Common Lecture Notes Nurture Course (11th Appearing)

Topic : GRAVITATION Lectures / Hours allotted : 10 L/15 Hrs

LECTURE # 01
1. NEWTON'S LAW OF GRAVITATION
It states that every body in the universe attracts every other body with a force which is directly proportional to
the product of their masses and is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
1 mm
F µ m1m2 and F µ so F µ 1 2 F12 F21
r2 r2 m1 m2

Gm 1m 2 r
\ F= [G = Universal gravitational constant]
r2
Note : This formula is only applicable for point masses.
Vector form of Newton's law of Gravitation :
r
Let r12 = Displacement vector from m1 to m2 m1 F12
r Y
r12
r21 = Displacement vector from m2 to m1 F21
r r1
r21
m2
F21 = Gravitational force exerted on m2 by m1
r r2
F12 = Gravitational force exerted on m1 by m2 X
O
r Gm 1 m 2 Gm 1m 2 r Z
F12 = - 2
rˆ21 = - r21
r21 r213
Negative sign shows that :
r
(i) The direction of F12 is opposite to that r̂21
(ii) The gravitational force is attractive in nature
r r r r
rˆ12 or F21 = - Gm 1m 2 rr12 Þ F12 = - F21
Gm 1m 2
Similarly F21 = - 2
r12 3
r12
The gravitational force between two bodies are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Gravitational constant "G"
• Gravitational constant is a scalar quantity.
• Unit : S I : G = 6.67 ´ 10–11 N–m2/kg2
Dimensions : M–1L3T–2
• Its value is same throughout the universe, G does not depend on the nature and size of the bodies, it also
does not depend upon nature of the medium between the bodies.
• Its value was first find out by the scientist "Henry Cavendish" with the help of "Torsion Balance"
experiment.
• Value of G is small therefore gravitational force is weaker than electrostatic and nuclear forces.

Important point about gravitational force :

r r r r r r
1. Q F12 = -F21 \ F12 + F21 = 0 means, Fnet = 0
Since, the net force on system is zero. Therefore, linear momentum of the system will be conserved but
the conservation of linear momentum is not applicable on individual bodies because net force on
individual bodies is not zero.
2. Gravitational force is a central force because it's direction is along the line joining centres of bodies.
Standard form of central force :
r
F = F(r)rˆ

1
 3. Gravitational force is a conservative force because the work done by or against it doesn't depend upon
the path but it only depends upon the initial and final positions.
m
For eg., Here WI = WII = WIII = mgh.
II
h I III

4. Gravitational force between two bodies does not depend upon the medium between them. For eg, If the
gravitational force between two bodies in air is 'F' then it will remain 'F' if they are kept at the same separation
in water and it is also independent upon the presence or absence of third Mass Particle.
5. It is the weakest force among four fundamental forces of nature in nature.
6. Gravitation force is a long range force.
7. The total gravitational force on one particle due to number of particles is the resultant of forces of attraction
r r r r
exerted on the given particle due to individual particles i.e. F = F1 + F2 + F3 + ............ it means the
principle of superposition is valid.
8. The attraction between any two massive bodies is known as gravitational attraction but the attraction of
earth on any other body is known as gravity force.
Note :

(i) If two forces F1 and F2 are perpependicular to each other then Fnet = F12 + F22

æqö
(ii) If F1 = F2 = F and angle between then is q then Fnet = 2F cos ç ÷
è2ø

Ex-1 Two spherical balls of mass 10 kg each are placed 100 m apart. Find the gravitational force of attraction
between them.

Gm1 m2 6.67 ´ 10-11 ´ 10 ´ 10

Sol. F= = = 6.67 ´ 10-13 N .
r2 (100)2

a a Gm2
Ex-2 Find net force on any one mass ? Ans. 3
a2
m a m

Ex-3 Four point mass are placed on the vertices of square then calculate net force on any one particle.

m a m

a a æ 1 ö Gm2
Fnet on any one particle ? Ans. ç 2 + ÷ 2
è 2ø a
m a m

2
 LECTURE # 02
Ex-4 Force between two mass on earth surface is F. If they are taken at moon's surface and placed at same distance
then what will be force between two mass.

Sol. Remain same.

Note : For outside points. Total mass of a uniform solid / hollow sphere may be assumed to be concentrated
at its centre. (For calculation of field & force)

Ex-5 Force on each sphere will be :

m,R
m,R
F
F

m,R

Gm2 3Gm2 3Gm2

Sol. Net force on any sphere FNet = 3F = 3 (2R)2 = Ans.
4R 2 4R 2
Ex-6 Two spheres of same material of radius R placed in such a way that they are touching to each other. If gravitational
force between them is F and F µ RN then N = ?
Sol. r ® constant

. .
R R

2
æ4 ö
G ç pR 3r÷
Gm 2
è3 ø
F = 2
= 2 Þ F µ R4 Ans. N = 4
(2R) 4R
Ex-7 Two particles of equal mass (m) move in a circle of radius (r) under the action of their mutual gravitation attraction.
Find speed of each particle.
Sol. Fcentripetal = Fg
V
2
mv Gmm
= m r r
r (2r)2 m

Gm 1 Gm V 1 Gm
v= = Ans. v =
4r 2 r 2 r
Ex-8 Three particles, each of mass m, are situated at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 'a'. The only
forces acting on the particles are their mutual gravitational forces. It is intended that each particle moves along
a circle while maintaining their original separation 'a'. Determine the initial velocity that should be given to
each particle.

Sol. Fcentripetal = Fg m

mv 2 æ L Gmm ö Fg
= 3 F çr = and F = ÷ r
r è 3 L2 ø
m F L m
Gm Gm
Þ v= Ans. v =
L L
3
Ex-9 Force between Rod and m0
M,L
m0 dx, dm

a
x

(a + L)
Gm0 æ M ö GMm 0
F= ò dF =
ò a
x 2 çè dx÷ø =
L a(a + L)

Ex-10A mass (M) is split into two parts (m) and (M–m), which are then separated by a certain distance. What ratio
m
will maximise the gravitational force between them ?
M

m(M - m) G
Sol. If r is the distance between m and (M – m), the gravitational force will be F = G = 2 (mM - m2 )
r2 r

dF d2 F d éG ù
For F to be maximum = 0 and 2 < 0 as M and r are constants, i.e. ê (mM - m2 ) ú = 0
dm dm dm ë r 2
û

G é G ù
Þ
r 2
(M - 2m) = 0 i.e. M – 2m = 0 êQ r2 ¹ 0ú
ë û

m 1
or = , i.e., the force will be maximum when the two parts are identical.
M 2

Ex.11 A large number of identical point masses m are placed along x-axis, at x = 0, 1, 2, 4, ........ The magnitude
of gravitational force on mass at origin (x = 0), will be
y

x
m m m m..........
x=0 x = 1 x = 2 x = 4 and so on

4 2 5
(1) Gm2 (2) Gm2 (3) Gm2 (4) Gm2
3 3 4
r r r r
Sol. F = F1 + F2 + F3 + ...................¥

r Gmm ˆ Gmm ˆ Gmm ˆ

F= i+ i+ i + ...................¥
(1) (2) ( 4)
2 2 2

r 2
é
1 1
ù
F = Gm ê1+ + +.............¥ ú ˆi
ê ú
ë ( 2 )2 ( 4 )2 û
r 2 é 1 1 ù
F = Gm ê1+ + +.............¥ú iˆ
ë 4 16 û

æ ö
r 2 ç 1 ÷ˆ 4
F = Gm ç ÷ i = Gm ˆi
Ans.2
çç 1- 1 ÷÷ 3
è 4ø

4
Ex.12 A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R applies a gravitational
force of attraction equal to F1 on a particle placed at a distance 3R from
the centre of the sphere. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now made in
the sphere as shown in the figure. The sphere with cavity now applies a
gravitational force F2 on the same particle. The ratio F2/F1 is:

9 41 3 22
(A) (B) (C) (D)
50 50 25 25

GMm G (M / 8)m
-
(3R ) 2 æ 5R ö
2
ç ÷
F2 è 2 ø 41
Sol. = Ans. B
F1 GMm 50
(3R )2

5
 LECTURE # 03
2. GRAVITATIONAL FIELD :
l The space or region around a mass particle in which its gravitational effects are produced or experi-
enced is known as gravitational field.
r
Gravitational field intensity ( I ) :
l The gravitational field intensity at a point is defined as the gravitational force exerted on unit mass placed
at that point, in gravitaional field.
r
r F
I=
m
l Gravitational field intensity is a vector quantity whose direction is same as that of gravitational force.
l Its SI unit is 'N/kg'

[F ] [ M1L1T -2 ]
Dimenstions of intensity = = = [M0L1T -2 ]
l
[m] [M ]
1

Gravitational field intensity due to Point - Mass :

M I
m = unit

Gravitaional field intensity = gravitational force exerted on unit mass

r GM r GM
Þ I = 2 ( -ˆr ) I = 2 ( -ˆr )
r r

where 'M' is the mass of that particle due to which we have to find intensity.
Ex-1 Calculate intensity of gravitational field at A and B.
y

2d
A
x
4m
d

r G(4m) ˆ
Sol. IA = ( - i)
d2

r G(4m) ˆ
IB = (- j)
(2d)2

Ex-2 Find net field intensity at point O.

r O r
m I1 I2 2m

Gm G(2m)
Sol. I1 = 2 ...(i) I2 = ...(ii)
r r2

6
 2Gm Gm Gm
Inet = I2 – I1 = 2
- 2
Þ
r r r2

Ex.3 Find the net gravitational field intensity at the orgin.

y

M M M M
¥
O 1m
2m
4m
8m
r r r r r
Sol. Inet = I1 + I2 + I3 + I4 + ...¥ terms
GM ˆ GM ˆ GM 1 1 1 r 4
= i + 2 i + 2 + .....¥ terms = GMiˆ æç 1 + + +
ö
+ ....¥ ÷ Þ Inet = GMiˆ Ans.
(1)2 (2) (4) è 4 16 64 ø 3
Ex-4 If the distance between the centres of Earth and Moon is D and mass of Earth is 81 times that of Moon. At what
distance from the centre of Earth gravitational field will be zero?

D 2D 4D 9D
(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (D)
2 3 5 10
r GM ˆ M P
Note : Intensity at point P is I P = 2 ( - i)
d d
r r
If we put a mass m0 at point P, then force can be calculated as F = m0 I P

Gravitational field intensity due to spherical mass distribution.

If the observation point is located on the surface or outside the surface then the uniform spherical mass behaves
like a point mass particle which is situated at the centre of sphere.
(1) For solid sphere
Le 'M' be the mass of sphere, 'R' be the radius of sphere and 'r' the distance of observation point from the centre
of sphere.
M

R r
r GM O P
Case I : Outside the sphere i.e. r > R, then Iout = 2 ( -ˆr )
r
M

r GM r=R
Case II : At the surface ie. r = R, then Isurface = 2 ( - ˆr ) O
R

Case III : In side the sphere i.e. r < R, then

r GM ' M
Iin = 2 ...........(1)
r R M'
4 3 r
P
pr ´ r
M ' V '´ D ' 3 r3
= = = 3
Now, we know, M V´D 4 3
pR ´ r R
3

7
 r GMr I
Putting value of M' in eg. (1), we get Iin = 3 ( -ˆr )
R O r<R r=R r>R
r

Þ Graph between 'I' and 'r' for a solid sphere :

GM
– 2
R
GM
Imax = Isur =
R2
(2) For hollow sphere r
R
r GM O
Case I : Outside the sphere i.e. r > R, then Iout = 2 ( -ˆr )
r

r GM ( ) r=R
-ˆr P
Case II : At the surface i.e. r = R, then Isurface = O
R2

Case III : Iin = 0

Þ I v/s r graph for hollow sphere :
I

Iin =0
r
O r<R r=R r>R

Iout µ1/r 2
(Hyperbola)
–GM
2
R
Ex.1 Calculate the gravitational force between M and m.
M
Sol. Step - 1 First find I at point P C P
m Tunnel
GM(R / 2)
IP = R/2
R3
Step - 2 Now calculate force Radius R

é GM(R / 2) ù GMm
F = mI P = m ê ú Þ F= Ans.
ë R3 û 2R 2

Ex.2 Find net gravitation intensity at the following points for the given system : M 2a h.s

s.s
(1) r = a/2 (2) r = 3a/2 (3) r = 5a/2 a
M
Sol. Inet = ISS+ IHS , so answer will be
Gm 4 Gm 8 Gm
(1) 2 (2) (3) Solid sphere (s.s.)
2a 9 a2 25a2
Hollow sphere (h.s.)

8
 LECTURE # 04
3. ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY (g) :
l Earth attract other bodies by the gravitational force of attraction which is known as gravity force and the
acceleration produced due to this force in a freely falling body is known as acceleration due to gravity.
GMm m
F=
r2
Fg
F
Now a= =g r
m
GM
M
Þ g=
r2 R
O
GM
on the surface gsurface =
R2

é G = 6.67 ´ 10-11 Nm2 / kg2 ù

ê ú
where, 24
ê M = Mass of earth = 6 × 10 kg ú
ê R = Radius of earth = 6400 km ú
ë û

g = 9.81m / s 2 » 10m / s2 (In S.I unit) g = 32 feet / s 2

In terms of density of earth, (r) :

4 3
G´r´ pR 4
GM 3 gsurface = pGRr
g= 2 = 3
R R2
Problem based on upto 5% variation :
GM
(1) If mass (M) and radius (R) of a planet, if small change is occurs in (M) and (R) then g=
R2
Dg DM DR
= – 2. e
g M Re
1
(2) If M is constant \gµ
R2
Dg DR e
= –2.
g Re
(3) If R is constant \gµM
Dg DM
=
g M
(4) If density (r) is constant then g µ R

Dg DR
=
g R
Ex.1 If radius of earth is 2% shrink then what will be change in accn – due to gravity ? (mass of earth constant).
Ans. + 4% (increased by 4%)
Ex.2 If the mass of the earth increased by 2% & radius of the earth decreased by 1% then find % change in g?
Ans. + 4% (increased by 4%)
Ex.3 If the radius of earth increased by 3% then find % change in g?

9
 (i) when mass is constant (ii) when density is constant
Ans. (i) decreased by 6% (ii) increased by 3%
Ex.4 If density of a planet is double that of the earth and the radius 1.5 times that of the earth, the acceleration
due to gravity on the surface of the planet is
(A) 3/4 times that on the surface of the earth
(B) 3 times that on the surface of the earth
(C) 4/3 times that on the surface of the earth
(D) 6 times that on the surface of the earth Ans. (B)

Ex.5 A planet has mass 1/10 of that of earth, while radius is 1/3 that of earth. If a person can throw a stone on earth
surface to a height of 90m, then he will be able to throw the stone on that planet to a height
(A) 90m (B) 40 m (C*) 100 m (D) 45 m Ans. (C)
Factors affecting acceleration due to gravity (g) :
(1) Effect of Altitude (height) : m gh= GM 2
(R+h)
GM
Q g= Fg
R2 h
GM
g=
Þ \ GM = gR 2 ........(1) M R2
R
GM gR 2
gh = = [From eq. (1)] O
( R + h )2 ( R + h )2

gR 2 g
gh = gh = 2
2
Þ æ hö æ hö
2
R ç1 + ÷ ç1 + ÷
è Rø è Rø
Now, If h <<< R, means h/R <<<1, then by using Binomial theorem

æ æ h öö
gh = g ç 1 + ( -2) ç ÷ ÷ éëQ(1 + x)- n = 1 - nx ùû
è è R øø

æ 2h ö
Þ gh = g ç 1 - ÷ (Valid if h < 5% of R, means h < 320 km)
è R ø

Þ Decrement in 'g' with height 'h' : éë( Dg )h ùû

( Dg )h = g - gh
æ 2h ö
Þ ( Dg ) h = g - g ç1 - ÷
è R ø

Þ ( Dg )h = g - g + g2h
R

( Dg )h 2h
Fractional decrement Þ =
g R (valid upto 5%)

10
(2) Effect of Depth (d) :
g= GM
Acceleration due to gravity in form of density (at earth surface) R2
M d
GMr
g d=
4 R
3

So, gsurface = pRrG ...(1)

3 R r=R–d

4 4 O
gd = p Grr Þ gd = p(R - d)rG ...(2)
3 3
Eq. (2) ÷ (1)

æ dö
gd = g ç1 - ÷ (Valid for all depths or 100% depth)
è Rø

( Dg)d d
Fractional decrement & = (Valid for all depths)
g R

11
 LECTURE # 05
(3) Shape of the earth :
Earth is not a perfect shpere and its radius at equator is more than poles by 21 km.

Rp
Req
Earth: W E

21km S 21km

GM GM
Now, gp = geq =
R p2 , R2eq
\ Rp < Req \ gp > geq
Difference in 'g' at poles and equator due to shape.

( Dg )shape = gp - g eq = 0.02 m / s2
(4) Rotation of earth :

r = R cos l

Þ Net inward force or wapparent

N = mg' = mg – mw2r cosl

Þ g ' = g - w2 R cos2 l
where, l = Angle of lattitude; R = Radius of earth ; r = radius of circular orbit of particle.
w = Angular velocity of rotation of earth. ;
g = Acceleration due to gravity without considering the rotation of earth.
g' = Effective acceleration due to gravity after considering the rotation earth.
mg' = Apparent or effective weight.
Þ Important points :
(1) At the equator (l = 0°) :

geq = g – w2 Rcos2(0°) geq = g - w2R

(2) At the poles (l = 90°) :

geq = g – w2 Rcos2(90°) = g – w2R(0) g Pole = g

It means that accereration due to gravity at the poles does not depend upon angular velocity or rotation
of earth.

12
 (3) If the earth suddenly stops rotating about its own axis, then apparent weight of bodies or effective
acceleration due to gravity will increase at all the places except poles.
(4) If the angular velocity of rotation of earth is gradually increased then apparent weight of bodies will decrease
(except the poles). At a particular 'w', the apparent weight will become zero. This condition is known as
conditions of weightlessness.
(5) 'w' corresponding to condition of weightlessness :
Ex.1 Calculate that imaginary angular speed of Earth so that body placed at equator becomes weight less and what
will be length of Day in this case.
Sol. mg' = mg – mw2Rcos2l
But for weightlessness, wapp = 0 Þ 0 = mg – m(w')2 R cos2l

g 1 g
Þ ( w ' )2 = Þ w' =
R cos2 l cos l R
At equator (l = 0°)

1 10 1
So, w' = = rad / s
cos(0°) 6400 ´ 1000 800

w ' » 17 ´ wactual
Þ Time period (T) :

2p 2p R
T= = = 2p
w g g
R
So, = 5063 s = 84.6 min. ; 1.4 hrs. Ans. T = 1.4hrs. = 84.6min = 5063sec.

Ex-2 Determine the speed with which Earth would have to rotate about its axis so that a person on the equator

3
weighs th of its present value. Write your answer in terms of g and R.
5

3 3 2g 2g
Sol. Weight on the equator W' = W Þ mg = mg – mw2R Þ w= . Ans. w =
5 5 5R 5R

Problem based on variation of g

Ex.1 At which height from earth surface, acceleration due to gravity is decreased by 1%.
Ans. \ h = 32 km. from earth surface.
Ex.2 Find the percentage decrease in the weight of the body when taken to a height of 16 km. above the surface of
earth (radius of earth is 6400 km.)
(Ans. 0.5%)
Ex.3 What is the value of Acc due to gravity at height equal to half the radius of earth from surface of
n

earth. [take g = 10 m/s2 at earth surface]

40
(Ans.
m/s2)
9
Ex.4 At which height from the earth surface at which acceleration due to gravity decreased by 75% of its value at
earth's surface.
(Ans. h = Re)
Ex.5 At which depth from earth surface, accn due to gravity is decreased by 1%
(Ans. d = 64 km)

13
Ex.6 At which height above earth's surface value of 'g' is same as in a mine 100 km. deep.
Ans. 50 km.
Ex.7 How much below the surface does the acceleration due to gravity becomes 70% of its value on the surface of
earth.
3
Ans. d = R
10 e
Ex.8 At which depth from earth surface does the accn due to gravity becomes 1/4 times of g.
3
Ans. d = R
4 e
Ex.9 If the change in the value of ‘g’ at a height ‘h’ above the surface of the earth is same as at a depth x below
it, then (x and h being much smaller than the radius of the earth)

h
(A) x = h (B) x = 2h (C) x = (D) x = h2 Ans.(B)
2
Ex.10 A body weighs 72 N on surface of the earth. When it is taken to a height of h = 2R, where R is radius of
earth, it would weigh
(A) 36 N (B) 18 N (C) 9 N (D) 8 N Ans. (D)

14
 LECTURE # 06
4. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL (V) :
The gravitational potential at a point in the gravitational field of a body is defined as the amount of work
done by an external agent in bringing a body of unit mass from infinity to that point, slowly (no change in
kinetic energy).
Gravitational potential due to a point mass :

W¥®P
VP =
m
The unit of gravitational potential is J kg –1. Dimensional Formula of gravitational potential
Work [ ML2 T -2 ]
= = = [M°L2 T–2].
mass [ M]
y
x

P B A m
M ¥
r dx

GM(m) GMm
We know, F = = 2
x2 x
So, work done for very small displacement (dx) :
dW = Fdx

GMm
Þ dW = dx
x2
Now, integrating both sides,
w r GMm
ò0 dW = ò¥ x2
dx

GMm W¥®p GM
Þ W¥p = - Þ =-
r m r

GM
VP = - The value of gravitational potential depends on the reference level chosen.
r

* Here, negative sign means that this potential is due to an attractive force.
Note : The gravitational potential is maximum at infinite and its maximum value is 'zero'.
Ex.1 Two masses of 102 kg. and 103 kg. are separated by distance 1m. Find Gravitational potential at mid point
of the line joining them. V = – 2200 G J/kg = – 1.47 ´ 10–7 J/kg.

a a
O
Ex.2 Vnet at O ?

m a m

-Gm Gm Gm Gm
Sol. - - = -3 3
r r r a

15
Ex.3 Two bodies of masses m and 4m are placed at a distance r. The gravitational potential at a point on the line
joining them where the gravitational field is zero is
4Gm 6Gm 9Gm
(A) zero (B) - (C) - (D) - Ans. (D)
r r r
POTENTIAL GRADIENT :
The rate of change of potential with respect to distance is known as potential gradient, means.

dV
Potential gradient =
dr
Relation between intensity and potential gradient :
dV
I=– = –ve potential gradient
dr

dU dV
Note (1) : F = - and I= - are valid for all conservative force.
dr dr
Note (2) : For hollow sphere,
Q Iin = 0

d dV
\ - ( Vin ) = 0 éêQI = - ùú
dr ë dr û
\ Vin should be 'CONSTANT'
* The gravitational potential inside a hollow shpere remains constant and its value is same as that of surface.
Gravitational potential
–GM
1. Due to ring at an axial point =
R 2 + x2

–GM
2. Due to ring at the centre =
R
3. Due to hollow sphere V
r=R r
–GM
for outer points =
r
–GM
For surface points = –GM
R
R hollow sphere
GM
For inner points = –
R
4. Due to solid sphere r=R r
V
–GM
For outer points = Rectangular
r -GM hyperbola
R
–GM
For surface points = –3 GM
R 2R
Parabolic

–GM Solid sphere

For inner points = (3R2 – r 2 )
2R 3

16
 æ -K ö
Ex.1 In a certain region of space gravitational field is given by I = ç ÷ . Taking refrence point to be at r = r0 with
è r ø
V = V0. Find potential at distance r.

æ Kö
V= ò ò
dv = - I dr = –
ò çè ÷ø dr
r

V = K loge r + C
At r= r0, V = V0 so
V0 = K loge r0 + c
Þ c = V0 – K loge r0
or V = K loge r + (V0 – K loge r0)

æ rö æ r ö
V = V0 + K loge ç r ÷ V = V + K log e çç ÷÷ Ans.
è 0ø 0 è r0 ø

R
Ex.2 From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a spherical portion of radius is removed, as shown in the
2
figure. Taking gravitational potential V = 0 at r = ¥, the potential at the centre of the cavity thus formed is :
(G = gravitational constant)

– 2GM – 2GM – GM – GM
(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (D)
3R R 2R R

Ex.3 A particle of mass M is situated at the center of a spherical shell of same mass and radius R. Calculate

R æ 4GM ö
the gravitational potential at a point situated at distance from the centre. Ans. ç – ÷
3 è R ø

17
 LECTURE # 07
5. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY (U) :
The gravitational potential energy of a mass particle situated at a point in some gravitational field is defined
as the amount of work done required to bring that particle from infinity to that point.
\
Gravitation potential energy = (Gravitational Potential) × (Mass of particle)

æ GM ö
Þ U = m ×V Þ U = ç- ÷m
è r ø

GMm Gm1m2
Þ U=- or U=-
r r
Þ Important points :
(1) It is a scalar quantity.
(2) It's SI unit is Joule and Dimension are [M1L2T–2]
(3) It is a –ve quantity whose maximum value is zero at infinite separation.
as r increases, U also increases.

earth sun earth

position 2 position 1

at position 2 the potential energy of sun + earth system is minimum (as r is minimum)
(4) If there are more than two particles in a system, then the net gravitational potential energy of whole
system is sum of gravitational potential energy of all the possible pairs that system.
m3
For eg. :

2
r2
3 r3

r1 m2
m1 1

æ Gm1m2 ö æ Gm2m3 ö æ Gm1m3 ö

Usystem = ç - ÷ + ç- ÷ + ç- r ÷
è r1 ø è r2 ø è 3 ø

Gm1m2 Gm2m 3 Gm1m3

Usystem = - +- +-
r1 r2 r3

Note : Work done by external agent Wext = DU = Uf – Ui without change in K.E

m
P
How to write potential energy of system
Case-01 r

GM M
Potential at point P VP = -
r

18
 æ GM ö GMm
Potential energy of system U =mV = m ç - ÷=- Solid sphere
è r ø r
Case-02
P m
GM
Potential at point P VP = - R
R M

æ GM ö GMm
Potential energy of system U =mV = m ç - ÷=- Solid sphere
è R ø R
m
Case-03 P

GM 4R
Potential at point P VP = -
4R M

æ GM ö GMm
Potential energy of system U =mV = m ç - ÷=- Solid sphere
è R ø 4R

Case-04 m
P
R/2
GM é 2 æ R ö ù
2
M
Potential at point P VP = - ê 3R - ç ÷ ú
2R 3 êë è 2 ø úû
Potential energy of system U =mVP Solid sphere

Case-05 M
3 GM
Potential at point C VC = - C
m
2 R R
3 GMm
Potential energy of system U =mVC = - Solid sphere
2 R
Case-06
M R m
GM
P
Potential at point P VP = - (x = 3R)
R 2 + x2 3R

Potential energy of system U =mVP Ring

Case-07
M R
GM Cm
Potential at point C VC = - (x = zero)
R 2 + x2

Potential energy of system U =mVC Ring

Case-08 M

m
GM C
Potential at point C VC = - R
R t
Potential energy of system U =mVC Hollow sphere

19
 To find the work done by EXTERNAL AGENT to raise a particle of mass 'm' to 'h' height above
the surface of earth. Without change in KE
W.D. = DU = U – U m U =–GMm
f i f
R+h
GMm æ GMm ö
Þ W.D. = - - ç- ÷ Fg
R+h è R ø h

æ1 1 ö m –GMm
Ui=
Þ W.D. = GMm ç - ÷ R
èR R+hø
R
æR +h-Rö M
Þ W.D. = GMm ç ÷
è R(R + h) ø

Þ æ h ö éëQ GM = gR 2 ùû
W.D. = gR2m ç
h ÷
çç R2 æç 1 + ö÷ ÷÷
è è Røø
mgh
W.D. =
h
1+
R
To find the velocity required at the surface of earth to project it to 'h' height from the
surface of earth.
Applying 'COME' on surface and at 'h' height.
(K.E. + U)surface = (K.E. + U)final V =0
1 GMm GMm
Þ mv 2 - =0-
2 R R+h h V
1 GMm GMm
Þ mv 2 = - m vsur=?
2 R R+h
M
R
1 mgh
Þ mv 2 = [From 7th point]
2 h
1+
R
2 2gh 2gh
Þ v = Þ v=
h h
1+ 1+
R R
To find the maximum height attained by a body when it is projected with velocity 'v' from
the surface of earth. vH=0

2gh
v2 =
as h H=?
1+
R
v
2 v 2h
Þ v + = 2gh M R
R
v 2h
Þ v 2 = 2gh -
R
æ v2 ö v2 v 2R
Þ v 2 = h ç 2g - ÷ Þ h= =
è Rø v2 2gR - v 2
2g -
R
2
v2R v
H= Þ H=
2gR - v 2 v2
2g -
R

20
 Problem based on work done by external agent / change in potential energy / find potential energy
of system

Ex-1 Three solid spheres of mass M and radius R are placed in contact as shown in figure. Find the potential energy
of the system ?

Sol PE = PE12 + PE23 + PE31

GM 2 GM 2 GM 2 3GM 2
= - - - Þ PE = - .
2R 2R 2R 2R

Ex-2 Four bodies each of mass m are placed at the different corners of a square of side a. Find the work done
on the system to take any one body to infinity.
Sol. Initial potential energy of the system
PEi = PE12 + PE23 + PE34 + PE41 +PE13 + PE24

4GM 2 2GM 2
PEi = - -
a a 2

After taking any one body (say the mass placed at corner 4) to infinity only three bodies remain
\ Final potential energy the system is

2GM 2 GM 2
PEf = P12 + PE13 + PE23 = - -
a a 2

æ 2GM 2 GM 2 ö æ 4GM 2 2GM 2 ö 2GM 2 GM 2

Wext. = PEf – PEi = ç - a - ÷ - ç-
a
- ÷ = + .
è a 2ø è a 2 ø a a 2

Ex.3 The change in potential energy when a body of mass m is raised to height nR from the earth’s surface is
(R is radius of earth)

æ n ö æ n ö æ n2 ö
(A) mgR ç ÷ (B) nmgR (C) mgR ç ÷ (D) mgR çç 2 ÷÷
è n -1ø è n +1 ø è n +1 ø

Ans. (C)

Ex.4 A body of mass m is lifted up from the surface of earth to a height three times the radius of the earth.
The change in potential energy of the body is (g = gravity field at the surface of the earth)
3 1 2
(A) mgR (B) mgR (C) mgR (D) mgR
4 3 3
Sol. DU = m (Vf – Vi)

æ – GM æ – GM ö ö 3 æ GM ö 3 æ GM ö 3
DU = m çç –ç ÷ ÷÷ = m ç ÷ = mR ç 2 ÷ = mgR Ans. (B)
è (4R ) è R øø 4 è R ø 4 èR ø 4

Ex.5 If mass of earth is M, radius is R and gravitational constant is G, then work done to take 1 kg mass from
earth surface to infinity will be -

GM GM 2GM GM
(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (B)
2R R R 2R

21
 GM
Sol. Potential energy of the 1 kg mass which is placed at the earth surface = –
R
Its potential energy at infinite = 0

GM
\ Work done = change in potential energy =
R

Ex.6 Three equal masses each of mass ‘m’ are placed at the three-corners of an equilateral triangle of side ‘a’. If
above given three particles system of equilateral triangle side a is to be changed to side of 2a, then work
done on the system is equal to :

3 G m2 3G m 2 4 Gm2 Gm 2
(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (B)
a 2a 3a a

Ex.7 A mass m is raised from a distance 2 R e from surface of earth to 3Re. Work done to do so against gravity
will be-
MgR e MgR e MgR e MgR e
(A) (B) (C*) (D) Ans. (C)
10 11 12 14

(2) Problems based on conservation of energy

3
Ex.1 A particle is projected vertically upward from the surface of the earth with a speed of gR , R being the
2
radius of the earth and g is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. Then the maximum
height ascended is (neglect cosmic dust resistance)
(A) 3R/4 (B) R (C) 2R (D*) 3R
1 GMm GMm GM
Sol. mv 02 – =– and g =
2 R R+h R2
1 3 R 2g
Therefore × × gR – Rg = – Ans. (D)
2 2 R +h
We get h = 3R

4gR
Ex.2 A particle is projected with a velocity vertically upward from the surface of the earth, R being the
3
radius of the earth & g being the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. The velocity of the
particle when it is at half the maximum height reached by it is

gR gR 2gR
(A) (B*) (C) gR (D) Ans. (B)
2 3 3

Ex.3 A point P lies on the axis of a fixed ring of mass M and radius a, at a distance a from its centre C. A small
particle starts from P and reaches C under gravitational attraction only. Its speed at C will be _______.
2 GM æ 1 ö
Sol. u= ç1 – ÷
a ç ÷
è 2ø

22
Ex-4 A body of mass m kg starts falling from a distance 2R above the earth's surface. What is its kinetic energy
when it has fallen to a distance 'R' above the earth's surface ? (Where R is the radius of Earth)

Sol. By conservation of mechanical energy,

-
GMm
+0=-
GMm
+ K.E. Þ K. E.=
GMm 1 1
-
LM OP =
1 GMm 1 (gR 2 )m 1
= = mgR.
3R 2R R 2 3 N Q 6 R 6 R 6

Ex.5 Distance between centres of two stars is 10 a. The masses of these stars are M and 16 M and their radii are
a & 2a respectively. A body is fired straight from the surface of the larger star towards the smaller star. What
should be its minimum initial speed to reach the surface of the smaller star?
Sol Let P be the point on the line joining the centres of the two planets s.t. the net field at it is zero

GM G.16M
Then, - =0 Þ (10 a–r)2 = 16 r2
r2 (10a - r )2
Þ 10a – r = 4r Þ r = 2a
-GM G .16M -GM 2GM -5 GM
Potential at point P, vP = - = - = .
r (10 a - r ) 2a a 2a
Now if the particle projected from the larger planet has enough energy to cross this point, it will reach the
smaller planet.
For this, the K.E. imparted to the body must be just enough to raise its total mechanical energy to a value
which is equal to P.E. at point P.
1 G(16M)m -GMm
i.e. mv 2 - = mvP
2 2a 8a

v 2 - 8GM - GM - 5GMm
or, =
2 a 8a 2a

45GM 3 5GM
or, v2 = or,, vmin =
4a 2 a

GM
Ex.6 A body is projected vertically upwards with a speed of (M is mass and R is radius of earth). The
R

body will attain a height of

R 5 3R
(A) (B) R (C) R (D) Ans. (B)
2 4 2

23
 LECTURE # 08
6. ESCAPE VELOCITY (VeS) & ESCAPE ENERGY (EeS) :
Escape speed (ve)

Minimum speed required for an object at Earth's surface

so that it just escapes the Earth's gravitational field.
Suppose a particle of mass m is on earth's surface
We project it with a velocity V from the earth's surface, so
that it just reaches r ® ¥ (at r ® ¥, its velocity become
zero)
Applying energy conservation between initial position
(when the particle was at earth's surface) and find positions
(when the particle just reaches to r ® ¥)
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf

1 æ GM e ö æ GMe ö 2GM0
mv2 + m ç - ÷ =0+m çç - ÷÷ Þ v =
2 è R ø 0 è (r ® ¥) ø R

2GM e
Escape speed from earth is surface v e =
R
Escape energy
Minimum energy given to a particle in form of kinetic energy so that
it can just escape from Earth's gravitational field.
GM e m æ 1 2 ö
Escape energy = ç mv escape ÷
Re è 2 ø

2GM e 1
• ve = (In form of mass) If M = constant ve µ
Re Re

• ve = 2gR e (In form of g) If g = constant ve µ Re

8pG . r
• ve = Re (In form of density) If r = constant ve µ Re
3
Important points about escape velocity :
• Escape velocity does not depend on mass of body, angle of projection or direction of projection.
ve µ m0
• Escape velocity at : Earth surface ve = 11.2 km/s Moon surface ve = 2.31 km/s
• Atmosphere on Moon is absent because root mean square velocity of gas particle is greater then
escape velocity. vrms > ve
• If a hydrogen balloon is released at the surface of earth, then it moves upward because the upward baoyant
force exerted on it due to surrounding air is more then its downwards weight. But if the balloon is released at
the surface of moon, then it will fall down with 'g'/6 according. under the influence of only gravitational
attraction of moon (Upthrust is zero due to absence of atmosphere).
• If a bomb blast occure at moon then its sound cannot be heard because sound is a mechanical wave which
requires medium, which is absent there.
2GM
• Escape velocity from black hole =C
R
2GM
V ³CÞ ³C
C R

24
 To find the velocity at infinity then body is projected from earth's surface with a velocity more
than escape velocity.
Applying 'COME' at ¥ and at surface. v¥=?
(KE + PE)¥ = (KE + PE)surface
v > ves
1 1 æ GmM ö
Þ mv 2¥ + 0 = mv 2 + ç - ÷
2 2 è R ø

v 2¥ v 2 GM M
R
Þ = -
2 2 R O

é 2GM ù
Þ v ¥ = v 2 - v 2es êQ v es = ú
ë R û

Ex-1 With what velocity must a body be thrown from the earth's surface so that it may reach a height 4Re above
the Earth's surface ? (Radius of the Earth Re = 6400 km, g=9.8 m/s2).

1 GMm0 GMm0
Sol. By using conservation of mechanical energy m0v2 – =0 –
2 Re (R e + 4R e )
2
1 GMm0 GMm0 1 4 GMm0 8 GM 8 gR e
m0v2 = – + Þ m0v2 = Þ v2 = =
2 5R e Re 2 5 Re 5 Re 5 Re

8
v2 = × 9.8 × 6400 × 103 = 108 Þ v = 10 km/s.
5

R
Ex-2 A narrow tunnel is dug along the diameter of the earth, and a particle of mass m0 is placed at distance
2
from the centre. Find the escape speed of the particle from that place.

Sol. Suppose we project the particle with speed ve, so that it just reaches infinity (r ® ¥).

Applying energy conservation principle

Me,R
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf

1 é GM ì æ R ö üù
2

í R/2 at r®¥, v ®0
m0 v 2e + m0 ê - çè ÷ø ý ú = 0
2
3
e
3R -
2 ë 2R î 2 þû m0 ve m0

11GM e
Þ ve = .
4R

25
Ex-3 The escape velocity for a planet is ve. A particle starts from rest at a large distance from the planet, reaches
the planet only under gravitational attraction, and passes through a smooth tunnel through its centre. Its speed
at the centre of the planet will be :-

ve
(A) 1.5v e (B) (C) ve (D) zero
2

1 3GMm 3GM
Sol. From mechanical energy conservation, 0 + 0 = mv 2 - Þv= = 1.5 v e .
2 2R R

Ex-4 A particle is fired vertically from the surface of the earth with a velocity kue , where ue is the escape velocity and
k < 1. Neglecting air resistance and assuming earth's radius as R e. Calculate the height to which it will rise from
the surface of the earth.

R ek 2
Ans.
1- k2

6
Ex.5 Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet is g, where g is the gravitational acceleration on the
11
2
surface of the earth. The average mass density of the planet is times that of the earth. If the escape speed
3
on the surface of the earth is taken to be 11 kms–1, the escape speed on the surface of the planet in kms–1 will
be [Ans. 3]

Ex.6 The escape velocity for a planet is ve. A tunnel is dug along a diameter of the planet and a small body is dropped
into it at the surface. When the body reaches the centre of the planet, its speed will be
ve ve
(A) ve (B) (C) (D) zero Ans.(B)
2 2

Ex.7 Two planets A and B have the same material density. If the radius of A is twice that of B, then the ratio of the
vA
escape velocity is
vB
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 1 2 (D) 12 Ans.(A)

Ex.8 If an object is projected vertically upwards with speed, half the escape speed of earth, then the maximum
height attained by it is [R is radius of earth]

R R
(A) R (B) (C) 2R (D) Ans.(D)
2 3

26
Ex.9 The escape velocity of a body from earth is about 11.2 km/s. Assuming the mass and radius of the earth to be
about 81 and 4 times the mass and radius of the moon, the escape velocity in km/s from the surface of the
moon will be
(1) 0.54 *(2) 2.48 (3) 11 (4) 49.5 Ans.(B)

Ex.10 If M is mass of a planet and R is its radius then in order to become black hole [c is speed of light]

GM GM 2GM 2GM
(1) £c (2) ³c *(3) ³c (4) £c Ans.(B)
R 2R R R

Sol. A planet can become a black hole if its mass and radius are such that it has an immense force of gravity on
its surface. The force of attractum has to be so large that even light cannot escape from its surface. Speed
of light = c

2GM
ve =
R

If ve ³ c Þ Even light can’t escape from the surface of such planet making it appear black.

27
 LECTURE # 09
Ellipse
Ellipse is the set of all points such that sum of the distance from the foci (plural of focus) and any point on
ellipse is constant.
P

F1 F2

F1P + F2 P = 2a = constant

Basic

minor axis
y

F1 b C F2 vertex
vertex
x x2 y2
b
major axis + =1
a2 b2
a a

Major axis - It is the segment that runs through the elongnated portion of the ellipse and intersect the
vertices and foci
Centre (C) ® Point of intersection of major and minor axis.

F1 Centre c
e=
c a
c ® focal distance

For ellipse 0 < e < 1 for circle e = 0

F1 (0,0)C F2
ae ae

rmin

F1 rmax
Planet Planet rmin = a – ae = a (1 – e)
position (2) sun position (1)
rmax = a + ae = a (1 + e)

Perihelion Aphelion rmin + rmax

Þ =a
2

28
7. KEPLER’S LAWS
Kepler found important regularities in the motion of the planets. These regularities are known as ‘Kepler’s
three laws of planetary motion’.
(a) First Law (Law of Orbits) : All planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits, having the Sun at one focus
of the orbit.
(b) A line joining any planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal intervals of time, i.e., the areal speed of
the planet remains constant.
According to the second law, if a planet moves from A to B in a given time interval, and from C to D in the
same time interval, then the areas ASB and CSD will be equal.
1 1 1
dA = area of the curved triangle SAB = (AB ´ SA) = (r dq ´ r) = r 2 dq
2 2 2
B
C A
r

S
D

dA 1 2 dq 1 2 1
Thus, the instantaneous areal speed of the planet is = r = r w = rv ...(i)
dt 2 dt 2 2

where w is the angular speed of the planet.

Let L be the angular momentum of the planet about the Sun S and m the mass of the planet.
Then L = Iw = mr2w = mvr ...(ii)
where I (=mr2) is the instantaneous moment of inertia of the planet about the Sun S.
dA L
From eq. (i) and (ii), = ...(iii)
dt 2m
Now, As there is no external torque on the planet. Its angular momentum remain constart so as areal speed
also remain constant which justfy the kepler's II law. Thus, Kepler’s second law is equivalent to conservation
of angular momentum.
Applying conservation of angular momentum between points A and B
rmin= r1
2 min

A B
F1 F2
rmax = r2
v 1 = vmax
LA = LB r mvmaxrmin = mvminrmax

r vmax rmin = vmin rmax

(c) Third Law : (Law of Periods) : The square of the period of revolution (time of one complete revolution) of
any planet around the Sun is directly proportional to the cube of the semi–major axis of its elliptical orbit.

T2 µ a3
So it is clear through this rule that the farthest planet from the Sun has largest period of revolution. The period
of revolution of the closest planet Mercury is 88 days, while that of the farthest dwarf planet Pluto is 248 years.

29
Ex.1 A small satellite is in elliptical orbit around Earth as shown. If L denotes the magnitude of its angular momen-
tum about the centre of the earth and K denotes kinetic energy:

2 Earth 1

(A) L2 > L1 and K2 = K1 (B) L2 = L1 and K2 = K1

(C) L2 < L1 and K2 = K1 (D*) L2 = L1 and K2 > K1 Ans. (D)

Ex.2 Which of the following graph represents the time period of the planet moving around the sun. [ R = semi
major axis of the path ]
2 3 2 2
T T T T

(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (C)

3 2 3 2
R R R R

Ex.3 A satellite S moves around a planet P in an elliptical orbit. Fig. The ratio of the speed of the satellite at point
a to that at point b is
s

a r P 3r b

(A) 1 : 9 (B) 1 : 3 (C) 1 : 1 (D*) 3 : 1 Ans. (D)

Ex-4 The mean radius of the earth's orbit around the sun is 1.5 ´ 1011 metre. The mean radius of the orbit of
1
mercury around the sun is 6 ´ 1010 metre. The mercury will rotate around the sun is :– Ans. years
4

Ex-5 A planet is revolving around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. Its closest distance from the Sun is rmin. The farthest
distance from the Sun is rmax. If the orbital angular velocity of the planet when it is nearest to the Sun is
w, then the orbital angular velocity at the point when it is at the farthest distance from the Sun is :–

F rmin I F I
rmax æ rmax ö
2
æ rmin ö
2
(A) G w JK (B) G JKw w ÷ø w Ans. ( )
H rmax H rmin (C) ç
è rmin ÷ø
(D) ç
èr max

Ex.6 The minimum and maximum distances of a planet revolving around sun are r and R. If the minimum speed
of planet on its trajectory is v0, its maximum speed will be

v0 R v0 r v 0 R2 v 0 r2
(A) (B) (C) (D) Ans. (A)
r R r2 R2

Ex-7 A planet is revolving round the sun in an elliptical orbit as shown in figure. Select correct alternative(s)
B
C
(A) total mechanical energy is conserved
(B) Its angular momentum is constant ||||
D A
|||| ||||

||||
(C) Net torque on the planet about sun is zero O

(D) Linear momentum of the planet is conserved

E
F

30
Solution (Ans. A, B, C)
For (A) : Yes
For (B) : For central force field, angular momentum is always conserved.
For (C) : For central force field, torque = 0.
For (D) : In presence of external force, linear momentum is not conserved.

Ex.8 A planet of mass m is moving in an elliptical orbit about the sun (mass of sun = M). The maximum and minimum
distances of the planet from the sun are r1 and r2 respectively. The period of revolution of the planet will be
( r1 + r2 )
3
proportional to : Ans. 2

Paragraph for question nos. 9 to 10

Figure shows the orbit of a planet P round the sun S. AB and CD are the minor and major axes of the ellipse.

Ex.9 If t1 is the time taken by the planet to travel along ACB and t2 the time along BDA, then
(A) t1 = t2 (B*) t1 > t2 (C) t1 < t2 (D) nothing can be concluded

Ex.10 If U is the potential energy and K kinetic energy then |U| > |K| at Ans. (B)
(A) Only D (B) Only C
(C*) both D & C (D) neither D nor C Ans. (C)

æ dA ö
Ex.11 A planet revolves about the sun in elliptical orbit . The arial velocity ç ÷ of the planet is
è dt ø
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 :
(A) 10 (B) 20 (C*) 40 (D) None of these

dA r 2w
Sol. = is constant
dt 2

dA 2
rmax wmin 2
rmin wmax 2dA / dt
\ = = Þ wmin = 2
rmax
dt 2 2
2dA / dt
Vmax = wminrmin = = 40 k m/s Ans. (C)
rmin

31
 LECTURE # 10
8. SATELLITE MOTION :
A light body revolving round a heavier body due to gravitational attraction, is called satellite. Earth is a satellite
of the Sun while Moon is satellite of Earth.
(a) Orbital velocity (v0) : A satellite of mass m moving in an orbit of radius r with speed v0 then required
centripetal force is provided by gravitation.

mv 20 GMm GM GM
Fcp = FgÞ = Þ v = =
r r2 0
r (R e + h) (r = Re + h) r m
v0
For a satellite very close to the Earth surface h << R e \ r = Re
M
GM
v0 = gR e = 8 km/s
Re =
• If a body is taken at some height from Earth and given horizontal velocity of magnitude 8 km/sec then the
body becomes satellite of Earth.
• vo depends upon : Mass of planet, Radius of circular orbit of satellite, g (at planet), Density of planet
• If orbital velocity of a near by satellite becomes 2 vo (or increased by 41.4%, or K.E. is doubled) then the
satellite escapes from gravitational field of Earth.

3 3
2 pr 2 pr 2 2pr 2 4 p2 3
T =
2
v 0 = GM = R g Þ
(b) Time Period of a Satellite T = r ÞT2 µ r3 (r = R + h)
GM
For Geostationary Satellite T = 24 hr, h = 36,000 km ; 6 Re (r ; 7 Re), v0 = 3.1 km/s

GM e
For Near by satellite v0 =
R e ; 8 km/s

Re
TNs = 2p = 84 minute = 1 hour 24 minute = 1.4 hr = 5063 s
g

2 p(R e )1 2 3p
In terms of density TNs = =
(G ´ 4 3 pR e ´ r)1 2 Gr
Time period of near by satellite only depends upon density of planet.

1 GMm
(c) Energies of a Satellite Kinetic energy K.E. = mv 20 =
2 2r

GMm
Potential energy P.E. = - = - mv 20
r

mv 20 GMm
Total mechanical energy T.E. = P.E. + K.E. = - =-
2 2r
Essential Condition's for Satellite Motion
• Centre of satellite's orbit coincide with centre of Earth.
• Plane of orbit of satellite is passing through centre of Earth.

32
Special Points about Geo–Stationary Satellite
• It rotates in equatorial plane.
• Its height from Earth surface is 36000 km. (~6R e)
• Its angular velocity and time period should be same as that of Earth.
• Its rotating direction should be same as that of Earth (West to East).
• Its orbit is called parking orbit and its orbital velocity is 3.1 km./sec.
Ex.1 Satellites A and B are orbiting around the earth in orbits of ratio R and 4R respectively. The ratio of their areal
velocities is:
(A*) 1 : 2 (B) 1 : 4 (C) 1 : 8 (D) 1 : 16
Ex.2 A particle is moving with a uniform speed in a circular orbit of radius R in a central force inversely proportional
to the nth power of R. If the period of rotation of the particle is T, then
( n +1) n 3 n
+1
(A) T µ R 2 (B) T µ R2 (C) T µ R 2 for any n (D) T µ R2
1 1 n +1
Sol. mw2R µ n Þ wµ n +1 Þ TµR 2
R
R 2
Ex.3 An earth satellite X is revolving around earth in an orbit whose radius is one-fourth of the radius of orbit of
a communication satellite. Time period of revolution of X is
*(1) 3 hrs (2) 6 hrs (3) 4 days (4) 72 days
Ex.4 The time period of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius R is T. The period of another satellite in a circular
orbit of radius 4R is
T T
(1) 4T (2) *(3) 8T (4)
4 8
Bounded system :
l For a bounded system, nature of force between the particles is attractive and total energy of the system
is '–ve'.
Binding energy :
l The minimum energy required to break a bounded system, means to convert it into an unbounded system
is known as binding energy.
So, Q TE + BE = 0
\ BE = - TE
* Escape energy and ionisation energy are the practical examples of binding energy.

E K.E.
Here, at point A :
N
E
r®
R A B C D
G
Y
P.E.

At A, B & C System is Bounded.

At point D : Q |PE| = K.E. Q TE = KE + PE = 0 So, system is unbounded.
Relation between the energies :

PE 1 GMm J2
KE = BE = –TE = - = mv 20 = =
2 2 2r 2mr 2
Graph :
GMm
KE = E K.E.
2r
N
GMm E
TE = - R
r
2r
G
E.

GMm
T.

PE = - Y
r P.E.

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 Work done required to shift a satellite to a higher orbit :
** Work = change in total energy. m
W = DTE r2
Þ W = (TE)f – (TE)i m
r1
M
GMm æ GMm ö Earth
Þ W=- - ç- ÷
2r2 è 2r1 ø

GMm æ 1 1 ö
W= -
Þ 2 çè r1 r2 ÷ø [AIPMT - 2010]

Ex.1 A satellite of mass m, initially at rest on the earth, is launched into a circular orbit at a height equal to the radius
of the earth. The minimum energy required is

3 1 1 3
(A) mgR (B) mgR (C) mgR (D*) mgR
4 2 4 4
Ex.6 What is the minimum energy required to launch a statellite of mass m from the surface of a planet of mass M
and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2R?
GmM GmM 5GmM 2GmM
(A) (B) (C*) (D)
2R 3R 6R 3R

WEIGHTLESSNESS

When the apparent weight of a body becomes zero, the body is said to be in a state of weightlessness. In a
satellite around the earth, every part and particle of the satellite has an acceleration towards the centre of
the earth which is exactly the value of earth's acceleration due to gravity at that position. Thus in the satellite
everything inside it is in a state of free fall. If a body is in a satellite (which does not produce its own gravity)
orbiting the Earth at a height h above its surface then

mGM mg
True weight = mgh = (R + h)2 = 2 and Apparent weight = m(gh – a)
æ hö
çè 1+ ÷ø
R
v 20 GM GM
But a = = 2 = = gh Þ Apparent weight = m(gh – gh) = 0.
r r (R + h)2
Note : Condition of weightlessness can be overcome by creating artificial gravity by rotating the satellite
in addition to its revolution.
BINARY STAR SYSTEM
Ex.1 In a double star, two stars of masses m1 and m2. distance d apart revolve about their common centre of mass
under the influence of their mutual gravitational attraction. Find an expression for the period T in terms of
masses m1, m2 and d. Find the ratio of their angular momenta about centre of mass and also the ratio of their
kinetic energies.
Sol. The centre of mass of double star from mass m1 is given by
m1r1 + m2r2 m ´ 0 + m2d m2 d w m 2d m1d
rcm = = 1 =
m1 + m2 m1 + m2 m1 + m2 m1 + m 2 m1 + m 2
m1 m2
\ Distance of centre of mass from m2 is
C
m2 d m1d
r 'cm = d – rcm = d – =
m1 + m2 m1 + m2
d
Both the stars rotate around centre of mass in their own w
circular orbits with the same angular speed w. the

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 gravitational force acting on each star provides the
necessary centripetal force. if we consider the rotation of
mass m1, then

Gm1m2 æ m2 d ö 2 Gm1m2
m1 (rcm )w2 = or m1 ç ÷w =
d2 è m1 + m2 ø d2

2p æ G(m1 + m2 ) ö
This gives w = = ç ÷
T è d3 ø

æ d3 ö
or Period of revolution T = 2p çç ÷÷
è G(m1 + m 2 ) ø
2
æ m2d ö
m1 ç ÷
J1 I1w I1 è m1 + m2 ø m
= = = 2
= 2
Ratio of Angular Momenta is J2 I2 w I2 æ m1d ö m1
m2 ç ÷
è m1 + m2 ø
1
I1 w2
K1 2 I m
= = 1 = 2
Ratio of kinetic energies is K2 1 I2 m1
I w2
2 2
Bounded and unbounded trajectrories :
v<v0

Earth v>ves
v=ves
Ci
rcu

Parabolic
lar

v0
v=

Hyperbolic
Elli
pti

s
e
<v
cal

<v
v0

Cases Effect
(I) If v < v0 Body falls on earth (Bounded)
(II) If v = v0 Body revolves around the earth in circular orbital (Bounded)
(III) If v0 < v < ves Body revolves around the earth in elliptical ortbit (Bounded)
(IV) If v = ves Body escapes throught parabolic path (Unbounded)
(V) If v > ves Body escapes through hyperbolic path (Unbounded)

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