Gravitation

Due to mass of bodies, there is a force of attraction between

bodies having mass. This property of attraction between
bodies due to their mass is called Gravitation. For two point
masses ‘m1’ and ‘m2’ kept at a separation ‘r’, the gravitational
force of attraction is given by
𝐆𝐦𝟏 𝐦𝟐 where, G = Universal Gravitational
F=
𝐫𝟐 Constant = 6.67 × 10−11 N m2 kg−2.
This force is very less due to very small value of ‘G’ and is
significant when one of the bodies is very large, like earth.
 Earth’s Gravitation
𝐆𝐦𝟏 𝐦𝟐
The equation F = is also true for spherically
𝐫𝟐
symmetric bodies, like earth i.e. we can treat earth as a point
mass placed at it’s centre to find gravitational force due to it
anywhere at an outside point. We will discuss the calculation
at points on the inside of the earth later in this chapter.
For an object placed near the earth’s surface, the
𝐆𝐌𝐄 𝐦
gravitational force on it is F = 𝟐 i.e. F = mg
𝐑
Here, g = GME/R2 = 9.8 m/s2 is acceleration due to gravity.
Q) The earth revolves round the sun because the sun attracts
the earth. The sun also attracts the moon and this force is
about twice as large as the attraction of the earth on the
moon. Why does the moon not revolve round the sun? Or
does it?
Q) Three particles A, B and C, each of mass m, are placed in a
line with AB = BC = d. Find the gravitational force on a fourth
particle P of same mass, placed at a distance d from the
particle B on the perpendicular bisector of the line AC.
Q) Two particles of equal mass ‘m’ go round a circle of radius
‘R’ under the action of their mutual gravitational attraction.
Find the speed of each particle.
 Gravitational Potential Energy
As we know that Gravitational Force is Conservative in
nature, we can define change in Potential Energy due to it.
Suppose, two point masses ‘m1’ (fixed) and ‘m2’ are kept at a
separation ‘r1’ which has to be changed to ‘r2’, then some
external work has to be done on it. If there is no change in
kinetic energy, then ∆U = Wext

dr
m1 r1 m2 𝐆𝐦𝟏 𝐦𝟐
F=
r 𝐫𝟐
Gravitational Potential Energy
 Gravitational Potential
Change in Gravitational Potential due to a System of Masses
or a single point mass is defined as Change in Gravitational
Potential Energy per unit mass of a test mass when it is
moved from one point to another under influence of System
∆𝐔
of Masses or a single point mass. ∆V = lim
𝐦→𝟎 𝐦
If we consider potential at infinite separation to be zero, then
potential at a point can be written as V = U/m
For a point mass ‘M’, potential 𝐆𝐌𝐦Τ𝐫 𝐆𝐌
V=- =-
at a distance ‘r’ is given by 𝐦 𝐫
Q) A person brings a mass of 1 kg from infinity to a point A.
Initially the mass was at rest but it moves as a speed of 2 m/s
as it reaches A. The work done by the person on the mass is
- 3 J. The potential at A is
a) – 3 J/kg b) – 2 J/kg c) – 5 J/kg d) None
Q) Three particles of mass ‘m’ each are placed at the three
corners of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’. Find the work
which should be done on this system to increase the side of
the triangle to ‘2a’.
Q) Two particles A and B of masses 1 kg and 2 kg respectively
are kept 1 m apart and are released to move under mutual
attraction. Find the speed of A when that of B is 3.6 cm/h.
What is the separation between the particles at this instant?
Gravitational Potential due to Uniform Ring

R
𝐆𝐌
x V=-
𝐑𝟐 +𝐱 𝟐
Gravitational Potential due to Uniform Disc

R
𝟐𝐆𝐌
x V=- 𝟐 𝐑𝟐 + 𝐱 𝟐 − 𝐱
𝐑
Gravitational Potential due to Uniform Hollow Sphere

𝐆𝐌
V=-
𝐑

r 𝐆𝐌
V=-
𝐫
R
Gravitational Potential due to Uniform Solid Sphere

𝐆𝐌
V = - 𝟑 (3R2 - r2)
𝟐𝐑
r
r 𝐆𝐌
V=-
𝐫
R
Q) If the acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the
earth is ‘g’, the work done in slowly lifting a body of mass ‘m’
from the earth’s surface to a height ‘R’ equal to the radius of
the earth is
a) mgR/2 b) 2mgR c) mgR d) mgR/4
Q) A particle is fired vertically upward from the surface of
earth with a speed of 9.8 km/s. Find the maximum height
attained by the particle. Radius of earth = 6400 km and g at
the surface = 9.8 m/s2. Consider only earth’s gravitation.
Q) From a solid sphere of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’, a spherical
portion of radius ‘R/2’ is removed as shown in the figure.
Taking gravitational potential V = 0 at r = ∞, the potential at
the centre of the cavity thus formed is
−𝐆𝐌 −𝐆𝐌 −𝟐𝐆𝐌 −𝟐𝐆𝐌
a) b) c) d)
𝐑 𝟐𝐑 𝟑𝐑 𝐑
 Gravitational Field
It is defined as Force acting per unit test mass placed in the
influence of a system of particles or a single particle. It is
𝐅Ԧ
denoted by 𝐄. We can define 𝐄 = lim
𝐦→𝟎 𝐦
Due to a point mass ‘M’ at a distance ‘r’, we can write
𝐆𝐌𝐦Τ𝐫 𝟐 𝐆𝐌
gravitational field 𝐄 as 𝐄 = = 𝟐
𝐦 𝐫
 Relation between Gravitational Field & Potential
As we know that,
∆U = - Wgravity  m.∆V = - ‫𝐅 ׬‬Ԧ𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 . 𝐝Ԧ𝐫
 m.∆V = - ‫𝐄𝐦 ׬‬. 𝐝Ԧ𝐫  ∆V = - ‫𝐄 ׬‬. 𝐝Ԧ𝐫
𝛛𝐕
Partially differentiating wrt ‘x’ both sides, Ex = -
𝛛𝐱
𝛛𝐕 𝛛𝐕
Similarly, Ey = - & Ez = -
𝛛𝐲 𝛛𝐳
𝛛𝐕 𝛛𝐕 𝛛𝐕
መ =-
Hence, 𝐄 = Ex𝐢Ƹ + Ey𝐣Ƹ + Ez𝐤 𝐢Ƹ - 𝐣Ƹ - መ = - 𝛁V
𝐤
𝛛𝐱 𝛛𝐲 𝛛𝐳
Q) The gravitational potential in a region is given by
V = 20 (x + y) J/kg.
i) Find the gravitational field at the point (x, y). Leave your
መ
answer in terms of the unit vectors 𝐢,Ƹ 𝐣,Ƹ 𝐤.
ii) Calculate the magnitude of the gravitational force on a
particle of mass 500 g placed at the origin.
Q) The gravitational field in a region is given by 𝐄 = 10 (𝐢Ƹ + 𝐣)Ƹ
N/kg. Find the work done by an external agent to slowly shift
a particle of mass 2 kg from the point (0, 0) to a point (5 m, 4
m).
Q) Let ‘V’ and ‘E’ denote the gravitational potential and
gravitational field at a point. It is possible to have
a) V = 0 and E = 0 b) V = 0 and E ≠ 0
c) V ≠ 0 and E = 0 d) V ≠ 0 and E ≠ 0
Gravitational Field due to Uniform Ring

R 𝐆𝐌𝐱
E= 𝟑
𝐑𝟐 +𝐱 𝟐 𝟐
x
Gravitational Field due to Uniform Disc

R 𝟐𝐆𝐌 𝐱
E = 𝟐 (1 - )
𝐑 𝐑𝟐 +𝐱 𝟐
x
Gravitational Field due to Uniform Hollow Sphere

E=0

r 𝐆𝐌
E= 𝟐
𝐫
R
 Gravitational Field due to Uniform Solid Sphere
To find field at an inside point,
we can divide the sphere into 𝐆𝐌𝐫
E= 𝟑
two parts. For outer part, the 𝐑
r
point is inside the sphere and r 𝐆𝐌
field due to it will be zero. For E= 𝟐
R 𝐫
inner part, the point is outside
the sphere. The field due to
this part can be calculated by
assuming total mass of sphere
at it’s centre.
Q) As one moves along the axis of uniform ring of mass ‘M’
and radius ‘R’, find the distance of point from centre of ring
where the gravitational field is maximum. Also find the value
of this maximum gravitational field.
Q) Let ‘V’ and ‘E’ be the gravitational potential and
gravitational field at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of a
uniform spherical shell. Consider the following two
statements:
(A) The plot of ‘V’ against ‘r’ is discontinuous.
(B) The plot of ‘E’ against ‘r’ is discontinuous.
a) Both A and B is correct
b) A is correct but B is wrong
c) B is correct but A is wrong
d) Both A and B are wrong.
Q) Let ‘V’ and ‘E’ be the gravitational potential and
gravitational field at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of a
uniform solid sphere. Consider the following two statements:
(A) The plot of ‘V’ against ‘r’ is discontinuous.
(B) The plot of ‘E’ against ‘r’ is discontinuous.
a) Both A and B is correct
b) A is correct but B is wrong
c) B is correct but A is wrong
d) Both A and B are wrong.
Q) Find the distance of a point from the earth’s centre where
the resultant gravitational field due to the earth and the
moon is zero. The mass of the earth is 6 x 1024 kg and that of
the moon is 7.4 x 1022 kg. The distance between the earth
and the moon is 4 x 105 km.
Q) A uniform solid sphere of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘a’ is
surrounded symmetrically by a uniform thin spherical shell of
equal mass and radius ‘2a’. Find the gravitational field at a
distance
𝟑
i) a from the centre
𝟐
𝟓
ii) a from the centre
𝟐
Q) A sphere of radius ‘R’ has non-uniform radially symmetric
mass distribution such that the density at a distance ‘r’ is
𝐫
given by ρ = ρ0 (1 - ). Here, ρ0 is constant. Find the function
𝐑
of gravitational field at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of
sphere.
 Variation of ‘g’ with Height from Earth’s Surface
At a height ‘h’ from the earth’s surface, we can write

If h << R,
 Variation of ‘g’ with Depth from Earth’s Surface
At a depth ‘h’ from the earth’s surface, the distance from
centre of earth is (R – h). If we consider earth to be a uniform
sphere, we can say that
 Variation of ‘g’ due to Rotation of Earth
For a point mass ‘m’ placed at the surface of earth at a
position having colatitude ‘𝛉’, the forces acting are as shown
m𝛚2R

𝛉 𝐆𝐌𝐦
𝐑𝟐

At equator, geff = g - 𝛚2R

Variation of ‘g’ due to Non-Sphericity & Non-Uniformity of Earth
Since, earth is a bit flattened out at poles (6357 km radius)
than at equator (6378 km radius), the gravity at poles (g =
9.832 m/s2) is a bit larger than at equator (g = 9.780 m/s2).
Due to earth being of non uniform elevation and consisting
of mountains and tranches, the gravity varies from place to
place. It’s minimum value on surface of earth is at a
mountain in Peru named Nevado Huascaran (g = 9.7639
m/s2) and has maximum value at surface of Arctic (g = 9.8337
m/s2).
Q) What is the acceleration due to gravity on the top of
Mount Everest? Mount Everest is the highest mountain peak
of the world at the height of 8849 m. The value at sea level is
9.80 m s-2.
Q) Find the height over the earth’s surface at which the
weight of body becomes half of its value at the surface. Take
radius of earth as 6400 km.
Q) At what rate should the earth rotate so that the apparent
‘g’ at the equator becomes zero? What will be the length of
the day in this situation?
Q) Take the effect of bulging of earth and its rotation in
account. Consider the following statements:
(A) There are points outside the earth where the value of ‘g’
is equal to its value at the equator.
(B) There are points outside the earth where the value of ‘g’
is equal to its value at the poles.
a) Both A and B are correct
b) A is correct but B is wrong
c) B is correct but A is wrong
d) Both A & B are wrong
 Kepler’s Law
From the findings of Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler
formulated laws of Planetary Motion. Though stated for
planetary motion, this law is also valid for moons orbiting
around planets and satellites launched in Earth’s orbit.
First Law: All planets move in elliptical path with sun at one
of it’s focus.
Second Law: Radius Vector from sun to the planet sweeps
equal area in equal time.
Third Law: The Square of Time Period of a Planet’s Orbit is
proportional to cube of semi-major axis of the ellipse.
 Proof of Kepler’s Second Law
Consider planet’s orbit v
around sun. The force of 𝛉
gravitation applied by sun
on the planet passes r
Sun
through the centre of sun.
Hence, we can say that
the angular momentum
must remain conserved
about sun’s centre.
 Ellipse
The locus points whose sum of distances from two fixed
points remains constant is called ellipse. The fixed points are
called focus (F1 and F2). Here, F1P + F2P = constant.
𝐱𝟐 𝐲𝟐 Y
General Equation : 𝟐 + 𝟐 = 1. C P
𝐚 𝐛
Here, OA = OB = a & OC = OD = b
If a > b, then AB is called Major
Axis and CD is called Minor Axis. A F1 O F2 B X

D
 Eccentricity of Ellipse
𝐎𝐅𝟏 =𝐎𝐅𝟐 =𝐜
Eccentricity of ellipse is defined as e =
𝐎𝐀=𝐎𝐁=𝐚
The eccentricity is measure of degeneracy of ellipse i.e. how
much different is the ellipse from a circle. Y
Also, AF1 = OA – OF1 = a(1 – e) C P
and BF1 = OB + OF1 = a(1 + e)
Hence, AF1 + BF1 = 2a = CF1 + CF2
i.e. CF1 = a = CF2  c2 = a2 – b2 A F1 O F2 B X
𝐛 𝟐 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬𝐞, 𝐞 < 𝟏
Hence, e = 𝟏− D
𝐚𝟐 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞, 𝐞 = 𝟎
Circular Motion of Planets/Satellites
m

M
 Circular Motion of Planets/Satellites
Energy of Satellite = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy

Although it is derived for circular path, any gravitationally

𝐆𝐌𝐦
bound system has total energy of − .
𝟐𝐑
 Geostationary Satellite
These satellites are stationary with respect to earth and
revolve the earth with time period of 24 Hours. Established
in equatorial plane, the height of satellite can be calculated
𝟒𝛑 𝟐 𝐚𝟑
using equation for time period T2 =
𝐆𝐌𝐄
Q) Two satellites A and B move round the earth in the same
orbit. The mass of B is twice the mass of A.
a) Speeds of A and B are equal.
b) The potential energy of (Earth + A) is same as that of
(Earth + B).
c) The kinetic energy of A and B are equal.
d) The total energy of (Earth + A) is same as that of (Earth
+ B).
Q) Consider a planet moving in an elliptical orbit round the
sun. The work done on the planet by the gravitational force
of the sun
a) is zero in any small part of the orbit
b) is zero in some parts of the orbit
c) is zero in one complete revolution
d) is zero in no part of the motion
Q) The figure represents an elliptical orbit of a planet around
sun. The planet takes time T1 to travel from A to B and takes
time T2 to travel from C to D. If the area CSD is double that of
area ASB, then
a) T1 = T2 D
b) T1 = 2 T2 C
c) T1 = 0.5 T2
S
d) Data insufficient

A
B
Q) Find the minimum colatitude which can directly receive a
signal from a geostationary satellite.
Q) If a satellite is revolving around a planet of mass ‘M’ in an
elliptical orbit of semi-major axis ‘a’. Show that the orbital
speed of the satellite when it is at a distance ‘r’ from the
𝟐 𝟏
focus will be given by v2 = GM −
𝒓 𝒂
 Weightlessness in a Satellite
A scientist in a satellite will not experience any Normal
Reaction by satellite because as seen from the rotating frame
of satellite, the scientist is acted upon by two forces,
gravitational attraction by earth and pseudo force, which
𝐆𝐌𝐄 𝐦
cancel out. The attraction due to earth is where, ‘m’
𝐫𝟐
is mass of scientist and ‘r’ is radius of orbit of satellite.
𝐆𝐌𝐄
Centrifugal force on scientist will be mv2/r where, v = .
𝐫
 Weightlessness in a Satellite
Hence, in a satellite, the scientist will feel equally
comfortable in every position. Scientist can sleep in upright
position and can move freely in satellite without any
resistance. Due to this, they have to sleep in sleeping bags.
They cannot rinse their mouth after brushing as the water
will float around in the spaceship. The toothpaste is made
such that scientists can swallow it after brushing.
Q) A body is suspended from a spring balance kept in a
satellite. The reading of the balance is W1 when the satellite
goes in an orbit of radius ‘R’ and is W2 when it goes in an
orbit of radius ‘2R’.
a) W1 = W2 b) W1 < W2 c) W1 > W2 d) W1 ≠ W2
Q) At noon, the sun and the earth pull the objects on the
earth’s surface in opposite directions. At midnight, the sun
and the earth pull these objects in same direction. Is the
weight of an object, as measured by a spring balance on the
earth’s surface, more at midnight as compared to its weight
at noon?
 Escape Velocity
Consider a particle thrown from the surface of earth with
such large speed that it never returns back and escapes the
gravitational field of earth. The minimum speed of projection
required for this is called escape speed. For this, when the
particle reaches very large separation from earth, it’s speed
should be greater than or equal to zero. Considering only
earth’s attraction, from conservation of energy, we can write
 Escape Velocity
𝟐𝐆𝐌 𝟐𝐆𝐌
Hence, u ≥ i.e. Escape Velocity =
𝐑 𝐑
It can also be understood that for particle to escape the
gravitational field of earth, it’s total energy must be greater
than or equal to zero.
If we consider attraction of sun as well as other planets
around us (like very massive Jupiter), then the escape speed
might vary a little and depend on the positioning of earth
with respect to these celestial bodies.
 Escape Velocity
𝟐𝐆𝐌 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 If a particle is projected from
u=
𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 point ‘P’ perpendicular to the
radius vector ‘r’ wrt. a massive
𝐆𝐌 𝟐𝐆𝐌
<u< planet of mass ‘M’, then the
𝐫 𝐫
trajectory of particle will
P
depend on it’s initial speed of
𝐆𝐌 𝐆𝐌
u< u= 𝟐𝐆𝐌
𝐫 𝐫
projection. If u ≥ , the
𝐫
𝟐𝐆𝐌 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 particle will escape.
u>
𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
 Black Holes
Suppose a star collapses on itself due to supernova and it’s
radius decreases such that the escape speed from it’s surface
is greater than or equal to speed of light, then a black hole is
formed. However, there is a general misconception that a
black hole sucks every object near it, which is incorrect.
Celestial bodies rotate around black holes following Kepler’s
laws as the Earth rotates around the Sun.
𝟐𝐆𝐌
For a black hole of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’, ≥c
𝐑
Q) A particle is fired vertically upward with a speed of
15 km/s. With what speed will it move in interstellar space?
Assume only earth’s gravitational field.
Q) A mass of 6 x 1024 kg (equal to the mass of the earth) is to
be compressed in a sphere in such a way that the escape
velocity from its surface is 3 x 108 m/s. What should be the
radius of the sphere?
Q) Two bodies, each of mass M, are kept fixed with a
separation 2L. A particle of mass m is projected from the
mid-point of the line joining their centres, perpendicular to
the line. The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to
escape the gravitational field of the two bodies is
𝟏𝟔𝐆𝐌 𝟒𝐆𝐌 𝟐𝐆𝐌
a) b) c) d) None
𝐋 𝐋 𝐋