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GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 3

I ntroduction :

There are 4 types of forces in nature :

(i) Gravitational force
(ii) The electromagnetic force
(iii) The strong nuclear force (also called hadronic forces)
(iv) The weak nuclear force
Gravitational force is the weakest force among the four fundamental forces of nature.
Although of being negligible importance in the interaction of large objects. It is gravity that holds
the universe together.
In this chapter we will learn basic laws that govern gravitational interaction.

Newton’s Laws of Gravitation

In 1687 Newton published the law of gravitation.

It states that „every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force directly
proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance
between them.‰
Consider two bodies A and B of masses m1 and m2. Let r be the distance between the centres and
F be the force of attraction between them.

 
F12 F21

A r B

According to NewtonÊs law of gravitation

m1 m2
F
r2

Gm1m2
F
r2

In vector notation

  Gm1 m2
F12  2
r→12
r12

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Characterstics of gravitational force :
(i) It is conservative in nature
(ii) It is a central force
(iii) It is independent of the medium between the particles

Example 1

Sphere of mass 60 kg is attracted by second sphere of mass 40 kg with a force 4 mgf.

Calculate distance between them.
Given that m 1 = 60 kg, m 2 = 40 kg G = 6 1011 Nm2 kg 2

6
Solution : F = 4mgf = 4 10 10
5
= 4 10 N

Gm1 m2
F=
r2

G m1 m2 6  10 11  40  60
r 
F 4  105

r = .06 m = 6 cm

Acceleration due to Gravity

Gravity : If one of the bodies in expression of NewtonÊs law of gravitation is earth than the
gravitation is called gravity. Hence gravity is force by which earth attracts a body towards its
centre.
When a body is dropped from a certain height above the ground it begins to fall towards the earth
under gravity. The acceleration produced in the body due to gravity is called the acceleration due
to gravity. It is denoted by g. Its value close to the earthÊs surface is 9.8 m/s2.
Suppose that the mass of the earth is M, its radius is R, then the force of attraction acting on a
body of mass m close to the surface of earth is

GMm
F=
R2
According to NewtonÊs second law, the acceleration due to gravity

F GM
g 
m R2

In vector form,

 GM →
g 2 R
R
 
GRAVITATION
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
where R is position vector from earthÊs centre to the body of mass m.

Body of mass m


R

Earth of mass m

This expression is free from m. If two bodies of different masses are allowed to fall freely they will
have the same acceleration, i.e., if they are allowed to fall from the same height, they will reach
the earth simultaneously.

Variation of acceleration due to gravity

The value of acceleration due to gravity changes with height (i.e., altitude), depth, shape of the
earth and rotation of earth about its own axis. The effect of each of the above factors on the value
of g has been discussion below.
(a) Effect of Altitude : Consider earth to be a sphere of mass M, radius R with centre at O.
Let g be the value of acceleration due to gravity at a point A on the surface of earth.

B g´
h
A g

GM
 g= ...(1)
R2

If g´ is the acceleration due to gravity at a point B, at a height h above the surface of earth,
then

GM
g´ 
...(2)
 R + h 2

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Dividing (1) by (2), we get

g´ GM R2 R2
=   ...(3)
g
 R + h 2 GM  R  h2

2
R2  h
=  1  
R 2 1  h / R 
2
 R

If h << R then h/R is very small as compared to 1. Expanding the R.H.S. of above equation
by Binomial theorem and neglecting the square and higher powers of h/R, we get

g´ 2h
g
= 1
R

 2h 
g´ = g  1 
R 
or ...(4)


So, we note that the value of acceleration due to gravity decreases with height.
It is due to this reason that the value of acceleration due to gravity is lesser at mountains
than in plains. At a height equal to the radius of the earth (i.e. h = R = 6400 km), from (2)

g R2 g
g´ = 
 R  R 2 4

Important notes :
(i) The relation (3) is used to find the value of acceleration due to gravity at a height when
h is comparable to the radius of earth R and relation (4) is used to find g´ when h is
very small as compared to R.
(ii) With height h, the decrease in the value of g is = g g´ = 2h g/R
 Fractional decrease in the value of g

g  g´ 2 h
= 
g R

 % decrease in the value of g

 g  g´  2h
=    100   100
 g  R

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(b) Effect of depth : Consider earth to be a homoogeneous sphere of radius R and mass M with
centre at O. Let g be the value of acceleration due to gravity at a point A on the surface
of earth, then

A
d B
R (R-d)
O

GM
g
R2

If  is uniform density of material of the earth, then

4
M=  R3 
3

4
G  R3 
 g = 3 4
2
 GR  ...(5)
R 3

Let g´ be the acceleration due to gravity at the point B at a depth d below the surface of
earth. The body at B will experience gravity pull due to shaded portion of earth whose
radius is (R d) and mass is M´.

GM´
 g´ = R  d 2
 

4
 R  d  
3
and M´ =
3

4
 R  d  
3
G
3
 g´ =
 R  d 2

4
=  G R  d  ...(6)
3

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Dividing (6) by (5), we get

4
 G R  d  
g´ 3
g
= 4
GR
3

Rd R d
=  
R R R

 d
or g´ = g  1   ...(7)
 R

From (7) we note that the value of acceleration due to gravity decreases with depth.
At the centre of the earth, d = R, g´ = g0 (say).

 R
From (7), we get g0  g  1    0
 R

It means the acceleration due to gravity is zero at the centre of earth. Therefore the weight
of the body of mass m at the centre of earth = m g0 = 0, but the mass of the body will not
be zero.
Thus the value of acceleration due to gravity is maximum at the earthÊs surface and becomes
zero at the centre of the earth.
Note : Decrease in the value of g with depth d is = g g´ = dg/R
 Fractional decrease in the value of g with

g  g´ d
depth = 
g R

 % decrease in the value of g.

g  g´ d
=  100   100
g R

(c) Effect of Shape of Earth : Earth is not a perfect sphere. It is

flattened at the poles and bulges out at the equator. Equatorial
North Pole
Equatorial Line

radius Re of the earth is about 21 km greater than the polar radius

Rp, Fig. Rp
Re
Now, g = GM/R2 O

Since G and M are constants

South Pole
 g  1/R2

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 9

Thus we conclude that the value of g is least at the equator and maximum at the pole. It
means, the value of acceleration due to gravity increases as we go from equator to the pole.

( d) Due to rotation of earth

The earth is rotating about its axis from west to east. So every body on its surface is moving in
a circle i.e., is in accelerated motion. So the effective acceleration due to gravity will be
g´ = g a
where a is the acceleration of the body towards the centre of earth 
due to its circular motion.
Pole
Now, for a body at P the centripetal acceleration ar = 2 r along PO´
= 2 R cos  (as r = R cos ); so component of ar along PO will be O´ ar P
a
a = ar cos  = R 2 cos  O 
Equator
2 2
Substituting this value of a in the equation g´ = g R  cos 
This the required result and from this it is clear that for a given ,
ÂgÊ is maximum (= g) when cos  = min = 0, i.e.  = 90 i.e. at the
pole and minimum (g R2) when cos  = max = 1 i.e. = 0 i.e.,
at equator. Further more a given point on the surface of the earth
( = const) g decreases as  increases and vice-versa.

Example 2

Assuming earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density, how much would a body weigh half
way down the centre of the earth if it weighed 100 N on the surface ?
Solution :
Given, mg = 100 N

 h 
g´ = g  1  
 RE 

h 1
RE
=
2

 1 g
 g´ = g  1   
 2 2

mg 100
 mg´ =   50 N Ans.
2 2

Before moving to the next section think about the previous problem of the body is taken RE/2
distance above earthÊs surface where ÂREÊ is radius of earth. Then the result you will obtain by

GRAVITATION
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RE
formula of variation in height will be zero. And the body at distance does not feel weight
2
lessness hence you have done a mistake and that in the approximation while defining formula.
Tip : Always keep in mind while applying formula its conditions and approximations you have
taken while deriving it.

Example 3

Suppose earth has the ability to alter its speed of rotation. At what new time period will
the weight of a body on the equation becomes zero ? Take g = 10 m/s2 and and radius of
earth R = 6400 km (average radius)
Solution :
The weight will become zero when
g´ = 0
or g R2 = 0 (on the equator g´ = g R2)

g
or =
R

2 g
 =
T R

R
or T = 2
g

6400  103
Substituting the values, T = 2 10 hr
3600

or T = 1.4 hr
Thus, the new time period should be 1.4 hr instead of 24 hr for the weight of a body to be zero
on the equator.

Gravitation Field

The space around a body in which any other body experiences a force of attraction is called the
gravitational field of the first body.
The force experienced (both in magnitude and direction) by a unit mass placed at a point in a
gravitational field is called the gravitational field strength or intensity of gravitational field at

  F
that point. Usually it is denoted by E . Thus, E =
m

GRAVITATION
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(i) Gravitational Field due to a Uniform Solid Sphere

Field at an External Point : A uniform sphere may be treated as a single particle of same mass
placed at its centre for calculating the gravitational field at an external point. Thus,

GM
Er   for r  R
r2

1
or E (r) 
r2

Here, r is the distance of the point from the centre of the sphere and R the radius of sphere.

Field at an Internal Point :

The gravitational field due to a uniform sphere at an internal point is proportional to the distance

GM
of the point from the centre of the sphere. At the centre itself, it is zero and at surface it is ,
R2
where R is the radius of the sphere. Thus, E

GM
Er  .r for r  R GM
R3 R2 1
E
r2
or E (r)  R
Hence, E versus r graph is as shown in Fig. r
R

(ii) Field due to a Uniform Spherical Shell

At an external point : For an external point the shell may be treated as a single particle of same
mass placed at its centre. Thus, at an external point the gravitational field is given by,

GM
Er   for r  R
r2

at r=R (the surface of shell)

GM
E =
R2
E

1
and otherwise E GM
r2
R2 1
E
At an internal point : The field inside a uniform spherical r2
shell is zero. Thus, E versus r graph is as shown in Fig.
r
R

GRAVITATION
 12 QUIZRR
( iii) Field due to a Uniform Circular Ring at a point on its Axis

Field strength at a point P on the axis of a circular ring of radius R and

mass M is given by
r
 P
GMr R E
Er  
(R2  r 2 )3 / 2

This is directed towards the centre of the ring. It is zero at the centre of the ring and maximum
E
R dE
at r  (can be obtained by putting  0 ). Thus, E-r
2 dr
2GM
graph is as shown. 3 3R2

2GM
The maximum value is Emax =
3 3 R2

Gravitation Potential

At a point in a gravitational field potential V is defined as negative of the work done per unit mass
in the shifting a rest mass from some reference point to the given point.
Change in gravitation potential is defined as change in potential energy of system per unit mass.

dU
dV 
m

Reference : The work done in bringing a unit mass from infinity to a point in the gravitational
field is called the Âgravitational potentialÊ at the point.
Since, work is obtained hence it is negative. Hence gravitational potential is always negative at
any point with respect to potential at infinity.

(i) Potential due to a Point Mass :

Suppose a point mass M is situated at a point O. We want to find the gravitational potential due
to this mass at a point P a distance r from O. For this let us find work done in taking the unit
mass from P to infinity. This will be

  GM GM
W=
r
F dr 

r r 2
. dr 
r M r P
O

GRAVITATION
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GM
Hence, the work done in bringing unit mass from infinity of P will be  . Thus, the gravitational
r
potential at P will be, V =  GM
r

(ii) Potential due to a Uniform Solid Sphere

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

external point is same as that due to a single particle of same mass placed at its centre. Thus,

GM
V (r ) =  r  R
r

GM
At the surface, r=R and V =
R

Potential at internal point : At some internal point, potential at a distance r from the centre
is given by,

( 3/2 ) GM
GM  3 r2  R
V  r   3  R2   r  R
R  2 2  GM
R
r
GM R
At r = R, V = 
R

3 GM V
while at r = 0, V = 
2R

i.e., at the centre of the sphere the potential is 1.5 times the potential at surface. The variation
of V versus r graph is as shown in Fig. 7.14.

(iii) Potential due to a Uniform Thin Spherical Shell

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

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

GM
V (r) =  r  R
r

GM
at r = R V = 
R

GRAVITATION
14 QUIZRR
Potential at an internal point : GM
The potential due to a uniform spherical shell is constant R
throughout at any point inside the shell and this is equal
r
GM R
to  .
R

V
(iv) Potential due to a Uniform Ring at a Point on its Axis

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

of a ring of mass M and radius R is given by,

O r P
GM
V r  
0  r   R
R2  r2

GM GM
At r = 0, V   , i.e., at the centre of the ring gravitational potential is 
R R

GM
R

Gravitational potential is a field function. It depends on the position of the point where potential
is desired. Gravitational field and the gravitational potential are related by the following relation.

E =  gradient V =  grad V

 V → V → V → 
=  i  j k
 x y z 

 V → V → V → 
  i  j k
z 
or = ...(i)
E  x y

V
Here, = Partial derivative of potential function V w.r.t. x, i.e., differentiate V w.r.t. x assuming
x
y and z to be constant

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 15

Eq. (i) can be written in following different forms.

dV
(i) E= , if gravitational field is along x-direction only
dx


(ii) dV =  E.dr ,

 
Here dr  dxi→  dyj→  dzk→ and E  E xi→  E y →j  E z k→

Example 4

Two concentric spherical shells have masses m1 and m2 and radii r 1 and r 2 (r 2 > r 1). What
is the force exerted by this system on a particle of mass m 3 if it is placed at a distance
r (r 1 < r < r 2) from the centre ?
Solution :
The outer shell will have no contribution in the gravitational field at point P
m2
Gm1
 EP =
r2 m1
m3
Thus, force on mass m3 placed at P is, O P
r1 r
F = (m3EP)
r2
Gm1 m3
or F = Ans.
r2


The field E P and the force 
F both are towards centre O.

Example 5

The gravitation field due to a mass distribution is given by E = k/x 3 in x-direction taking
the gravitational potential to be zero at infinity. Find its value at a distance x.
Solution :

x x k 3k
The potential at a distance x in V( x)  

Edx  

 3
x
dx 
x2

Gravitational potential energy of a system

Consider a system of two bodies A of mass m1 and B of mass m2. Then its potential energy is
defined by work done in assembling the system.

GRAVITATION
16 QUIZRR
To get its expression, lets consider that body A is fixed and B is moved from infinity to assemble
system.

from infinity
r

A B B

m1 m2 m2
final (Initial)
position


Gm1 m2
m1 
F at distance x on m2 due to x2

  Gm1m2
dW  F . dx = dx
x2

r
Gm1 m2   1
W =  x2
dx = Gm1 m2  
 x 

 Gm1 m2
W =
r

 Gm1 m2
Change in potential energy = of the system.
r

Tip : Whenever you move a body along the direction of force, the potential energy of system
decreases.

Gravitational Self Energy

Consider a sphere of radius R. During its formation, mass is assembled and in that process some
work is involved and it tries to stabilise the system i.e. sphere. Hence potential energy is decreased
and final potential energy of sphere of radius R and mass M is found by :
Consider a sphere of ÂxÊ is directly formed and a shell of thickness ÂdxÊ is added to it.
Change in potential energy of system

R M x3 M 4  x2
=  
0
G
R 3 x  4 / 3  R 3
dx

GRAVITATION
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 3 GM2  4 R
=
R6 x dx 
0

 3GM2 R 5  3GM2
= 
5R 5R

 3GM2
 Potential energy of system =
5R

This energy is just due to sphere and hence it is called as self energy.

 GM2
Inside self potential energy of solid sphere =
10R

Escape Velocity

It is the minimum velocity with which a body must be projected from the surface of earth so that
it permanently overcomes and escapes the gravitational field of the earth. We can also say that
a body projected with escape velocity will be able to go to a point which is at infinite distance from
the earth.

Let us imagine what happens to a body of mass m if it is thrown from the earth with a velocity
Ve (escape velocity). As the body moves away from the earth, it slows down (due to gravitational
pull of the earth) and hence its kinetic energy is converted into gravitational potential energy of
the mass-earth system. Let us imagine that is just able to reach upto infinity (where G.P.E. is
zero).

earth
m ve

radius = R
mass = M

K.E. lost by mass m = gain in G.P.E. of mass-earth system

1
mVe2   G.P.E.  f   G.P.E.i
2

GRAVITATION
18 QUIZRR

1  GMm 
mVe2  0    
2  R 

2GM
Ve  or Ve  2 gR
R

Substituting the values of g = 9.81 m/s2 and R = 6400 Km, we get :

Ve = 11.3 km/s

Hence any object thrown with a velocity of 11.3 km/s or more will escape the gravitational field
of the earth and will never come back to the earth.

Planetary Motion & Satellites

Planets : Planets are large natural bodies rotating around the sun due to the gravitational
attraction of the sun. Path of these planets are elliptical with the sun at one focus. However, the
difference in major and minor axis is not large. The orbits can therefore, be treated as nearly
circular for not 700 sophisticated calculations.

Satellites : Satellites are natural or artificial bodies moving around a planet under its gravitational
attraction. Satellites are launched from the earth so as to move round it. To establish the artificial
satellite in the desired orbit, a number of rockets are fired from the satellites at proper time. After
placing in desired orbit, it will continue to move in that orbit under gravitational attraction of the
earth. We shall here now compute and discuss some physical entities of interest for a satellite
undergoing circular motion.

(i) Orbital speed : Let the radius of orbit be r and the speed of the satellite be v.

According to NewtonÊs second law,

v0
GMm  v02 
= m  r  M r
r2   m
R Satellite

GM Earth
or v0 =
r

The speed of planet is inversely proportional to the square root of the radius of its
orbit.

GRAVITATION
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(ii) Time period : The time taken by a satellite in completing one revolution is its time period
T.

2r 2r r3 r
T   2  2
0 GM GM g
r

If the satellite is revolving close to the surface of earth i.e. r = R

R 6.4  106
T = 2  2  2  800 s
g 10

= 84.6 min  1.4 h

(iii) Angular momentum : In case of satellite motion angular momentum will be given by

GM  GM 
L = mr  mr    
r  r 

i.e. L = (m2GMr)
Note : In case of satellite, force is central, so torque = 0 on hence angular momentum of
satellite is conserved i.e. L = constant.
(iv) Energy : The kinetic energy of planet is

1
K = m 2
2

1 GM  GM 
or K = m    
2 r  r 

GMm
or K =
2r

GMm
The gravitational potential energy of the earth-satellite system is V =
r

The total energy of earth-satellite system is

E =U+K

GMm GMm
=  
r 2r

GMm
=
2r
GRAVITATION
20 QUIZRR
From above discussion, we obtain

K
= 1 i.e., K = E
E

U
and = 2 i.e. U = 2E
E

i.e., kinetic energy of a satellite in an orbit is equal to negative of total energy while
potential energy is equal to twice the total energy.

+
Satellite

K r
Energy

KE = max a KE = min
O PE = min Focus Semi major PE =max
E r axis
U
rmin rmax
(a)
(b)

Example 6
A satellite is revolving round the earth at a height of 6 105 m. Find
(a) the speed of satellite and
(b) the time period of the satellite
Radius of earth = 6.4 106 m and mass of the earth = 6 1024 kg
Solution :
The height of satellite from earthÊs centre
= 6.4 106 + 6 105 m = 7.0 106 m

GM
(a) The speed of satellite is  =
r

6.67  1011  6  1024

=
7  106

= 7.6 103 m/s

2r
(b) The time period is T =


2  7  106
= = 5.8 103 s.
7.6  103

GRAVITATION
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Geostationary satellite :

If an artificial satellite revolves around the earth in an equatorial plane with a time period of 24
h in the same sense as that of earth, then it will appear stationary to the observer on earth. Such
a satellite is known as geostationary satellite.
At a given place (g = constant), the period of revolution of earthÊs satellite depends solely on its
height above the surface of the earth. Let us calculate the height of the satellite above the surface
of the earth, so that the satellite will have a period of revolution of 24 h and will appear as a
satellite. The height of the satellite is given by

r3 2  (R  h)3 
T = 2   
gR 2 R  g 

1/
3
 T2R 2 g 
or h =  2 
 R
 4 

Putting T = 24 h = 24 3600 s,
R = 6400 km = 6.4 106 m, g = 9.8 ms 2, we find

1/
3
 (24  3600)2  (6.4  106 )2  9.8 
h =    6.4  106
 4 2 

= 35930 km  36000 km
Thus, a satellite will appear stationary, if it around the earth from west to east in an orbit
coplanar equatorial plane at a height of about 36000 km about surface of earth. Such an orbit
is known as geostationary orbit and the revolving in this orbit is known as synchronous
satellite.

gR 2
Using relation 0  the orbital velocity geostationary satellite comes out to be about 3.08
R  h'

km.
Important Features : In case of satellite motion as L = mr = constant, while according to
1
equation for velocity .  two results appear to be contradictory. However apparent contradiction
r

1 1
is resolved if we keep in that   holds good for different points of the same orbit while  
r r
for different orbits as shown in Fig. below

GRAVITATION
22 QUIZRR
v2
v2
P2
P2 r2
r2 P1
v1 O
r1
r1 v1
P1
(a) v  1
r (b) v  1r

T ime period of satellite as observed from Earth

Consider a satellite in the circular orbit with the time period TS. TS
The earth also rotates with the time period TE = 24 hrs. If an Te m
observer on the earth sees this satellite, the angular velocity of the
satellite relative to the earth will be :
earth
SE  
 
S e

Hence the time for one revolution will appear to be different from
TS if observed from earth. This time period can be calculated as TSE it
orb
from the above equation.
1. If satellite and earth are rotating in same direction :

2 2 2
= 
TSE TS TE

TS TE
 TSE = T  T
E S

2. If satellite & earth are rotating in opp.direction

TS TE
TSE 
TS  TE

KEPLER’S LAWS

The motions of the planets, as they seemingly wander against the background of the stars, have
been a puzzle since, the dawn of history. Johannes Kepler (1571 1601) after a life time of study,
worked out the empirical laws that govern astronomers to make observations without the help of
a telescope, compiled the extensive data from which KeplerÊs ways able to derive the three laws
of planetary motion that now bear his name.

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 23

1. Law of orbits : Each planet revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit with the sun at
one focus of the ellipse.

Planet
F1 F2
Sun

2. Law of Areas : This law states that the radius vector from the sun to the planet sweeps
out equal areas in equal time intervals.
Both shaded areas are equal if the time from A to B is equal to the time from P to Q.

P Planet
B
F1

Sun A
Q

3. Law of periods : It states that the square of the time taken by the planet about the sun
is proportional to the cube of the planetÊs mean distance from the sun.
If T be the time period of the planet & r be the mean distance of planet from the sun
(average of maximum and minimum distances from sun).

Binding Energy :

Total mechanical energy (PE + KE) of a closed system is negative. The modulus of this total
mechanical energy is known as binding energy.
Therefore total mechanical energy of the particle of mass m on surface of earth (M) is

 GMm
E = K + U =
R

GMm
Binding energy = E 
R

In another way we can say that this energy binds a particle to earth i.e. after supply an amount
of energy equal to binding energy, the particle will be free of earthÊs attraction.

Example 7

Consider an earth satellite so positioned that it appears stationary to an observer on earth

and serves the purpose of a fixed relay station for intercontinental transmission of TV and
other communications. What would be the height at which the satellite should be positioned
and what would be the direction of its motion ? Given that the radius of the earth is 6400
km and acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is 9.8 m/s2.

GRAVITATION
24 QUIZRR
Solution :
For a satellite to remain above a given point on the earthÊs surface, it must rotate with the same
angular velocity as the point on earthÊs surface. Therefore the satellite must rotate in the equatorial
plane from west to east with a time period of 24 hours.

Now as for a satellite 0   GM / r 

2r r r  GM 
T =   2r  2r 2 as g  2 
0 GM gR  R 

1/ 1/
3 3
 2   9.8  (6.4  106 )2  (86400)2 
or r =  gR 2 T   
 42   4 2 

or 4.23 107 m = 42300 km

So the height of the satellite above the surface of earth,
h = r R = 42300 6400 ~ 36000 km

[The speed of a geostationary satellite v0 = R (g / r)  r = 4.2 107 7.3 10 5

= 3.1 km/s.]

Example 8

A space-ship is launched into a circular orbit close to the earthÊs surface. What additional
velocity should not be imparted to the space-ship in the orbit to overcome the gravitational
pull. (Radius of earth = 6400 km and g = 9.8 m/s2)
Solution :
For orbiting the earth close to its surface,

mv2 GMm GM  GM 
 , i.e., v0  gR as g  2 
R R2 R  R 

i.e., v0  (9.8  6.4  106 )  8 km/s

and for escaping form close to the surface of earth

GMm 1 2GM  GM 
 mve2 , i.e., ve   2 gR as g  2 
R 2 R  R 

i.e. ve = 2 v0 = 1.41 8 km/s = 11.2 km/s

So additional velocity to be imparted to the orbiting satellite for escaping = 11.2 8 = 3.2 km/s

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 25

Example 9

A sky lab of mass 2 103 kg is first launched from the surface of earth in a circular orbit
of radius 2R (from the centre of earth) and then it is shifited from this circular orbit to
another circular orbit of radius 3R. Calculate the minimum energy required (a) to place the
lab in the first orbit, (b) to shift the lab from first orbit to the second orbit. Given, R = 6400
km and g = 10 m/s2.
Solution :
The energy of the sky lab on the surface of earth

 GMm  GMm
ES = KE + PE = 0 +    
 R  R

And the energy of the sky lab in an orbit of radius r

1  GMm   GMm  GM 
E m 20     as 0  
2  r  2r  r 

(a) So the energy required to place the lab from the surface of earth to the orbit of radius 2R,

GMm  GMm  3 GMm

ES =    
2(2R)  R  4 R
E1

3m 3  GM 
i.e.    E =  gR 2  mgR as g  2 
4R 4  R 

3 3
i.e.    E = (2  103  6.4  106 )  (12.8  1010 ) = 9.6 1010 J
4 4

(b) As for II orbit r = 3R

GMm GMm
EII =  
2(3 R) 6R

GMm  GMm  1 GMm

 EII EI =   
6R  4 R  12 R

But as g = (GM/R)2, i.e., GM = gR2

1 1
or    E = mgR  (12.8  1012 )  1.1  1010 J
12 12

GRAVITATION
26 QUIZRR
Example 10
If a satellite is revolving around a planet of M in an elliptic orbit of semi-major axis a, show
that the orbital speed of the satellite when it is at a distance r from the focus will be given by :

2 1 
v 2  GM   
r a 
Solution :
As in case of elliptic orbit of a satellite mechanical energy E = (GMm/2a) remains constant, at
GMm
any position of satellite in the orbit, KE + PE =  ...(1)
2a
Now, if at position r, v is the orbital speed of satellite,

1 GMm
KE = mv2 and PE =  ...(2)
2 r
So from Eqns. (1) and (2), we have

1 GMm GMm 2 1
mv2   , i.e., v2  GM   
2 r 2a r a

Example 11
Two satellites of same mass are launched in the same orbit round the earth so as to rotate
opposite to each other. They soon collide inelastically and stick together as wreckage.
Obtain the total energy of the system before and just after the collision. Describe the
subsequent motion of the wreckage.
Solution :
In case of satellite motion energy of a satellite in an orbit is given by

GMm
E
2r
v M v
So the total energy of the system before collision
m II
GMm m I r
Ei  E1  E2  2E  
r
As the satellites of equal mass are moving in opposite direction and collides inelastically, the
velocity of wreckage just after collision, by conservation of linear momentum will be
mv mv = 2mV, i.e., V = 0
i.e., just after collision wreckage comes to rest in the orbit. So energy of the wreckage just after
collision will be totally potential and will be
GM(2m) 2GMm
EF  
r r
And as after collision the wreckage comes to stand still in the orbit, it will move along the radius
towards the earth under its gravity.

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 27

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example 1

The gravitational field in a region is given by E  5i→  12 j→ N/kg then the magnitude 
of the gravitational force acting on a particle of mass 2 kg placed at the origin, will
be ?
Solution :

Given  
E  5i→  12 →j N/kg


Its magnitude E = (5)2  (12) 2  13 N/kg


Thus, F = E m

= 13 2
= 26 N

Example 2

A body is projected vertically upwards from the surface of earth with a velocity sufficient
to carry it to infinity. Calculate the time taken by it to reach a height h.
Solution :
Let  be the velocity of the body at a distance r from the centre of earth. Applying conservation

1 GMm 1 GMm
of mechanical energy, we get m2   m2e  ...(i)
2 r 2 R

GM
Here,  e  2 gR and g
R2

R 2g
Substituting in Eq. (i), we get  
r

r R+h
dr R 2 g 1
i.e.
dt

r
or  0
dt 
R 2g  R
r dr

 3/
2 
or t
2 1 3 3
[(R  h) / 2  R / 2 ] or t
1 2R  1  h   1  Ans.
3 R 2g 3 g  R
 
 

GRAVITATION
28 QUIZRR
Example 3

The ratio of acceleration due to gravity at a depth h below the surface of earth and at a
height h above the surface for h << radius of earth ?
Solution :
Let R be the radius of earth and g the acceleration due to gravity on earthÊs surface. Then the
desired ratio (say x) is :

 h
g 1   2
 R  h  h
x = 2
  1   1  
 h  R  R
g / 1  
 R

 h  2h 
=  1   1 
R 
(h << R)
 R 

 h
  1  
 R 

Example 4

For a given density of planet the orbital period of a satellite near the surface of planet of
radius R is proportional to ?
Solution :
Applying NewtonÊs second law to the circular orbit, we have

m2 4 2 rm GMm
 
r T2 r2
where m is the mass of satellite, its orbital and T is period.
3/
2r 2
 T =
GM
For r  R
4
and M = R 3 ( = density of planet)
3

3
We see that T
G

i.e., T is independent of R.

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 29

Example 5

Two spherical bodies the mass M and 5 M and radii R and 2R respectively are released in
free space with initial separation between their centres equal to 12 R. If they attract each
other due to gravitational force only, then the distance covered by the smaller body just
before collision is ?
Solution :
Let at O there will be a collision. If smaller sphere moves x distance to reach at O, then bigger
sphere will move a distance of (9R x).

O
R x (9R-x) 2R

12R
M
5M

GM 5M
F =
(12R  x)2

F G 5M
asmall = M 
(12R  x)2

F GM
abig = 5M 
(12  x)2

1 1 G 5M 2
x asmall t2  t ...(i)
2 2 (12R  x)2

1 1 1 GM
(9R  x)  abig t2  x  t2 ...(ii)
2 2 2 (12R  x)2

Thus, dividing Eq. (i) by Eq. (ii), we get

x
 5
9R  x

 x = 45R 5x
 6x = 45 R
 x = 7.5 R

GRAVITATION
30 QUIZRR
Example 6

In a double star, two stars of masses m 1 and m 2 distant r apart revolve about their common
centre of mass under their mutual gravitational attraction. Find the expression for the
period T in term of m 1, m 2 and r. Find the ratio of their angular momenta about centre of
mass and also the ratio of their kinetic energies.

Solution :

As stated in theory also, both the stars will revolve round their centre of mass with same angular
velocity  but different linear speeds. Let r1 and r2 be the distances of stars from their centre of
mass. Then,
r = r1 + r2 ...(i)
m1r1 = m2r2 ..(ii)
r1 r2
m1 m2
Gm1 m2
m1r2 = m2r22 = ...(iii)
r2

Solving these three equations, we get

G  m1  m2   m2   m1 
 , r1   r and r2   r
r3  m1  m2   m1  m2 

2 r3
 T =  2 Ans.
 G(m1  m2 )

L1 I1 I1 m1r12
Ratio of angular momenta is, = I I 
L2 2 2 m2 r22

Substituting the values of r1 and r2, we get

L1 m2
L2
= m1
Ans.

1
I12
K1 2 I m
 1  2
Ratio of kinetic energies is, = 1 I m1 Ans.
K2 I2 2 2
2

GRAVITATION
 QUIZRR 31

Example 7

Calculate the self energy of the sun, taking its mass to be equal to 2 1030 kg and its radius
to be very nearly 7 108 metre. If its radius contracts by 1 km per year, without affecting
its mass, calculate the rate at which it radiates out energy.
Solution :
The gravitational self energy U of a uniform solid sphere is equal to the amount of work done
in assembling together its infinitesimal particles initially lying infinite distance apart. Let us
assume the sphere to be formed by continuous deposition of mass particles (brought from infinity)
in the form of successive spherical shells around an inner spherical core of radius r until it
becomes a full fledged solid sphere of radius R.

M
Let  = density of material of the sphere = ...(i) dr
4 3
R
3

R r
4 3
Mass of inner spherical core = r 
3

Mass of thin shell = (4r2 dr)

Work done in depositing this additional mass
dW = (potential due to inner spherical core) (mass of thin shell)

  4 3 
 G  3 r   
dW       (4 r 2 dr )
or  r 
 
 

Substituting the value of  from Eq. (i) and integrating it from O to R, we get

3 GM 2
W = 
5 R

This is really the self energy of the solid sphere.

3 (6.67  10 11 )(2  1030 )2

 Self energy of the sun =  5
(7  108 )

= 2.29 1041 J Ans.

Now rate of change of energy of the sun,

GRAVITATION
32 QUIZRR

dU d U dR 3 M2 G d R
i.e., = . =
dt dR dt 5 R 2 dt

dR 1000
Here, = m/s
dt 365  24  3600

Example 8
An artificial satellite of mass m moves in an orbit whose radius is n times the radius of
earth. Assuming resistance to the motion to be proportional to the square of velocity, i.e.,
F = a v2, find how long the satellite will take to fall onto the earth. Mass of the earth is M
and radius is R.
Solution :
Orbital speed at distance r from the centre of earth is given by,

GM
 =
r

1 GMm
K.E. = m2 
2 2r

GMm
P.E. = 
r
 Total mechanical energy E = K.E. + P.E.
GMm
or E = 
2r

dE
Now, = F.
dt

GMm  dr 
or   = a3
2r 2  dt 

GMm  dr   GM  GM  GM 
 2  dt  =
 a   as   
2r    r  r  r 

a t rf

1 1

m 0
dt =
2 GM 
ri
r dr

a 1 1 R

m
t = 
2 GM  nR
r dr

m R
or t = ( n  1) Ans.
a GM

GRAVITATION