
motion of earth comes from the Reason : Value of escape velocity is a universal
gravitational force between earth and sun. constant.
10. Assertion : 20. Assertion :
The ratio of inertial mass to gravitational The time period of revolution of a satellite
mass is equal to one. close to surface of earth is smaller than that
Reason : The inertial mass and gravitational mass of revolving away from surface of earth.
a body are equivalent. Reason : The square of time period of revolution of a
11. Assertion : satellite is directly proportional to cube of its
Gravitational potential of earth at every orbital radius.
place on it is negative. 21. Assertion :
Reason : Every body on earth is bound by the When distance between two bodies is
attraction of earth. doubled and also mass of each body is also
12. Assertion : doubled, gravitational force between them
Even when orbit of a satellite is elliptical, remains the same.
its plane of rotation passes through the Reason : According to Newton’s law of gravitation,
centre of earth. force is directly proportional to mass of
Reason : According to law of conservation of angular bodies and inversely proportional to square
momentum plane of rotation of satellite of distance between them.
always remain same. 22. Assertion :
Generally the path of a projectile from the
 Gravitation 429

earth is parabolic but it is elliptical for Reason : Orbital velocity of a satellite, become
projectiles going to a very large height. independent of height of near satellite.
Reason : The path of a projectile is independent of 32. Assertion :
the gravitational force of earth. Gravitational field is zero both at centre
23. Assertion : and infinity.
A body becomes weightless at the centre Reason : The dimensions of gravitational field is
of earth.
.
Reason : As the distance from centre of earth
33. Assertion :
decreases, acceleration due to gravity
For the planets orbiting around the sun,
increases.
angular speed, linear speed, K.E. changes
24. Assertion :
with time, but angular momentum remains
Space rockets are usually launched in
constant.
the equatorial line from west to east.
Reason : No torque is acting on the rotating planet.
Reason : The acceleration due to gravity is minimum
So its angular momentum is constant.
at the equator.
25. Assertion :
The binding energy of a satellite does not
depend upon the mass of the satellite.
Reason : Binding energy is the negative value of total
energy of satellite.
26. Assertion : Newton’s Law of Gravitation
We can not move even a finger without
disturbing all the stars. 1 a 2 b 3 b 4 b 5 a
Reason : Every body in this universe attracts every
6 d 7 b 8 c 9 c 10 d
other body with a force which is inversely
proportional to the square of distance 11 d 12 a 13 d 14 a 15 d
between them. 16 b 17 c 18 a 19 c 20 a
27. Assertion : 21 a 22 a 23 e 24 c
If earth were a hollow sphere,
gravitational field intensity at any point
inside the earth would be zero. Acceleration Due to Gravity
Reason : Net force on a body inside the sphere is
1 d 2 b 3 d 4 a 5 b
zero.
28. Assertion : 6 a 7 b 8 d 9 b 10 b
For a satellite revolving very near to 11 c 12 a 13 b 14 c 15 a
earth’s surface the time period of revolution 16 c 17 c 18 c 19 a 20 d
is given by 1 hour 24 minutes.
21 a 22 c 23 d 24 b 25 a
Reason : The period of revolution of a satellite
depends only upon its height above the 26 d 27 b 28 b 29 b 30 a
earth’s surface. 31 b 32 a 33 c 34 b 35 c
29. Assertion :
36 a 37 d 38 b 39 c 40 b
A person sitting in an artificial satellite
revolving around the earth feels weightless. 41 c 42 b 43 c 44 b 45 c

Reason : There is no gravitational force on the 46 b 47 a 48 a 49 b 50 a

satellite. 51 a 52 a 53 c 54 a 55 c
30. Assertion :
56 d 57 a 58 d 59 b 60 c
The speed of satellite always remains
constant in an orbit. 61 b 62 a 63 c 64 a 65 c
Reason : The speed of a satellite depends on its 66 a 67 d 68 d 69 a 70 a
path. 71 a 72 b 73 b 74 b 75 d
31. Assertion :
76 a 77 d 78 a 79 a 80 b
The speed of revolution of an artificial
satellite revolving very near the earth is 81 a 82 a 83 d 84 a 85 b
86 b 87 b
.
 430 Gravitation
Gravitation Potential, Energy and Escape 51 c
Velocity
1 c 2 a 3 d 4 a 5 d
6 a 7 b 8 c 9 c 10 c
11 d 12 a 13 b 14 b 15 a
16 d 17 c 18 a 19 b 20 b
21 c 22 b 23 a 24 c 25 a
26 b 27 b 28 c 29 c 30 b
31 a 32 b 33 c 34 a 35 c
36 d 37 a 38 a 39 c 40 c
41 c 42 c 43 d 44 a 45 a
46 b 47 d 48 a 49 a 50 b
51 d 52 a 53 c 54 b 55 a
56 b 57 d 58 d 59 b 60 b
61 c 62 b 63 c 64 c 65 b
66 b 67 a 68 c 69 a 70 a

Motion of Satellite
1 b 2 d 3 d 4 d 5 b
6 b 7 b 8 b 9 c 10 c
11 b 12 d 13 b 14 a 15 a
16 b 17 c 18 d 19 d 20 d
21 d 22 b 23 b 24 a 25 a
26 d 27 a 28 d 29 a 30 a
31 b 32 d 33 a 34 c 35 d
36 c 37 d 38 b 39 c 40 b
41 c 42 d 43 a 44 d 45 a
46 c 47 c 48 d 49 b 50 b
51 a 52 a 53 a 54 c 55 b
56 b 57 b 58 d 59 d 60 b
61 c 62 c 63 b 64 a 65 b
66 c 67 d

Kepler’s laws of Planetary Motion

1 c 2 c 3 c 4 b 5 c
6 b 7 b 8 c 9 c 10 b
11 d 12 b 13 c 14 c 15 a
16 b 17 d 18 d 19 b 20 c
21 c 22 c 23 b 24 b 25 c
26 a 27 a 28 b 29 d 30 b
31 a 32 a 33 a 34 c 35 b
36 d 37 a 38 c 39 b 40 c
41 d 42 a 43 d 44 d 45 b
46 a 47 b 48 b 49 c 50 c