NCERT LINE BY LINE PHYSICS - 9844532971

CHAPTER

9 GRAVITATION
Exercise 1: NCERT Based Topic-wise MCQs
9.1 INTRODUCTION
1. Which of the following astronomers proposed a definitive model in which the planets moved in circles
around a fixed central sun? NCERT Page-184 / N-127
(a) Copernicus (b) Kepler (c) Galileo (d) None of these

9. 2 KEPLER’S LAWS
4𝜋 2
2. For elliptical orbits, in the equation 𝑇 2 = (GM ) R3 R refers to NCERT Page-184 / N-129
s
(a) radius of orbit (c) semi-minor axis
(b) major axis (d) semi-major axis
3. In planetary motion
(a) the angular speed remains constant
(b) the total angular momentum remains constant
(c) the linear speed remains constant
(d) neither the angular momentum nor angular speed remains constant
4. Kepler's second law may be stated as "under the influence of central force, in equal interval of time, position
vector sweeps out equal NCERT Page-184/ N-128
(a) distance (b) area (c) displacement (d) volume
5. The figure shows a planet in elliptical orbit around the sun 𝑆. Where is the kinetic energy of the planet
maximum? NCERT PAGE- 185

(a) 𝑃1 (b) 𝑃2 (c) 𝑃3 (d) 𝑃4

𝑑𝐴
6. A planet revolves about the sun in elliptical orbit. The areal velocity ( 𝑑𝑡 ) of the planet is 4.0 × 1016 m2 /s.
The least distance between planet and the sun is 2 × 1012 m. Then the maximum speed of the planet in
km/s is NCERT Page-185 / N-129
(a) 10 (b) 20 (c) 30 (d) 40
7. In planetary motion the areal velocity of position vector of a planet depends on angular velocity (𝜔) and the
distance of the planet from sun (𝑟). If so, the correct relation for areal velocity is NCERT Page-185 / N-129
𝑑𝐴
(a) 𝑑𝑡 ∝ 𝜔𝑟
𝑑𝐴
(b) ∝ 𝜔2 𝑟
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
(c) ∝ 𝜔𝑟 2
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝐴
(d) 𝑑𝑡 ∝ √𝜔𝑟
8. A planet goes round the sun three times as fast as the earth. If 𝑟𝑝 and 𝑟𝑒 are the radii of orbit of the planet
and the earth respectively then NCERT Page-184 / N-128
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 3
(a) re = 8rp (b) re = 3rp (c) re = 9rp (d) re = 3 rp
9. The maximum and minimum distances of a comet from the sun are 8 × 1012 m and 1.6 × 1012 m. If its
velocity when nearest to the sun is 60 m/s, what will be its velocity in m/s when it is farthest
(a) 12 NCERT Page-185 / N-129
(b) 60
(c) 112
(d) 6
10. The period of moon's rotation around the earth is nearly 29 days. If moon's mass were 2 fold its present
value and all other things remain unchanged, the period of moon's rotation would be nearly
(a) 29√2 days NCERT Page-184, 185 / N-129
(b) 29/√2 days
(c) 29 × 2 days
(d) 29 days
11. The time period of a satellite revolving around earth in a given orbit is 7 hours. If the radius of orbit is
increased to three times its previous value, then approximate new time period of the satellite will be
(a) 40 hours NCERT Page-184 / N-129
(b) 36 hours
(c) 30 hours
(d) 25 hours
12. Which of the following graphs represents the motion of a planet moving about the sun?
NCERT Page-184/N-128
13. The figure shows elliptical orbit of a planet 𝑚 about the sun 𝑆. The shaded area SCD is twice the shaded
area 𝑆𝐴𝐵. If 𝑡1 is the time for the planet to move from 𝐶 to 𝐷 and 𝑡2 is the time to move from 𝐴 to 𝐵 then
NCERT Page-184 / N-128, 129

(a) 𝑡1 = 4𝑡2 (b) 𝑡1 = 2𝑡2 (c) 𝑡1 = 𝑡2 (d) 𝑡1 > 𝑡2

14. If the distance of earth is halved from the sun, then the no. of days in a year will be NCERT Page-184 / N-129
(a) 365
(b) 182.5
(c) 730
(d) 129
15. If the earth is at one-fourth of its present distance from the sun, the duration of the year will be
(a) half the present year NCERT Page-184 / N-129
(b) one-eighth the present year
(c) one-sixth the present year
(d) one-tenth the present year
16. A satellite of mass ' 𝑚 ', moving around the earth in a circular orbit of radius 𝑅, has angular momentum 𝐿.
The areal velocity of satellite is (𝑀𝑒 = mass of earth) NCERT Page-185 / N-129
(a) L/2 m
(b) L/m
(c) 2 L/m
(d) 2 L/Me
9. 3 UNIVERSAL LAW OF GRAVITATION
17. Newton's universal law of gravitation applies to NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) small bodies only
(b) planets only
(c) both small and big bodies
(d) only valid for solar system
18. For a particle inside a uniform spherical shell, the gravitational force on the particle is
(a) infinite NCERT Page-189 / N-131
(b) zero
−𝐺𝑚 𝑚
(c) 𝑟 21 2
𝐺𝑚 𝑚
(d) 𝑟12 2
19. Force of gravitational attraction is least NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) at the equator
(b) at the poles
(c) at a point in between equator and any pole
(d) None of these
20. Two spheres of masses 𝑚 and 𝑀 are situated in air and the 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
𝐹
(a) 9 NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(b) 3𝐹
(c) 𝐹
𝐹
(d) 3
21. A mass 𝑀 is split into two parts m and (𝑀 − 𝑚), which are then separated by a certain distance. What ratio
of m/M maximizes the gravitational force between the two parts? NCERT Page-187 / N-130
1
(a) 3
1
(b) 2
1
(c) 4
1
(d)
5
22. The distance of the centres of moon and earth is 𝐷. The mass of earth is 81 times the mass of the moon. At
what distance from the centre of the earth, the gravitaional force will be zero? NCERT Page-187 / N-130
𝐷 2𝐷 4𝐷 9𝐷
(a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 10
23. Six stars of equal mass are moving about centre of mass of the system such that they are always on the
vertices of a regular hexagon of side length 𝑎. Their common time period will be NCERT Page-187/N-130
𝑎3 4√3𝑎3 3𝑎3
(a) 4𝜋√G𝑚 (b) 2𝜋√Gm(5√3+4) (c) 4𝜋√ G𝑚 (d) None of these
24. Two stars of mass 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 are parts of a binary system. The radii of their orbits are 𝑟1 and 𝑟2
respectively, measured from the C.M. of the system. The magnitude of gravitational force 𝑚1 exerts on 𝑚2 is
NCERT Page-187 / N-130
𝑚1 𝑚2 𝐺
(a) (𝑟 +𝑟 )2
1 2
𝑚1 𝐺
(b) (𝑟 +𝑟 2
1 2)
𝑚2 𝐺
(c) (𝑟 +𝑟 )2
1 2
(𝑚1 +𝑚2 )
(d) (𝑟 +𝑟 )2
1 2
25. In the figure, the direction of gravitational force on 𝑚1 due to m2 is along NCERT Page-187 / N-130

26.
(a) 𝑟⃗1 (b) 𝑟⃗2 (c) r⃗ (d) −r⃗

26. Two bodies of masses 4 kg and 9 kg are separated by a distance of 60 cm. A 1 kg mass is placed in between
these two masses. If net force on 1 kg is zero, then its distance from 4 kg mass is NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) 26 cm (b) 30 cm (c) 28 cm (d) 24 cm
27. Three identical particles 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 of mass 100 kg each are placed in a straight line with 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐶 =
13 m. The gravitational force on a fourth particle 𝑃 of the same mass is F, when placed at a distance 13 m
from the particle B on the perpendicular bisector of the line 𝐴𝐶. The value of 𝐹 will be approximately :
(a) 21G NCERT Page-188 / N-131
(b) 100G
(c) 59G
(d) 42. 𝐺
28. If masses of two point objects is doubled and distance between them is tripled, then gravitational force of
attraction between them will nearly NCERT Page-188/ N - 131
(a) increase by 225%
(b) decrease by 44%
(c) decrease by 56%
(d) increase by 125%
29. A central particle 𝑀 is surrounded by a square array of other particles, separated by either distance 𝑑 or
distance 𝑑/2 along the perimeter of the square. The magnitude of the gravitational force on the central
particle due to the other particles is NCERT Page-187 / N-130

9𝐺𝑀𝑚 5𝐺𝑀𝑚 3𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚

(a) 𝑑2 (b) 𝑑2 (c) 𝑑2 (d) 𝑑2
30. If three equal masses 𝑚 are placed at the three vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 1/m then what
force acts on a particle of mass 2 m placed at the centroid? NCERT Page-187 / N-130
2
(a) Gm
(b) 2Gm2
(c) Zero
(d) −Gm2
31. Two identical spheres of gold are in contact with each other. The gravitational attraction between them is
(a) directly proportional to the square of the radius NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(b) directly proportional to the cube of the radius
(c) directly proportional to the fourth power of the radius
(d) inversely proportional to the square of the radius
32. Two particles of equal mass ' 𝑚 ' go around a circle of radius 𝑅 under the action of their mutual gravitational
attraction. The speed of each particle with respect to their centre of mass is NCERT Page-187/N-130
𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚
(a) √ 4𝑅 (b) √ 3𝑅 (c) √ 2𝑅 (d) √ 𝑅
 9. 4 MEASURING THE GRAVITATIONAL CONSTANT
33. The value of 𝐺 varies with
(a) height above the earth's surface
(b) depth below the ground
(c) radius of the planet
(d) None of these

9. 5 ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY ON THE SURFACE OF EARTH

34. The value of acceleration due to gravity on moving from equator to poles will NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) decrease
(c) remain same
(b) increase
(d) become half
35. Which of the following is the correct relation between acceleration due to gravity ' g ' and universal
gravitational constant (G). NCERT Page-190/N-133
𝐺
(a) 𝑔 = 𝑀𝑅2
𝐸
𝐺𝑀𝐸
(b) 𝑔 = 2
𝑅𝐸
(c) g = G
𝐺𝑀
(d) 𝑔 = 𝑅 𝐸
𝐸
5
36. An object is taken to a height above the surface of earth at a distance 4 R from the centre of the earth.
Where radius of earth, 𝑅 = 6400 km. The percentage decrease in the weight of the object will be
(a) 36% NCERT Page-191 / N-132, 133
(b) 50%
(c) 64%
(d) 25%
37. Assume that the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the moon is 0.2 times the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of the earth. If 𝑅𝑒 is the maximum range of a projectile on the earth's surface, what is
the maximum range on the surface of the moon for the same velocity of projection NCERT 190/N-133
(a) 0.2R e
(b) 2R e
(c) 0.5R e
(d) 5R e
38. The height of the point vertically above the earth's surface, at which acceleration due to gravity becomes
1% of its value at the earth's surface is (Radius of the earth = 𝑅 ) NCERT Page-191 / N-132, 133
(a) 8R
(b) 9R
(c) 10R
(d) 20R
39. Where will it be profitable to purchase one kilogram sugar? NCERT Page-190 / N-133
∘
(a) At poles (b) At equator (c) At 45 latitude (d) At 40∘ latitude
40. The density of a newly discovered planet is twice that of earth. The acceleration due to gravity at the
surface of the 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 NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) 1/2R
(b) 2R
(c) 4R
(d) 1/4R
41. Imagine a new planet having the same density as that of earth but it is 3 times bigger than the earth in size.
If the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of earth is 𝑔 and that on the surface of the new planet is 𝑔′ ,
then NCERT Page-190 / N-133
′
(a) 𝑔 = 𝑔/9
(b) 𝑔′ = 27𝑔
(c) 𝑔′ = 9𝑔
(d) 𝑔′ = 3𝑔
42. Average density of the earth NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) is a complex function of 𝑔,
(b) does not depend on 𝑔
(c) is inversely proportional to 𝑔
(d) is directly proportional to 𝑔
43. The ratio of radii of earth to another planet is 2/3 and the ratio of their mean densities is 4/5. If an
astronaut can jump to a maximum height of 1.5 m on the earth, with the same effort, the maximum height
he can jump on the planet is NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) 1 m
(b) 0.8 m
(c) 0.5 m
(d) 1.25 m
44. The value of ' 𝑔 ' at a particular point is 9.8 m/s 2. Suppose the earth suddenly shrinks uniformly to half its
present size without losing any mass. The value of ' 𝑔 ' at the same point (assuming that the distance of the
point from the centre of the earth does not shrink) will now be NCERT Page-190 / N-133
2
(a) 4.9 m/sec
(b) 3.1 m/sec 2
(c) 9.8 m/sec 2
(d) 19.6 m/sec 2
45. If the density of a small planet is the same as that of earth, while the radius of the planet is 0.2 times that of
the earth, the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the planet is NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) 0.2 g
(b) 0.4 g
(c) 2 g
(d) 4 g
46. If the radius of the earth were to shrink by 1%, with its mass remaining the same, the acceleration due to
gravity on the earth's surface would NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) decrease by 1% (b) decrease by 2%
(c) increase by 1% (d) increase by 2%
 9.6 Acceleration due to Gravity below and above the Surface of Earth
47. As we go down below the earth's surface, the acceleration due to gravity decreases by a factor (𝑑 →
distance, 𝑅 → radius of earth) NCERT Page-191 / N-134
𝑑
(a) 1 + 𝑅
𝑅
(b) 1 − 𝑑
𝑑
(c) 1 − 𝑅
(d) remains constant
48. The weight of a body at the centre of the earth is NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) zero
(b) infinite
(c) same as on the surface of earth
(d) None of these
49. The variation of acceleration due to gravity (𝑔) with distance (r) from the center of the earth is correctly
represented by: (Given 𝑅 = radius of earth) NCERT Page-191 / N-133
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

50. A particle is suspended from a spring and it stretches the spring by 1 cm on the surface of earth. By how
much amount the same particle will stretch the same spring at a place 800 km above the surface of earth.
(a) 1.59 cm NCERT Page-191 / N-133
(b) 2.38 cm
(c) 0.79 cm
(d) 1.38 cm
𝑔
51. The height at which the acceleration due to gravity becomes 9 (where 𝑔 = the acceleration due to gravity
on the surface of the earth) in terms of 𝑅, the radius of the earth, is NCERT Page-191 / N-133
𝑅
(a)
√2
(b) 𝑅/2
(c) √2𝑅
(d) 2R
52. At what height from the ground will the value of 𝑔 be the same as that in 10 km deep mine below the
surface of earth? NCERT Pagè-191 / N-134
 (a) 20 km
(b) 10 km
(c) 15 km
(d) 5 km
53. If a person goes to height equal to the radius of the earth, from its surface, then his weight (W ′ ) relative to
the weight on earth (W) will be NCERT Page-191 / N-133
′ W
(a) W = 4
(b) W ′ = 2 W
W
(c) W ′ = 2
(d) W ′ = W
54. If value of acceleration due to gravity is ' 𝑔 ' at a height 50 km above the surface of earth, then at what
depth inside the earth will the acceleration due to gravity be same as ' 𝑔 '? NCERT Page-191/ N-133
(a) 100 km
(b) 50 km
(c) 25 km
(d) 75 km
55. The gravitational field strength due to a solid sphere (mass 𝑀, radius 𝑅 ) varies with distance 𝑟 from centre
as NCERT Page-190 / N-133
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

56. There are gravitational lines of force inside a spherically symmetric shell. NCERT Page-188, 189 / N-133
(a) infinitely many
(b) Zero
(c) varying number depending upon surface area
(d) varying number depending upon volume
57. Intensity of the gravitational field inside the hollow spherical shell is NCERT Page-189 / N-133
(a) variable (b) minimum (c) maximum (d) zero
58. Radius of moon is 1/4 times that of earth and mass is 1/81 times that of earth. The point at which
gravitational field due to earth becomes equal and opposite to that of moon, is (Distance between centres
of earth and moon is 60R, where R is radius of earth) NCERT Page-190/N-133
(a) 5.75R from centre of moon
(b) 16R from surface of moon
(c) 53R from centre of earth
(d) 54R from centre of earth
 9.7 Gravitational Potential Energy
59. Consider Earth to be a homogeneous sphere. Scientist A goes deep down in a mine and scientist B goes high
up in a balloon. The gravitational field measured by NCERT Page-190/N-134
(a) A goes on decreasing and that by B goes on increasing
(b) B goes on decreasing and that by A goes on increasing
(c) each decreases at the same rate
(d) each decreases at different rates
60. In some region, the gravitational field is zero. Gravitational potential in this region. NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(a) must be variable
(b) must be constant
(c) cannot be zero
(d) must be zero
61. In a gravitational field, at a point where the gravitational potential is zero NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(a) the gravitational field is necessarily zero
(b) the gravitational field is not necesarily zero
(c) any value between one and infinite
(d) None of these
62. A particle of mass 𝑀 is situated at the centre of a spherical shell of same mass and radius 𝑎. The
𝑎
gravitational potential at a point situated at 2 distance from the centre, will be: NCERT Page-192 / N-135
3𝐺𝑀
(a) − 𝑎
2𝐺𝑀
(b) −
𝑎
𝐺𝑀
(c) − .
𝑎
4𝐺𝑀
(d) − 𝑎
63. Assuming the radius of the earth as 𝑅, the change in gravitational potential energy of a body of mass m,
when it is taken from the earth's surface to a height 3𝑅 above its surface, is NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(a) 3mg𝑅
3
(b) 4 𝑚𝑔𝑅
(c) 1mg𝑅
3
(d) 2 𝑚𝑔𝑅
64. The potential energy of a rock, having mass 𝑚 and rotating at a height of 3.2 × 106 m from the earth
surface, is NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(a) −6𝑚𝑔𝑅𝑒
(b) −0.67𝑚𝑔𝑅𝑒
(c) −0.99𝑚𝑔𝑅𝑒
(d) −0.33𝑚𝑔𝑅𝑒
65. The gravitational potential energy associated with two particles separated by a distance 𝑟, when 𝑟 → ∞, is
given by NCERT Page-192 / N-135
𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2 −𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
(a) 𝑟 (b) (c) zero (d) infinity
𝑟
66. Four spheres each of mass 𝑚 form a square of side 𝑑 (as shown in figure). A fifth sphere of mass 𝑀 is situated
at the centre of square. The total gravitational potential energy of the system is: NCERT Page-192/N-135

𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚
(a) − [(4 + √2)𝑚 + 4√2𝑀] (b) − [(4 + √2)𝑀 + 4√2𝑚]
𝑑 𝑑
Gm 𝐺𝑚
(c) − d [3 m2 + 4√2M] (d) − 𝑑 [6𝑚2 + 4√2𝑀]
67. The gravitational potential due to a hollow sphere (mass 𝑀, radius 𝑅 ) varies with distance 𝑟 from centre as
NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(a) (b)

(c) (d)

68. If ' 𝑔 ' is the acceleration due to gravity on the earth's surface, the gain in the potential energy of an object of
mass ' 𝑚 ' raised from the surface of the earth to a height equal to the radius ' 𝑅 ' of the earth is
1
(a) 4 𝑚𝑔𝑅 NCERT Page-192 / N-135
1
(b) 2 𝑚𝑔𝑅
(c) 2𝑚𝑔𝑅
(d) 𝑚𝑔𝑅
69. A uniform spherical shell gradually shrinks maintaining its shape. The gravitational potential at the centre
(a) increases NCERT Page-192 / N-135
(c) remains constant
(b) decreases
(d) cannot say
70. The gravitational potential at the centre of a square of side ' 𝑎 ' and four equal masses ( 𝑚 each) placed at
the corners of a square is NCERT Page-192 / N-135
𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚 𝐺𝑚2
(a) Zero (b) 4√2 (c) −4√2 (d) −4√2
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
 9.8 Escape Speed
71. A missile is launched with a velocity less than escape velocity. The sum of its kinetic and potential energies
is NCERT Page-193 / N-136
(a) zero (b) negative (c) positive (d) may be positive, negative or zero.
72. The radius of the earth is reduced by 4%. The mass of the earth remains unchanged. What will be the
change in escape velocity? NCERT Page-193 / N-136
(a) Increased by 2%
(c) Increased by 6%
(b) Decreased by 4%
(d) Decreased by 8%
73. The escape velocity of a body depends upon mass as NCERT Page-193 / N-136
(a) m0
(b) m1
(c) m2
(d) m3 .
74. If e is escape speed from the earth and Vp is that from a planet of half the radius of earth, then
(a) 𝑉𝑒 = 𝑉𝑝 NCERT Page-193 / N-136
𝑉𝑝
(b) 𝑉𝑒 = 2
(c) Ve = 2 Vp
𝑉𝑝
(d) 𝑉𝑒 = 4
75. Planet 𝐴 has mass 𝑀 and radius 𝑅. Planet 𝐵 has half the mass and half the radius of Planet 𝐴. If the escape
𝑣 𝑛
velocities from the Planets A and B are 𝑣A and 𝑣B , respectively, then 𝑣A = 4. The value of 𝑛 is :
B
(a) 4 NCERT Page-193 / N-136
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 3
76. The moon has a mass of 1/81 that of the earth and a radius of 1/4 that of the earth. The escape speed
from the surface of the earth is 11.2 km/s. The escape speed from the surface of the moon is:
(a) 1.25 km/s NCERT Page-193 / N-136
(c) 3.7 km/s
(b) 2.49 km/s
(d) 5.6 km/s
77. A planet in a distant solar system is 10 times more massive than the earth and its radius is 10 times smaller.
Given that the escape velocity from the earth's surface is 11 km s −1, the escape velocity from the surface of
the planet would be NCERT Page-193 / N-136
−1
(a) 1.1 km s
(b) 11 km s−1
(c) 110 km s −1
(d) 0.11kms −1
78. The escape velocity from the earth's surface is 11 km/s. The escape velocity from a planet having twice the
radius and same mean density as that of earth is NCERT Page-193 / N-136
 (a) 5.5 km/s
(b) 11 km/s
(c) 22 km/s
(d) None of these
79. The kinetic energy of a satellite in its orbit around the earth is 𝐸. What should be the kinetic energy of the
satellite so as to enable it to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth? NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(a) 4E
(b) 2E
(c) √2E
(d) E
80. The time period 𝑇 of the moon of planet Mars (mass 𝑀𝑚 ) is related to its orbital radius R(G = Gravitational
constant ) as NCERT Page-194 / N-137
4𝜋2 𝑅 3
(a) 𝑇 2 = 𝐺𝑀𝑚
4𝜋2 𝐺𝑅 3
(b) 𝑇 2 = 𝑀𝑚
2𝜋𝑅 3 𝐺
(c) 𝑇 2 = 𝑀𝑚
(d) 𝑇 = 4𝜋𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑅 3
2

81. The orbital speed of Jupiter is NCERT Page-194/N-137

(a) greater than the orbital speed of earth
(b) less than the orbital speed of earth
(c) equal to the orbital speed of earth
(d) zero

9.9 Earth Satellites

82. An artificial satellite orbiting the earth does not fall down because the earth's attraction
(a) is balanced by the attraction of the moon NCERT Page-194/N-137
(b) vanishes at such distances
(c) is balanced by the viscous drag produced by the atmosphere
(d) produces the necessary acceleration of its motion in a curved path
83. If a satellite is orbiting the earth very close to its surface, then the orbital velocity mainly depends on
(a) the mass of the satellite NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(b) the radius of earth
(c) the orbital radius
(d) the mass of earth
84. Two satellites of masses 𝑚1 and 𝑚2 (𝑚1 > 𝑚2 ) are revolving round the earth in circular orbits of radii 𝑟1
and 𝑟2 (𝑟1 > 𝑟2 ) respectively. Which of the following statements is true regarding their velocities v1 and v2 ?
(a) 𝑣1 = 𝑣2 NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(b) v1 < v2
(c) v1 > v2
(d) (v1 /r2 ) = (v2 /r2 )
85. Two satellites 𝐴 and 𝐵 of masses 200 kg and 400 kg are revolving round the earth at height of 600 km and
1600 km respectively. If 𝑇𝐴 and 𝑇𝐵 are the time periods of a TB − TA :
[Given: radius of earth = 6400 km, mass of earth = 6 × 1024 kg ] NCERT Page-194/N-137
(a) 4.24 × 102 s
(b) 1.33 × 103 s
(c) 4.24 × 103 s
(d) 3.33 × 102 s
86. If suddenly the gravitational force of attraction between earth and a satellite revolving around it becomes
zero, then the satellite will NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(a) continue to move in its orbit with same velocity
(b) move tangentialy to the original orbit in the same velocity
(c) become stationary in its orbit
(d) move towards the earth
87. A small satellite is revolving near earth's surface. It's orbital velocity will be nearly NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(a) 8 km/sec
(b) 11.2 km/sec
(c) 10 km/sec
(d) 6 km/sec
88. Two stars of masses 𝑚 and 2𝑚 at a distance 𝑑 rotate about their common centre of mass in free space. The
period of revolution is : NCERT Page-194 / N-137
1 𝑑3
(a) 2𝜋 √3𝐺𝑚
𝑑3
(b) 2𝜋√3𝐺𝑚
1 3𝐺𝑚
(c) 2𝜋 √ 𝑑3
3𝐺𝑚
(d) 2𝜋√ 𝑑3
89. The minimum and maximum distances of a satellite from centre of earth are 2𝑅 and 4𝑅 respectively, where
𝑅 is the radius of earth. The minimum and maximum speeds of the satellite will be NCERT Page-194 / N-138
GM 2GM
(a) √ ,√
R R
GM 2GM
(b) √ 6R , √ 3R
2GM 4GM
(c) √ ,√
3R 3R
(d) None of these
90. The least energy required to launch a satellite of mass 100 kg from the surface of a planet of mass M and
radius 3200 km in a circular orbit at an altitude of 6400 km is: NCERT Page-194, 196 / N-137, 138
GM GM GM GM
(a) 38400 (b) 8860 (c) 98600 (d) 9580
 9.10 ENERGY OF ORBITING SATELLITE
91. The total energy of a circularly orbiting satellite is NCERT Page-196 / N-138
(a) twice the kinetic energy of the satellite
(b) half the kinetic energy of the satellite
(c) twice the potential energy of the satellite
(d) half the potential energy of the satellite
92. Two satellites, 𝐴 and 𝐵, have masses 𝑚 and 2𝑚 respectively. 𝐴 is in a circular orbit of radius 𝑅, and 𝐵 is in a
circular orbit of radius 2R around the earth. The ratio of their kinetic energies, 𝑇𝐴 /𝑇𝐵 , is :
1
(a) 2 NCERT Page-196 / N-138
(b) 1
(c) 2
1
(d) √2
93. Two satellites 𝐴 and 𝐵 having masses in the ratio 4: 3 are revolving in circular orbits of radii 3𝑟 and 4𝑟
respectively around the earth. The ratio of total mechanical energy of 𝐴 to 𝐵 is: NCERT Page-196 / N-138
(a) 9: 16
(b) 16: 9
(c) 1: 1
(d) 4: 3
94. For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the ratio of kinetic energy to potential energy is
1
(a) 2 NCERT Page-195, 196 / N-138
1
(b)
√2
(c) 2
(d) √2
95. A satellite revolves around the earth of radius 𝑅 in a circular orbit of radius 3𝑅. The percentage increase in
energy required to lift it to an orbit of radius 5𝑅 is NCERT Page-194 / N-137
(a) 10%
(b) 20%
(c) 30%
(d) 40%

Exercise 2 : NCERT Exemplar & Past Years NEET

NCERT Exemplar Questions
1. The earth is an approximate sphere. If the interior contained matter which is not of the same density
everywhere, then on the surface of the earth, the acceleration due to gravity NCERT Page-190 / N-134
(a) will be directed towards the centre but not the same everywhere
(b) will have the same value everywhere but not directed towards the centre
(c) will be same everywhere in magnitude directed towards the centre
(d) cannot be zero at any point
2. As observed from the earth, the sun appears to move in an approximate circular orbit. For the motion of
another planet like mercury as observed from the earth, this would NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) be similarly true
(b) not be true because the force between the earth and mercury is not inverse square law
(c) not be true because the major gravitational force on mercury is due to the sun
(d) not be true because mercury is influenced by forces other than gravitational force
3. Different points in the earth are at slightly different distances from the sun and hence experience different
forces due to gravitation. For a rigid body, we know that if various forces act at various points in it, the
resultant motion is as if a net force acts on the CM (centre of mass) causing translation and a net torque at
the CM causing rotation around an axis through the CM. For the earth-sun system (approximating the earth
as a uniform density sphere). NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) the torque is zero
(b) the torque causes the earth to spin
(c) the rigid body result is not applicable since the earth is not even approximately a rigid body
(d) the torque causes the earth to move around the sun
4. Satellites orbitting the earth have finite life and sometimes debris of satellites fall to the earth. This is
because NCERT Page-196 / N-138
(a) the solar cells and batteries in satellites run out
(b) the laws of gravitation predict a trajectory spiralling inwards
(c) of viscous forces causing the speed of satellite and hence height to gradually decrease
(d) of collisions with other satellites
5. Both the earth and the moon are subject to the gravitational force of the sun. As observed from the sun, the
orbit of the moon NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) will be elliptical
(b) will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not central
(c) is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve
(d) deviates considerably from being elliptical due to influence of planets other than the earth
6. In our solar system, the inter-planetary region has chunks of matter (much smaller in size compared to
planets) called asteroids. They NCERT Page-187 / N-130
(a) will not move around the sun, since they have very small masses compared to the sun
(b) will move in an irregular way because of their small masses and will drift away into outer space
(c) will move around the sun in closed orbits but not obey Kepler's laws
(d) will move in orbits like planets and obey Kepler's laws
7. Choose the wrong option. NCERT Page-188 / N-131
a) Inertial mass is a measure of difficulty of accelerating a body by an external force whereas the
gravitational mass is relevant in determining the gravitational force on it by an external mass
b) That the gravitational mass and inertial mass are equal is an experimental result
c) That the acceleration due to gravity on the earth is the same for all bodies is due to the equality of
gravitational mass and inertial mass
d) Gravitational mass of a particle like proton can depend on the presence of neighbouring heavy objects
but the inertial mass cannot
 1
8. Particles of masses 2𝑀, 𝑚 and 𝑀 are respectively at points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 with 𝐴𝐵 = 2 (𝐵𝐶) ⋅ 𝑚 is much-much
smaller than 𝑀 and at time 𝑡 = 0, they are all at rest as given in figure. At subsequent times before any collision
takes place.

(a) 𝑚 will remain at rest

(b) 𝑚 will move towards 𝑀
(c) 𝑚 will move towards 2𝑀
(d) 𝑚 will have oscillatory motion

Past Years NEET

9. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small compared
to the mass of the earth. Then, NCERT Page-194, 196/N-137, 138 |AIPMTX 2015, C
(a) the total mechanical energy of 𝑆 varies periodically with time.
(b) the linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude.
(c) the acceleration of S is always directed towards the centre of the earth.
(d) the angular momentum of S about the centre of the earth changes in direction, but its magnitude
remains constant.
10. A remote - sensing satellite of earth revolves in a circular orbit at a height of 0.25 × 106 m above the
surface of earth. If earth's radius is 6.38 × 106 m and 𝑔 = 9.8 ms −2, then the orbital speed of the satellite
is: NCERT Page-194 / N-137 ||AIPMTI 2015, A
−1
(a) 8.56 km s
(c) 6.67 km s−1
(b) 9.13 km s−1
(d) 7.76 km s−1
11. The ratio of escape velocity at earth (𝑣𝑒 ) to the escape velocity at a planet (𝑣𝑝 ) whose radius and mean
density are twice as that of earth is: NCERT Page-193 / N-136 | NEET 2016, A
(a) 1: 2
(b) 1: 2√2
(c) 1: 4
(d) 1: 2
12. At what height from the surface of earth the gravitational potential and the value of 𝑔 are −5.4 × 107 J kg −1
and 6.0 ms−2 respectively? Take the radius of earth as 6400 km : NCERT-191, 192/N-133, 135 | NEET 2016, A
(a) 2600 km
(b) 1600 km
(c) 1400 km
(d) 2000 km
13. The acceleration due to gravity at a height 1 km above the earth is the same as at a depth 𝑑 below the
surface of earth. Then NCERT Page-191 / N-133 | NEET ( 2017, A
(a) 𝑑 = 1 km
3
(b) 𝑑 = 2 km
 (c) 𝑑 = 2 km
1
(d) 𝑑 = 2 km
14. The kinetic energies of a planet in an elliptical orbit about the Sun, at positions 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 are 𝐾𝐴 , 𝐾𝐵 and
𝐾𝐶 , respectively. AC is the major axis and SB is perpendicular to 𝐴𝐶 at the position of the Sun 𝑆 as shown in
the figure. Then NCERT Page-184, 185 / N-129 | NEET 2018, C

(a) K A < K B < K C (c) K B > K A > K C (b) K A > K B > K C (d) K B < K A < K C
15. The work done to raise a mass 𝑚 from the surface of the earth to a height ℎ, which is equal to the radius of
the earth, is NCERT Page-192 / N-135 | NEETX 2019, C
(a) mgR
(b) 2mgR
1
(c) 2 mgR
3
(d) 2 mgR
16. A body weighs 200 N on the surface of the earth. How much will it weigh half way down to the centre of
the earth? NCERT Page-191 / N-133 । NEETX 2019, A
(a) 150 N
(b) 200 N
(c) 250 N
(d) 100 N
17. A body weighs 72 N on the surface of the earth. What is the gravitational force on it, at a height equal to
half the radius of the earth? NCERT Page-191 / N-133 | NEETI 2020, A
(a) 32 N
(b) 30 N
(c) 24 N
(d) 48 N
18. The escape velocity from the Earth's surface is 𝑣. The escape velocity from the surface of another planet
having a radius, four times that of Earth and same mass density is NCERT Page-193 / N-136 NEET 2021, A
(a) 4𝑣
(b) 𝑣
(c). 2𝑣
(d) 3𝑣
19. A particle of mass ' 𝑚 ' is projected with a velocity 𝑣 = 𝑘𝑉e (𝑘 < 1) from the surface of the earth. ( 𝑉e =
escape velocity). The maximum height above the surface reached by the particle is
𝑅𝑘 2
(a) 1−𝑘 2 NCERT Page-193 / N-136 | NEET 2021, S
𝑘 2
(b) 𝑅 (1−𝑘)
𝑘 2
(c) 𝑅 (1+𝑘)
𝑅2 𝑘
(d) 1+𝑘
 20. A body of mass 60 g experiences a gravitational force of 3.0 N, when placed at a particular point. The
magnitude of the gravitational field intensity at that point is: NCERT Page-190 / N-134 I NEET 2022, A
(a) 50 N/kg
(b) 20 N/kg
(c) 180 N/kg
(d) 0.05 N/kg
21. Two bodies of mass 𝑚 and 9𝑚 are placed at a distance 𝑅. The gravitational potential on the line joining the
bodies where the gravitational field equals zero, will be ( 𝐺 = gravitational constant)
8𝐺𝑚
(a) − 𝑅 NCERT Page-192/N-135|NEET 2023, S
12𝐺𝑚
(b) − 𝑅
16𝐺𝑚
(c) −
𝑅
20𝐺𝑚
(d) − 𝑅
22. A satellite is orbiting just above the surface of the earth with period 𝑇. If 𝑑 is the density of the earth
3𝜋
and 𝐺 is the universal constant of gravitation, the quantity 𝐺𝑑 represents NCERT-194 / N-137/ NEET 2023, S
(a) 𝑇 (b) 𝑇 2 (c) 𝑇 3 (d) √𝑇

Exercise 𝟏: (NCERT Based Topic-wise MCQs)

1 (a) 11 (b) 21 (b) 31 (c) 41 (d) 51 (d) 61 (a) 71 (b) 81 (b) 91 (d)

2 (d) 12 (c) 22 (d) 32 (a) 42 (d) 52 (d) 62 (a) 72 (a) 82 (d) 92 (b)

3 (b) 13 (b) 23 (b) 33 (d) 43 (b) 53 (a) 63 (b) 73 (a) 83 (b) 93 (b)

4 (b) 14 (d) 24 (a) 34 (b) 44 (c) 54 (a) 64 (b) 74 (c) 84 (b) 94 (a)

5 (d) 15 (b) 25 (c) 35 (b) 45 (a) 55 (a) 65 (c) 75 (b) 85 (b) 95 (b)

6 (d) 16 (a) 26 (d) 36 (a) 46 (d) 56 (b) 66 (a) 76 (b) 86 (b)

7 (c) 17 (c) 27 (b) 37 (d) 47 (c) 57 (d) 67 (b) 77 (c) 87 (a)

8 (c) 18 (b) 28 (c) 38 (b) 48 (a) 58 (d) 68 (b) 78 (c) 88 (b)

9 (a) 19 (a) 29 (c) 39 (b) 49 (a) 59 (d) 69 (a) 79 (b) 89 (b)

10 (d) 20 (c) 30 (c) 40 (a) 50 (c) 60 (b) 70 (c) 80 (a) 90 (a)

PAST YEARS NEET & EXEMPLAR QUESTIONS

1 (d) 5 (b) 9 (c) 13 (c) 17 (a) 21 (c)

2 (c) 6 (d) 10 (d) 14 (a) 18 (a) 22 (b)

3 (a) 7 (d) 11 (b) 15 (c) 19 (a)

4 (c) 8 (c) 12 (a) 16 (d) 20 (a)

HINTS & SOLUTIONS

EXERCISE - 1
1. (a)
2. (d) Kepler's third law states that the square of time period of revolution of a planet around the sun is directly
proportional to the cube of semi-major axis of its elliptical orbit.
̅̅̅̅
𝑑𝐿
3. (b) In planetary motion, there is no external torque. Hence from the equation 𝑑𝑡 = 𝜏⃗ext. , if 𝜏⃗ext. = 0 ⇒ L =
constant
4. (b)
5. (d) Angular momentum of the planet about 𝑆 is conserved. So, 𝑚𝑣𝑟 = constant.
𝑣 is maximum when 𝑟 is minimum.
So, 𝑣 is maximum at point 𝑃4 . Hence K.E. is maximum at 𝑃4 .
𝐿 𝑑𝐴
6. (d) 2𝑚 = 𝑑𝑡 (𝐿 = angular momentum)
𝑚𝑣max 𝑟min 𝑑𝐴 2𝑑𝐴/𝑑𝑡
= ; 𝑣max = = 40
2𝑚 𝑑𝑡 𝑟min
𝑑𝐴 𝐿 𝑑𝐴
7. (c) 𝑑𝑡 = 2𝑚 ⇒ 𝑑𝑡 ∝ 𝑣𝑟 ∝ 𝜔𝑟 2
𝑇𝑝 1
8. (c) 𝑇 = 3
𝑒
𝑇𝑝 2 𝑟𝑝 3
( ) = ( ) ⇒ 𝑟𝑒3 = 9𝑟𝑝3
𝑇𝑒 𝑟𝑒
9. (a) By law of conservation of angular momentum, 𝑚𝑣𝑟 = constant
𝑣min × 𝑟max = 𝑣max × 𝑟min
60 × 1.6 × 1012 60
∴ 𝑣max = = = 12 m/s
8 × 1012 5
10. (d) Time period does not depend upon the mass of satellite.
11. (b) By Kepler's law
𝑇 ∝ 𝑅3
2

𝑅˙2 3
𝑇22 = 𝑇12 × ( )
𝑅1
3
𝑅2 2
⇒ 𝑇2 = 𝑇1 ( )
𝑅1
3
= 7(3)2 = 7 × 3√3 = 21√3 hours ≃ 36 hours
12. (c)
13. (b) According to Kepler's law, the areal velocity of a planet around the sun always remains constant.
SCD : 𝐴1 − 𝑡1 (areal velocity constant)
SAB: A2 − t 2
𝐴1 𝐴2 𝐴1
= , 𝑡1 = 𝑡2 ⋅ , ( given 𝐴1 = 2𝐴2 )
𝑡1 𝑡2 𝐴2
2𝐴2
= 𝑡2 ⋅ ∴ 𝑡1 = 2𝑡2
𝐴2
14. (d) From Kepler's law of periods,
𝑅2 3/2 𝑅/2 3/2
𝑇2 = 𝑇1 ( ) = 365 ( )
𝑅1 𝑅
1
= 365 × = 129 days.
2√2
𝑇2 𝑟3
15. (b) 𝑇12 = 𝑟13 = (4)3
2 2
16. (a)
17. (c) It is applicable to both small and big bodies.
18. (b) Various regions of spherical shell attract the point mass inside it in various directions. These forces
cancel each other completely. Therefore the gravitational force on the particle is zero.
19. (a) The gravitational force of attraction on a body of mass 𝑚 is given by
𝐺𝑀𝑚 1
𝐹= Therefore, 𝐹 ∝
𝑅2 𝑅2
The radius of earth is maximum at equator, therefore, gravitational force of attraction is least at equator.
20. (c) Gravitational force is independent of medium. Hence, this will remain same.
𝑚(𝑀 − 𝑚)
(b) 𝐹 = 𝐺
𝑟2
For maximum value of 𝐹, 𝑑𝐹/𝑑𝑚 = 0, and so 𝑚 = 𝑀/2.
22.
 𝐺𝑚𝑒 𝐺𝑚𝑚
(d) 2
=
𝑥 (𝐷 − 𝑥)2
𝐺(81𝑚) 𝑚
or 2
=
𝑥 (𝐷 − 𝑥)2
9𝐷
∴ 𝑥= .
10

23. (b)
𝐺𝑚 𝑚 𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
(a) 𝐹 = 𝑟12 2 = (𝑟 +𝑟 )2
.
1 2
25. (c) As 𝑚2 attracts 𝑚1 towards itself, ∴ force is along 𝑟 3 .
26. (d)

4×1 9×1
∴𝐺 = 𝐺
𝑥2 (60 − 𝑥)2
2 𝑥
or = ⇒ 𝑥 = 24 cm
3 (60 − 𝑥)
27. (b)

So, Fnet = Fo′ + 2 Fo cos 𝜃

G × 1002 2G(100)2 13 G1002 1
= 2
+ ⋅ = 2
(1 + ) ≃ 100G
(13) (13√2)2 13√2 13 √2
28. (c) % change =
𝐺(2𝑚1 )(2𝑚2 ) 𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
[ − ]
(3𝑟)2 𝑟2
= × 100
𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2
𝑟2
4
−1
=9 × 100 = −56%,
1
-ve sign indicates that force of attraction decreases.
𝐺𝑀(3𝑚) 3𝐺𝑀𝑚
29. (c) 𝐹 = 𝑑2 = 𝑑2 .
30. (c)
31. (c) The gravitational force of attraction between two identical spheres of radius 𝑟 is
 4 3 4 3
𝐺𝑚1 𝑚2 𝐺 3 𝜋𝑟 𝜌 × 3 𝜋𝑟 𝜌
𝐹= =
𝑟2 (2𝑟)2
4
= 𝜋 2 𝑝2 𝑟 4
9

i.e., 𝐹 ∝ 𝑟 4̇
32. (a)
33. (d) G is a universal gravitational constant as the value of G is same for all pairs of bodies situated
anywhere in the universe.
𝐺𝑀 1
34. (b) Acceleration due to gravity (𝑔) is given by 𝑔 = 𝑅2 ⇒ 𝑔 ∝ 𝑅2
As one moves from the equator to the poles, the radius of the earth decreases, hence 𝑔 increases.
𝐺𝑀
35. (b) 𝑔 = 𝑅2𝐸
𝐸
36. (a) Effective value of ' 𝑔 ' at ' ℎ ' height is given as
g
g eff =
h 2
(1 + R)
g 16 g
⇒ g eff = 2 = 25
1
(1 + 4)

16
𝑔eff −𝑔 −1
′ ′ 25
Change in 𝑔 = 𝑔 × 100 = 1 × 100
−9
= × 100 = −36%
25
Hence % decrease in the weight = 36%
𝑢2 sin 2𝜃
37. (d) Range of projectile 𝑅 = 𝑔
1
if 𝑢 and 𝜃 are constant then 𝑅 ∝ 𝑔
𝑅𝑚 𝑔𝑒 𝑅𝑚 1 𝑅𝑒
= ⇒ = ⇒ 𝑅𝑚 = ⇒ 𝑅𝑚 = 5𝑅𝑒
𝑅𝑒 𝑔𝑚 𝑅𝑒 0.2 0.2
𝑔′ 𝑅 2 1 𝑅 2
(b) = (𝑅+ℎ) ⇒ 100 = (𝑅+ℎ)
𝑔
⇒ ℎ = 9𝑅
39. (b) Value of 𝑔 is larger at poles than the equator.
G𝑀 4
(a) 𝑔 = 𝑅2 also 𝑀 = 𝑑 × 3 𝜋𝑅 3
4
∴ 𝑔 = 3 𝑑𝜋𝑅 at the surface of planet
 4 4
𝑔𝑝 = (2𝑑)𝜋𝑅 ′ , 𝑔𝑒 = (𝑑)𝜋𝑅
3 3
𝑔𝑒 = 𝑔𝑝 ⇒ 𝑑𝑅 = 2𝑑𝑅 ′ ⇒ 𝑅 ′ = 𝑅/2
41. (d) We know that
4 3
𝐺𝑀 𝐺 (3 𝜋𝑅 ) 𝜌 4
𝑔= 2 = = 𝜋GR𝜌
𝑅 𝑅2 3
′ ′
𝑔 𝑅 3𝑅
= = = 3 ∴ 𝑔′ = 3𝑔
𝑔 𝑅 𝑅
4
𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝜌×𝑉 𝐺×𝜌× 𝜋𝑅 3
3
42. (d) 𝑔 = = ⇒𝑔=
𝑅2 𝑅2 𝑅2
4
𝑔 = 3 𝜌𝜋G ⋅ R where 𝜌 → average density
3𝑔
𝜌=( )
4𝜋𝐺𝑅
⇒ 𝜌 is directly proportional to 𝑔.
43. (b) K.E. of the person = P.E. at the maximum height
1 GM
𝑚𝑣 2 = 𝑚 R2 ℎ.
2
𝐺𝑀 𝑀′
∴ 𝑚 2 ⋅ ℎ = 𝑚𝐺 ′2 ℎ′
𝑅 𝑅
4 ′ 𝑅 2
Given 𝜌 = 5 𝑝 , 𝑅′ = 3
4 𝜋𝑅 3 𝜌 4 𝜋𝑅 ′3 𝜌′ ′
∴ 𝑚𝐺 ⋅ ⋅ ℎ = 𝑚𝐺 ⋅ ⋅ℎ
3 𝑅2 3 𝑅 ′2
2 ′ 4 ′
⇒ 𝑅 ⋅ 𝜌 1.5 = 𝑅 ′ 𝜌′ ℎ′ ∴ ℎ′ = 0.8 m.
3 5
𝐺𝑀
44. (c) 𝑔 = 𝑟 2 . Since 𝑀 and 𝑟 are constant, so 𝑔 = 9.8 m/s2
45. (a) We know that,
4 3
𝐺𝑀 𝐺 (3 𝜋𝑅 ) 𝜌 4
𝑔= 2 = = 𝜋𝐺𝑅𝜌
𝑅 𝑅2 3
𝑔′ 𝑅 ′ 0.2𝑅
= = = 0.2 ∴ 𝑔′ = 0.2 g
𝑔 𝑅 𝑅
46. (d)
47. (c) Acceleration due to gravity 𝑔 varies with dpth as
𝑑
𝑔′ = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅𝐸
48. (a) weight (= mg) of the body at the centre of the earth is zero, because the value of 𝑔 at centre is zero.
49. (a)
𝑚𝑔 𝐺𝑀𝑚 1
50. (c) x = 𝑘 = 𝑅2 𝑘 ⇒ 𝑥 ∝ 𝑅2 ⇒ 𝑥2
6400 2
=( ) 𝑥1 = 0.79 cm
7200
𝑔′ 𝑅2
51. (d) We know that = (𝑅+ℎ)2
𝑔
𝑔/9 𝑅 2 𝑅 1
∴ =[ ] ∴ = ∴ ℎ = 2𝑅
𝑔 𝑅+ℎ 𝑅+ℎ 3
52. (d)
53. (a)
2ℎ 𝑑
54. (a) As we know, 𝑔′ = 𝑔 (1 − ) = 𝑔 (1 − 𝑅)
𝑅
2ℎ 𝑑 𝑑
∴ = ∴ ℎ = or 𝑑 = 2ℎ.
𝑅 𝑅 2
∴ 𝑑 = 2 × 50 = 100 km.
𝑔𝑟⃗ 𝑔
55. (a) 𝑔⃗′ = − 𝑅 for 𝑟 ≤ 𝑅 and 𝑔′ = (1+𝑟/𝑅)2 for 𝑟 ≥ 𝑅 so option (a) is correct.
56. (b) There is no gravitational field in the shell.
57. (d) At a point inside a spherical shell, the value of gravitational intensity, 𝐼 = 0.
If 𝑉 = 0 then gravitational field is necessarily zero.
58. (d) 𝐸earth = 𝐸moon
𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀/81
⇒ 2 =
𝑥 (60𝑅 − 𝑥)2
1 1
⇒ =
𝑥 9(60𝑅 − 𝑥)
⇒ 𝑥 = 54R from centre of earth.

59. (d) Both decreases but variation are different.

−𝑑𝑉
60. (b) 𝐼 = 𝑑𝑟 . If 𝐼 = 0 then 𝑉 = constant
61. (a)
62. (a) Potential at the given point = Potential at the point due to the shell + Potential due to the particle
𝐺𝑀 2𝐺𝑀 3𝐺𝑀
=− − =−
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
63. (b) Gravitational potential energy (GPE) on the surface of earth,
𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝐸1 = −
𝑅
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚
GPE at 3𝑅, 𝐸2 = − (𝑅+3𝑅) = − 4𝑅
∴ Change in GPE
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚 3𝐺𝑀𝑚
= 𝐸2 − 𝐸1 = − + =
4𝑅 𝑅 4𝑅
3𝑔𝑅 2 𝑚 𝐺𝑀 3
= (∵ 𝑔 = 2 ) = 𝑚𝑔𝑅
4𝑅 𝑅 4
64. (b) Mass of the satellite = m and height of rock from earth (ℎ) = 𝑅𝑒 /2 = 3.2 × 106 m
We know that gravitational potential energy of the rock rotating at height
 𝐺𝑀𝑒 𝑚 2
ℎ=− = − 𝑚𝑔𝑅𝑒
𝑅𝑒 + ℎ 3
2
(where, 𝐺𝑀𝑒 = 𝑔𝑅𝑒 and ℎ = 𝑅𝑒 )
65. (c) Gravitational potential energy associated with two particles of masses 𝑚1 &𝑚2 separated by distance
𝑟 is given by
𝐺𝑚 𝑚 1
V = − 𝑟1 2 ∴ if 𝑟 → ∞. ∴ ∞ = 0.
⇒ V = 0.
66. (a)

𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝑈net = − ×4− × 4√2
𝑑 𝑑
𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝐺𝑚
− ×2=− [(4 + √2)𝑚 + 4√2𝑀]
√2𝑑 𝑑
𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀
67. (b) 𝑣𝑔 = − 𝑅 for 𝑟 ≤ 𝑅 and 𝑣𝑔 = − 𝑟 , for 𝑟 > 𝑅, and so option (b) is correct.
68. (b)
69. (a) The gravitational potential at the centre of uniform spherical shell is equal to the gravitational
potential at the surface of shell i.e.,
−𝐺𝑀
𝑉 = 𝑎 , where a is radius of spherical shell
Now, if the shell shrinks then its radius decrease then density increases, but mass is constant. so from above
expression if a decreases, then 𝑉 increases.
70. (c)

a√2 a
OA = OB = OC = OD = =
2 √2
Total gravitational potential at the centre of the square =
−𝐺𝑚 × 4 −4𝐺𝑚 −4√2𝐺𝑚
= =
𝑂𝐴 𝑎/√2 𝑎
71. (b)
2𝐺𝑀
72. (a) Escape velocity = 𝑣 = √ 𝑅
2𝐺𝑀
⇒ 𝑣2 =
𝑅
Differentiating both sides, we get,
 𝑑𝑣 2𝐺𝑀 𝑑𝑣 𝐺𝑀
2𝑣 =− 2 ⇒𝑣 = 2
𝑑𝑅 𝑅 𝑑𝑅 𝑅
1 𝑑𝑣 1
Dividing (ii) by (i), 𝑣 𝑑𝑅 = − 2𝑅
𝑑𝑣 1
⇒ | | × 100 = × 4% = 2%
𝑣 2
∴ If the radius decreases by 4%, escape velocity will increase by 2%.
73. (a) 𝑣esc = √2𝑔𝑅, where R is radius of the planet.
Hence escape velocity is independent of 𝑚.
8
74. (c) Escape speed, 𝑉𝑒 = 𝑅˙ √3 𝜋𝐺𝑠 ∴ 𝑉𝑒 ∝ 𝑅.
2𝐺𝑀𝐴
75. (b) Escape velocity of the planet 𝐴 is 𝑉𝐴 = √ where 𝑀𝐴 and 𝑅𝐴 be the mass and radius of the planet
𝑅𝐴
𝐴. According to given problem
𝑀𝐴 𝑅𝐴
𝑀𝐵 = , 𝑅𝐵 =
2 2
2𝐺𝑀𝐴
𝑀 𝑅𝐴
2𝐺 2𝐴 𝑉𝐴 √ 2𝐺𝑀𝐴 /2 𝑛
∴𝑉𝐵 = √ ∴ = = =1
𝑅𝐴 𝑉𝐵 𝑅𝐴 /2 4
2
76. (b)
2𝐺𝑀𝑝
√ 𝑅
(𝑣𝑒 )𝑝 𝑝 𝑀𝑝 R
77. (c) (𝑣 = = √ 𝑀 × 𝑅e
𝑒 )𝑒 2𝐺𝑀
√ R 𝑒 𝑒 𝑝
e

10𝑀𝑒 𝑅𝑒
=√ × = 10
𝑀𝑒 𝑅𝑒 /10
78. (c) ∴ (𝑣𝑒 )𝑝 = 10 × (𝑣𝑒 )𝑒 = 10 × 11 = 110 km/s
1
79. (b) We know that 𝑣𝑒 = √2𝑣0 , where v0 is orbital velocity. K.E. in the orbit, 𝐸 = 2 𝑀𝑣02
1 1 1
K.E. to escape 𝐸 = 2 𝑀𝑣𝑒2 = 2 𝑀(2𝑣02 ) = 2 𝑀𝑣02 × 2 = 2𝐸
80. (a) Time period of satellite is given by:
circumference of an orbit 2𝜋𝑅
= =
Velocity in orbit 𝑣0
3/2
2𝜋𝑅 2𝜋𝑅
= =
√𝐺𝑀𝑚 √𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝑅
4𝜋 2 𝑅 3
Squaring both sides, we get 𝑇 2 = 𝐺𝑀𝑚
1
81. (b) Orbital speed 𝑣 ∝ ; As Jupiter is farther than earth from sun, so its orbital speed is less than orbital
√𝑟
speed of earth.
82. (d)
 𝐺𝑀
83. (b) When satellite is orbiting close to the surface of earth, orbital velocity, 𝑣𝑜 = √ where M and R are
𝑅
the mass and radius of earth.
𝐺𝑀
84. (b) Since 𝑣0 (orbital velocity) = √ 𝑟
𝑣 𝑟
So 𝑣01 = √𝑟2 ⇒ 𝑣01 < 𝑣02 ∵ 𝑟1 > 𝑟2
02 1

𝐺𝑀
85. (b) Speed of satellite, 𝑣 = √ 𝑟
2𝜋𝑟 2𝜋𝑟 𝑟3
Time, 𝑇 = = = 2𝜋√𝐺𝑀
𝑣 𝐺𝑀
√
𝑟
2𝜋 3/2 3/2
∴ 𝑇𝐵 − 𝑇𝐴 = [𝑟𝐵 − 𝑟𝐴 ]
√𝐺𝑀
2𝜋
= [(8 × 106 )3/2 − (7 × 106 )3/2 ]
√𝐺𝑀
2𝜋
= × 109 [83/2 − 73/2 ]
√6.67 × ×6×10−11 1024
≈ 1300 s
86. (b) When gravitational force becomes zero, centripetal force on satellite becomes zero so satellite will
move tangentially to the original orbit with same velocity.
87. (a) The orbital velocity of satellite near the earth surface is 𝑣0 = √𝑔𝑅𝑒
𝑔 = 9.8 m/sec 2 , 𝑅𝑒 = 6.4 × 106 metre
⇒ v0 = 7.92 × 103 m/sec = 7.92 km/sec ≈ 8 km/sec
88. (b) 89. (b)
89. (a) given 𝑅 = 3200 km, 𝑅1 = 6400 kg, m = 100 kg
−𝐺𝑀𝑚
Gravitational potential energy = 𝑟
and orbital velocity, 𝑣0 = √𝐺𝑀/𝑅 + ℎ
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚 1 𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝐸𝑓 = 𝑚𝑣02 − = 𝑚 −
2 3𝑅 2 3𝑅 3𝑅
𝐺𝑀𝑚 1 −𝐺𝑀𝑚
= ( − 1) =
3𝑅 2 6𝑅
−𝐺𝑀𝑚 5𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝐸𝑖 = + 𝐾 also 𝐸𝑖 = 𝐸𝑓 ⇒ 𝐾 =
𝑅 6𝑅
5𝐺𝑀 × 100 𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀
∴ 𝑘= × 10−3 = =
6 × 3200 6 × 32 × 200 38400
91. (d) Total energy of satellite is half the potential energy i.e.,
𝑈
𝐸=
2
𝐺𝑀
92. (b) Orbital, velocity, 𝑣 = √ 𝑟
Kinetic energy of satellite 𝐴,
1
TA = mA vA2
2
Kinetic energy of satellite 𝐵,
1
TB = mB VB2
2
𝐺𝑀
𝑇𝐴 𝑚× 𝑅
⇒ = =1
𝑇𝐵 2𝑚 × 𝐺𝑀
2𝑅
𝐺𝑀𝑚
93. (b) As, 𝐸 = − 2𝑟
𝑀
𝐸∝
𝑟
𝐸𝐴 𝑀𝐴 𝑟𝐵 4 4𝑟 16
= × = × =
𝐸𝐵 𝑀𝐵 𝑟𝐴 3 3𝑟 9
94. (a) K.E. of satellite moving in an orbit around the earth is
2
1 1 𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀𝑚
K= 𝑚𝑣 2 = 𝑚 (√ ) =
2 2 𝑟 2𝑟
P.E. of satellite and earth system is
𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐾 1
𝑈= ⇒ = 2 =
𝑟 𝑈 𝐺𝑀𝑚 2
𝑟
95. (b)

EXERCISE - 2
1. (d) Let the density of earth as a sphere is uniform, then it can be treated as point mass placed at its centre
then acceleration due to gravity 𝑔 = 0, at the centre. But if the density of earth is considered as a sphere of
non-uniform then value of ' 𝑔 ' will be different at different points
4
(∵ 𝑔 = 𝜋𝜌𝐺𝑅) . So 𝑔 cannot be zero at any point.
3
2. (c) Force of attraction between any two objects obeys the inverse square law.
As observed from the earth, the sun appears to move in an approximate circular orbit. The gravitational
force of attraction between the earth and the sun always follows inverse square law.
Due to relative motion between the earth and mercury, the orbit of mercury, as observed from the earth will
not be approximately circular, since the major gravitational force on mercury is due to the sun is very large
than due to earth and due to the relative motion to sun and earth with mercury. (a) As we know that, the
torque on earth due to gravitational attractive force on earth is zero:
As the earth is revolving around the sun in a circular motion due to gravitational attraction. The force of
attraction will be of radial nature i.e., angle between position vector 𝑟 and force 𝐹 is also, zero.
So, torque = |𝜏| = |𝑟 × 𝐹| = 𝑟𝐹sin 0∘ = 0
−𝐺𝑀
4. (c) As the total (P.E.) of the earth satellite orbiting in orbit is negative ( 2𝑟 ), where 𝑟 is radius of the satellite
and 𝑀 is mass of the earth.
Due to the viscous force acting on satellite, energy decreases continuously and radius of the orbit or height
decreases gradually.
5. (b) The major force acting on moon is due to gravitational force of attraction by sun and earth and moon is
not always in line of joining sun and earth.
As observed from the sun, two types of forces are acting on the moon one is due to gravitational attraction
between the sun and the moon and the other is due to gravitational attraction between the earth and the
moon. So these two force have different lines of action and it will not be strictly elliptical because total force
on the moon is not central.
6. (d) Asteroids are also being acted upon by central gravitational forces, hence Asteroid will move in circular
orbits like planets and obey Kepler's laws.
7. (d) Gravitational mass of proton is equivalent to its inertial mass and is independent of presence of
neighbouring heavy objects so verifies the option (d).
8. (𝑐)
9. (c) The gravitational force on the satellite will be aiming towards the centre of the earth so acceleration of
the satellite will also be aiming towards the centre of the earth.
10. (d) Given: Height of the satellite from the earth's surface ℎ = 0.25 × 106 m
Radius of the earth 𝑅 = 6.38 × 106 m
Acceleration due to gravity 𝑔 = 9.8 m/s2
Orbital velocity, 𝑉0 = ?
𝐺𝑀 𝐺𝑀 𝑅2
𝑉0 = √ =√ 2 ⋅
(𝑅 + ℎ) 𝑅 (𝑅 + ℎ)

9.8 × 6.38 × 6.38 𝐺𝑀

=√ = 7.76 km/s [∵ = 𝑔]
6.63 × 106 𝑅2
11. (b) As we know, escape velocity,
2𝐺𝑀 2𝐺 4
𝑉𝑒 = √ = √ ⋅ ( 𝜋𝑅 3 𝜌) ∝ 𝑅 √𝜌
𝑅 𝑅 3
𝑉𝑒 𝑅𝑒 𝜌𝑒 𝑉𝑒 𝑅𝑒 𝜌𝑒
∴ = √ ⇒ = √
𝑉𝑝 𝑅𝑝 𝜌𝑝 𝑉𝑝 2𝑅𝑒 2𝜌𝑒
𝑉𝑒
∴ Ratio = 1: 2√2
𝑉𝑝
12. (a) As we know, gravitational potential (v) and acceleration due to gravity (𝑔) with height
−𝐺𝑀
𝑉= = −5.4 × 107
𝑅+ℎ
𝐺𝑀′
and 𝑔 = =6
(𝑅 + ℎ)2
Dividing (i) by (ii)
−𝐺𝑀 7 7
𝑅 + ℎ = −5.4 × 10 ⇒ 5.4 × 10 = 6
𝐺𝑀 6 (𝑅 + ℎ)
(𝑅 + ℎ)2
⇒ 𝑅 + ℎ = 9000 kmso, ℎ = 2600 km
13. (c) Above earth surface. Below earth surface
 2ℎ
𝑔ℎ = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅𝑒
𝑑
𝑔𝑑 = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅𝑒
According to question, 𝑔ℎ = 𝑔𝑑
2ℎ 𝑑
𝑔 (1 − ) = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅𝑒 𝑅𝑒
Clearly,
𝑑 = 2ℎ = 2 km
14. (a) Speed of the planet will be maximum when its distance from the sun is minimum as 𝑚𝑣𝑟˙ = constant.

Point 𝐴 is perihelion and 𝐶 is aphelion.

Clearly, VA > VB > VC
So, 𝐾𝐴 > 𝐾𝐵 > 𝐾𝐶
15. (c)
16. (d) Acceleration due to gravity at a depth 𝑑 from surface of earth
𝑑
𝑔′ = 𝑔 (1 − )
𝑅
𝑅 𝑔
Here, 𝑑 = 2 ∴ 𝑔′ = 2
Multiplying by mass ' m ' on both sides of equation (i) we get
𝑑
𝑊 = 𝑊 (1 − ) (∵ W = mg)
𝑅
𝑅 200
= 200 (1 − ) = = 100 N
2𝑅 2
17. (a) Weight of a body on the surface of the earth, 𝑊𝑆 = 𝑚𝑔 = 72 N
Acceleration due to gravity, 𝑔 varies with height,
𝑅
ℎ = (given)
2
𝑚𝑔𝑠 72 72
𝑊ℎ = 2 = 2 = (3/2)2
ℎ 𝑅/2
(1 + 𝑅 ) (1 + )
𝑅
4
= × 72 = 32 N
9
18. (a) Escape velocity from the earth's surface
4
2GM √2G𝜌 3 𝜋R3 M
ve = √ = [∵ 𝜌 = ]
R R V
8G𝜌𝜋
or, ve = √ R2 or, ve ∝ R(∵ same density )
3
V R
∴ v = 4R or, v1 = 4v
1
Escape velocity is double if the radius of the earth is double keeping the density unchanged. Escape velocity
depends on the mass and size of the planet.
19. (a) From law of conservation of mechanical energy,
1 GmM GmM
mv 2 − =−
2 R (R + h)
2
v GM (GM) h
⇒ = − = GM
2 R (R + h) R(R + h)
1 GMh
⇒ k 2 Ve2 =
2 R(R + h)
2𝐺𝑀
We know, escape velocity 𝑉𝑒 = √ 𝑅
1 2𝐺𝑀 (𝐺𝑀) ℎ
⇒ 𝑘 2 ( 𝑅 ) = 𝑅(𝑅+ℎ) 2
or, 𝑘 = (𝑅+ℎ)
2
Rk + hk = h ⇒ Rk 2 = h(1 − k 2 )
2 2

Rk 2
∴h=
(1 − k 2 )
20. (a) 𝐹⃗𝑚 = 𝑚𝐸⃗⃗
⃗F⃗m 3
⃗⃗| =
|E = = 50 N/kg
m 60 × 10−3
21. (c) Let gravitational field at point 𝑄 be zero
𝐺𝑚 𝐺(9𝑚)
∴ 2 =
𝑥 (𝑅 − 𝑥)2
(𝑅 − 𝑥)2 𝑅
2
=9⇒𝑥=
𝑥 4
⟵ R
×→ Q ⟵ 9 m

−𝐺𝑚 𝐺(9𝑚)
𝑉𝑃 = −
𝑥 𝑅−𝑥
−𝐺𝑚 𝐺(9𝑚) −4𝐺𝑚 12𝐺𝑚 −16𝐺𝑚
𝑉𝑃 = − = − =
𝑅 3𝑅 𝑅 𝑅 𝑅
4 4
22. (b) Time period of satellite just above earth surface (T) is given by
 𝑅
𝑇 = 2𝜋√
𝑔
𝐺𝑀 𝐺 4 3 4
But 𝑔 = = ( 𝜋𝑅 𝑑) = 𝐺𝑑 𝜋𝑅
𝑅2 𝑅2 3 3
𝑅 3 3𝜋
∴𝑇=√ = 2𝜋√ ⇒ 𝑇2 =
4 4𝜋𝐺𝑑 𝐺𝑑
𝐺 3 𝜋𝑅𝑑