10

Gravitation
The Universal Law of Gravitation
In this universe, each body attracts other body with a force that is directly IN THIS CHAPTER ....
proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them. Let m1 and m2 be the masses of two The Universal Law of Gravitation
bodies and r be the separation between them. Acceleration due to Gravity
mm Gm1m2 Gravitational Field
F µ 12 2 Þ F =
r r2 Gravitational Potential (V)
Here, G is the constant of proportionality which is called universal Gravitational Potential Energy
gravitational constant. The value of G is 6.67 ´ 10–11 N-m 2kg -2. Escape Velocity
Motion of a Satellite
Example 1. 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 Geostationary Satellite
respect to their centre of mass is [AIEEE 2011] Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion
Gm Gm Gm Gm
(a) (b) (c) (d)
R 4R 3R 2R
Sol. (b) Given, masses of the two particles are m1 = m2 = m and radius of the two particles
are r1 = r2 = R. So, the gravitational force of attraction between the particles,
G ´m´m
F= …(i)
R2

R R
m m mv2
F R

mv 2
Centripetal force, F = …(ii)
R
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
Gm2 mv 2
=
(2R) 2 R
Gm
So, the speed of the each particle is v = .
4R
Gravitation 2

(ii) The effective value of g is not truely in vertical

Acceleration due to Gravity direction.
The acceleration of an object during its free fall towards (iii) At the equators, l = 0°
the earth is called acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, g¢ = g - Rw2 (minimum value)
If M is the mass of earth and R is the m
(iv) At the poles, l = 90°
radius, the earth attracts a mass m on Therefore, g¢ = g (maximum value)
its surface with a force F given by R
GMm Example 2. The acceleration due to gravity becomes g / 2
F=
R 2 Centre (g = acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth) at
This force imparts an acceleration to the a height equal to
mass m which is known as acceleration R R R R
(a) (b) (c) (d)
due to gravity (g). 4 2 3 5
By Newton’s law, we have Sol. (a) The acceleration due to gravity,
GMm GM
F 2 GM g = 2 …(i)
Acceleration, g = = R = 2 R
m m R
At a height h above the surface of the earth, the acceleration due
GM
On the surface of earth, g = to gravity is
R2 GM
Substituting the values of G, M and R, we get g¢ = …(ii)
(R + h) 2
g = 9.81 ms-2 From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
Mass of the earth, M = 6 ´ 1024 kg and radius of the 2 2
g æR + hö æ hö
earth, R = 6.4 ´ 106 m. =ç ÷ = ç1 + ÷
g¢ è R ø è Rø
-2
Variation in g with Altitude and Depth Þ
g¢ æ hö
= ç1 + ÷
æ 2hö
= ç1 - ÷
The value of g is variable and can vary in some cases as g è Rø è R ø
mentioned below g
Here, g¢ =
(i) Value of acceleration due to gravity ( g ) at a 2
height (h) from the surface of the earth is given g /2 æ 2 h ö
gR 2 \ = ç1 - ÷
by g¢ = g è R ø
( R + h )2 2h 1 R
Þ = or h =
é 2h ù R 2 4
If h << R , then g¢ = g ê1 - .
ë R úû
Example 3. The value of the acceleration due to gravity is
(ii) Value of acceleration due to gravity (g) at a R
depth (d) from the surface of the earth is given by g1 at a height h = (where, R = radius of the earth) from the
2
æ dö
g ¢ = g ç1 - ÷ surface of the earth. It is again equal to g1 at a depth d below
è Rø æd ö
the surface of the earth. The ratio ç ÷ equals
At the centre of the earth, d = R and hence g¢ = 0. èRø [JEE Main 2020]
where, g = acceleration due to gravity on the
7 1 4 5
surface. (a) (b) (c) (d)
9 3 9 9
Note It should be noted that the value of g decreases, if we move
above the surface or below the surface of the earth. Sol. (d) Given that, acceleration due to gravity at height h from
the surface of earth = acceleration due to gravity at depth d below
Variation in the Value of g due to the surface of earth = g 1
Rotation of the Earth R d
Due to rotation of the earth, the value of g decreases as x
the speed of rotation of the earth increases. The value of
acceleration due to gravity at a latitude is
gl¢ = g - Rw2 cos2 l
R=x+d
Following conclusions can be drawn from the above x=R– d
discussion
(i) The effect of centrifugal force due to rotation of the GM GM
Þ g1 = = (R – d)
earth is to reduce the effective value of g. (R + h) 2 R3
3 JEE Main Physics

GM GM é Rù (ii) Due to a ring having a uniform mass distribution.

Þ 2
= 3 (R - d) êëQ h = 2 úû
æ R ö R m, R
çR + ÷
è 2 ø
4GM GM æ d ö
Þ = 2 ç1 – ÷
9R 2 R è Rø
d 4 O r P
Þ 1– =
R 9
d 4 5
Þ = 1- =
R 9 9 At the centre, E = 0
Gmr
Example 4. A box weighs 196 N on a spring balance at On the axis, E= [along P to O]
( R 2 + r 2 )3/ 2
the north pole. Its weight recorded on the same balance, if it
is shifted to the equator is close to (Take, g = 10 ms -2 at the (iii) Due to hollow sphere having a uniform mass
north pole and the radius of the earth = 6400 km) distribution. For inside point ( r < R ), E = 0. For
[JEE Main 2020] outside point ( r ³ R ),
(a) 195.66 N (b) 195.32 N (c) 194.66 N (d) 194.32 N GM
E=- 2
Sol. (b) Acceleration due to gravity at poles, g p = 10 ms -2 r
where, r is the distance of point from the centre.
Weight of box at poles, wp = 196 N
wp M
So, mass of box, m = = 19.6 kg
gp R
Now, due to rotation of earth acceleration due to gravity at equator, P
O
g e = g p - Rw2 …(i) r
Here, g p = 10 ms-2, R = 6400 ´ 10 3 m,
2p (iv) Due to a solid sphere having a uniform mass
w= and T = 24 ´ 3600 s
T distribution.
Now, substituting the given values in Eq. (i), we get For inside point ( r < R ),
g e = 10 - 0.034 = 9.966 ms-2 GMr
E=-
So, weight of box at equator, R3
we = g e ´ m = 9.966 ´ 19.6 = 195.32 N For outside point ( r ³ R ),
GM
E=- 2
Gravitational Field r
The space surrounding a material body in which its E
gravitational force of attraction can be experienced is GM
called its gravitational field. R2
E
∝ r
12

E∝r
Gravitational Field Intensity (E) r∝R r∝R
Gravitational field intensity at any point is defined as the O r=R r
gravitational force experienced by any test mass divided
by the magnitude of test mass when placed at the desired
point. Gravitational Potential (V )
Fr
E= Gravitational potential at any point in a gravitational
m0 field is defined as the work done in bringing a unit mass
where, m0 is a small test mass. The SI unit of from infinity to that point.
gravitational intensity is Nkg -1. W
Gravitational potential, V = lim
m 0 ®0 m
0
Gravitational Field Intensity due to Various
Mass Distributions Gravitational potential due to a point mass is
GM
(i) Gravitational intensity at a point P situated at a V =-
GM r
distance r from a point mass M is given by E = 2
r Gravitational potential is always negative and it is
r maximum at infinity. It is a scalar term and its SI unit is
M r P J kg -1 .
Gravitation 4

2 2
Gravitational Potential due to Various Mass where, OA = AD = ( AB sin 60° )
3 3
Distributions 2 3 a
(i) Due to ring having a uniform mass distribution. = ´a´ =
3 2 3
GM a
At the centre, V = - Thus, OA = OB = OC =
R 3
GM
On the axis, V =- The gravitational intensity at O due to mass m at A is
R2 + r 2 Gm Gm
EA = 2
= along OA
(ii) Due to a hollow sphere of radius R having a uniform (OA) ( a / 3) 2
mass distribution. For inside points (r £ R), Similarly, the gravitational intensity at O due to mass m at B is
GM Gm Gm
V =- EB = = along OB
R (OB) 2 ( a / 3) 2
V and gravitational intensity at O due to mass m at C is
Gm Gm
EC = 2
= along OC
r=R
r (OC) ( a / 3) 2
As E A , EB and EC are equal in magnitude and equally inclined to
–GM each other, the resultant gravitational intensity at O is zero.
R
Example 6. Two bodies of masses m and 4 m are placed
For outside points ( r > R ), at a distance r. The gravitational potential at a point on the
GM line joining them, where the gravitational field is zero, is
V =- [AIEEE 2011]
r
4 Gm 6 Gm 9 Gm
(iii) Due to a solid sphere of radius R having a uniform (a) - (b) - (c) - (d) zero
mass distribution. r r r
V Sol. (c) Let gravitational field be zero at P as shown in figure.
m P 4m
A B
x r–x
O r r

Gm G( 4m)
– 3GM \ =
2R x2 (r - x) 2
R
Þ 4x2 = (r - x) 2
For inside points (r < R), Þ 2x = r - x
- GM ( 3 R 2 - r 2 ) r
V = Þ x=
2 R3 3
For outside points ( r ³ R ), \ VP = -
Gm G ( 4m)
-
GM x r-x
V =-
r Gm 4Gm é rù
=- - êëQ x = 3 úû
r /3 r - r /3
Example 5. Three particles, each of mass m, are placed at
the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a. What is the 3 Gm 6 Gm 9 Gm
=- - =-
gravitational field at the centroid of the triangle? r r r
Gm 3 Gm 2 Gm
(a) Zero (b) -3 3 (c) (d)
a2 a2 a2 Gravitational Potential Energy
Sol. (a) In the figure, O is the centroid of triangle ABC, Gravitational potential energy of a body or system is
m• A negative of work done by the conservative gravitational
force F in bringing it from infinity to the present position.
Mathematically, gravitational potential energy,
r

F
IA E U = -W = - ò ¥ F × dr
O ● The gravitational potential energy of two particles of
masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is given by
IB IC
Gm1m2
m• •
C
•m U =-
B D r
5 JEE Main Physics

● The gravitational potential energy of mass m at the Þ E1 = Uf - Ui

surface of the earth is GMem GMem
E1 = - + …(i)
GMm Re + h Re
U =-
R (where, U = potential energy)
\ Orbital velocity of satellite,
● Difference in potential energy of mass m at a height h
GMe
from the earth’s surface and at the earth’s surface is vo = (where, Me = mass of earth)
(Re + h)
mgh ~
U (R + h ) - U R = - mgh (if h << R) So, energy required to perform circular motion,
h
1+ 1 GMem
R Þ E 2 = mv o2 = …(ii)
2 2(Re + h)
● For three particles system,
According to the question, E1 = E 2
é Gm1m2 Gm1m3 Gm2m3 ù
U =-ê + + ú - GMem GMem GMem
\ + =
êë r12 r13 r 23 úû Re + h Re 2(Re + h)
n ( n - 1) Þ 3Re = 2Re + 2h
● For n -particles system, pairs form and total
2 R
h= e
potential energy of the system is sum of potential 2
energies of all such pairs. As, radius of earth, Re » 6.4 ´ 10 3km

Example 7. If g is acceleration due to gravity on earth’s 6.4 ´ 10 3

Hence, h= km or 3.2 ´ 10 3 km
surface, the gain of the potential energy of an object of mass 2
m raised from the surface of the earth to a height equal to the
radius R of the earth, is Escape Velocity
(a) 2 mgR (b) mgR It is the minimum velocity with which a body must be
1 1 projected from the surface of the earth so that it escapes
(c) mgR (d) mgR
2 4 the gravitational field of the earth. We can also say that a
body, projected with escape velocity, will be able to go to
Sol. (c) The potential energy of an object at the surface of the a point which is at infinite distance from the earth.
earth is
GMm The escape velocity from the surface of a planet of mass
U1 = - M, radius R and acceleration due to gravity g is
R
The potential energy of the object at a height (h = R) from the 2 GM
Þ ve = = 2 gR
GMm GMm R
surface of the earth is U2 = - =-
R+h R+R
Substituting the values of g = 9.81 ms -2
Gain in potential energy of the object is DU = U2 - U1
and R = 6400 km, we get
GMm GMm
DU = - +
R+R R ve = 11.2 kms–1
1 GMm
DU = Example 9. A planet in a distant solar system is 10 times
2 R
more massive than the earth and its radius is 10 times smaller.
As, gR 2 = GM
Given that the escape velocity from the earth is 11 kms-1, the
1 R 2m escape velocity from the surface of the planet would be
Hence, DU = g
2 R [AIEEE 2008]
1 (a) 1.1 kms-1 (b) 11 kms-1
Þ DU = mgR
2 (c) 110 kms-1 (d) 0.11 kms-1
Example 8. The energy required to take a satellite to a Sol. (c) Mass of planet, Mp = 10Me, where Me is mass of earth.
height h above earth surface (where, radius of earth
R
= 6.4 ´ 103 km) is E1 and kinetic energy required for the Radius of planet, Rp = e , where Re is radius of earth.
10
satellite to be in a circular orbit at this height is E2. The value
2 GM
of h for which E1 and E2 are equal, is [JEE Main 2019] Escape velocity is given by v e =
R
(a) 3.2 ´ 10 3 km (b) 1.28 ´ 10 4 km
2 G ´ Mp 100 ´ 2 GMe
(c) 6.4 ´ 10 3 km (d) 1.6 ´ 10 3 km For planet, v p = =
Rp Re
Sol. (a) The energy required for taking a satellite upto a height h
from earth’s surface is the difference between the energy at h = 10 ´ v e = 10 ´ 11
height and energy at surface, then = 110 kms-1
Gravitation 6

Motion of a Satellite Geostationary Satellite

Any body that revolves around earth or any planet is If an artificial satellite revolves around the earth in an
called satellite. These can be natural (e.g. moon) or equatorial plane with a time period of 24 h in the same
artifical. The artifical satellites are man made satellites sense as that of the earth, then it will appear stationary
launched from the earth. The path of these satellites are to the observer on the earth. Such a satellite is known as
elliptical with the centre of earth at a focus. a geostationary satellite or parking satellite.

Example 10. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a

Orbital Velocity
height h from the earth surface such that h << R, where R is the
Orbital velocity is the velocity required to put the
radius of the earth. Assuming that, the effect of earth’s
satellite into its orbit around the earth and given as
atmosphere can be neglected the minimum increase in the
h speed required, so that the satellite could escape from the
v0
gravitational field of earth is [JEE Main 2019]
m
Earth gR
M (a) (b) gR
r 2
(c) 2 gR (d) gR ( 2 - 1)
bit
Or GM
GM Sol. (d) Orbital velocity of the satellite is given as v o =
Þ vo = R+h
r
Since, R > > h
GM GM é GM ù
or vo = \ vo = = gR êëQ g = R 2 úû
R+h R
where, h = height of satellite above the earth’s surface. Escape velocity of the satellite,
For a satellite very close to the earth’s surface, i.e. h << R 2 GM
ve =
or r » R R+h
GM GM 2 GM
vo = = = gR =
r R R
\ ve = 2vo = 2gR
Since, we know that in order to escape the earth’s gravitational
Time Period field a satellite must get escape velocity.
The time taken by a satellite to complete one revolution \ Change in velocity,
around the earth is called the time period. It is given by
Dv = v e - v o
2 pr r
T= = 2 pr = gR ( 2 - 1)
vo GM
2 p r 3/ 2 Example 11. A 400 kg satellite is in a circular orbit of
Þ T =
GM radius 2 RE about the earth. Amount of energy required to
transfer it to a circular orbit of radius 4RE is
R
If r » R, then T = 2p . (a) 3.13 ´ 10 9 J
g
(b) 5.29 ´ 10 2 J
Total Energy of the Satellite (c) 3.13 ´ 10 3 J
Kinetic energy of satellite, K =
1
mv02 =
GMm (d) 5.29 ´ 10 9 J
2 2r GMEm
GMm Sol. (a) Initially, Ei = -
Potential energy of satellite, U = - 4 RE
r
GMEm
and total energy of satellite, While finally, E f = -
GMm 8 RE
E = K +U = - =-K
2r The change in the total energy is
GMEm æ GME ö mRE
Binding Energy of Satellite DE = E f - Ei = =ç 2 ÷
8 RE è RE ø 8
It is the energy required to remove the satellite from its
orbit and take it to infinity. gmRE 9.81 ´ 400 ´ 6.37 ´ 10 6
DE = =
GMm 8 8
Binding energy = - E = + DE = 3.13 ´ 10 9 J
2r
7 JEE Main Physics

Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion Example 12. The maximum and minimum distances of a
comet from the sun are 8 ´ 1012 m and 1.6 ´ 1012 m. If its
Kepler discoveredthreeempiricallawswhichaccurately
describethemotionoftheplanets.Theselawsare velocity when nearest to the sun is 60 ms-1. What will be its
velocity (in ms-1) when it is farthest?
Kepler’s First Law or Law of Orbits (a) 12 (b) 60
Alltheplanetsmovearoundthesuninanellipticalorbit (c) 112 (d) 6
withsunatoneofthefocusofellipse.
Minor axis Sol. (a) By conservation of angular momentum,
mvr = constant
Planet i.e. v min ´ rmax = v max ´ rmin
Major axis 60 ´ 1.6 ´ 1012 60
\ v min = = = 12 ms–1
Perihelion S Aphelio n 8 ´ 1012 5
or Perigee or Apogee
a Example 13. If the angular momentum of a planet of mass
m, moving around sun in a circular orbit is L about the centre
The point when the planet is nearest to the sun is termed of the sun , its areal velocity is [JEE Main 2019]
as perihelion and the farthest one is known as
4L 2L L L
aphelion. (a) (b) (c) (d)
m m 2m m
Kepler’s Second Law or Law of Areas Sol. (c) According to Kepler’s second law, the line joining the
The line joining the sun to the planet sweeps out equal planet to sun sweeps out equal areas in equal interval of time.
areas in equal intervals of time, i. e. areal velocity of the This means the rate of change of area with time is constant.
planet w.r.t. sun is constant.

B P′
r
A
C I Sun dθ
II
P
D

The area covered from P to P ¢ is dA, which is given by

This law indicates that a planet moves faster near the
dq
sun and slowly when away from the sun. dA = ´ pr 2
2p
According to second law, area of region I = area of region
II, where the planet takes same time to move from A to B 1 2 dA 1 2 dq
Þ dA = r dq or = r
and from C to D. 2 dt 2 dt
dA
Kepler’s Third Law or Law of Periods where, = areal velocity.
dt
The square of the planet’s time period of revolution is dA 1 2 dA 1 2 L
directly proportional to the cube of semi-major axis of its = r w or = r × 2
dt 2 dt 2 mr
orbit. (because angular momentum, L = mr 2w)
2 3
T µa dA L
=
where, a is the semi-major axis. dt 2m
 Practice Exercise
ROUND I Topically Divided Problems
Universal Law of Gravitation 5. Both earth and moon are subject to the
1. Imagine a light planet revolving around a very gravitational force of the sun. As observed from the
massive star in a circular orbit of radius r with a sun, the orbit of the moon [NCERT Exemplar]
period of revolution T. If the gravitational force of (a) will be elliptical
attraction between the planet and the star is (b) will not be strictly elliptical because the total
proportional to R -3/ 2 , then T2 is proportional to gravitational force on it is not central
(c) is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve
(a) R 3 (b) R5/ 2
(d) deviates considerably from being elliptical due to
(c) R 3 / 2 (d) R7/ 2
influence of planets other than earth
2. If a planet of given density were made larger its 6. Different points in earth are at slightly different
force of attraction for an object on its surface would distances from the sun and hence experience
increase because of planet’s greater mass but would different forces due to gravitation. For a rigid body,
decrease because of the greater distance from the we know that if various forces act at various points
object to the centre of the planet. Which effect in it, the resultant motion is as if a net force acts on
predominate? the CM (centre of mass) causing translation and a
(a) Increase in mass net torque at the CM causing rotation around an
(b) Increase in radius axis through the CM for the earth-sun system
(c) Both affect attraction equally (approximating the earth as a uniform density
(d) None of the above sphere) [NCERT Exemplar]
3. A uniform ring of mass M and radius r is placed (a) the torque is zero
directly above a uniform sphere of mass 8 M and of (b) the torque causes the earth to spin
same radius R. The centre of the ring is at a (c) the rigid body result is not applicable since the
earth is not even approximately a rigid body
distance of d = 3 R from the centre of the sphere.
(d) the torque causes the earth to move around the sun
The gravitational attraction between the sphere
and the ring is 7. Two astronauts have deserted their spaceship in a
GM 2 3 GM 2 region of space far from the gravitational attraction
(a) (b) of any other body. Each has a mass of 100 kg and
R2 2 R2
they are 100 m apart. They are initially at rest
2 GM 2 3 GM 2 relative to one another. How long will it be before
(c) (d)
2 R2 R2 the gravitational attraction brings them 1 cm closer
together?
4. A solid sphere of uniform (a) 2.52 days (b) 1.41 days (c) 0.70 days (d) 0.41 days
density and radius R
applies a gravitational 8. Particles of masses 2M, m and M are respectively
O R R 1
force of attraction equal to P at points A, B and C with AB = ( BC). m is
F1 on a particle placed at P, 2
distance 2 R from the centre much-much smaller than M and at time t = 0, they are
O of the sphere. A spherical all at rest
B
cavity of radius R/2 is now made in the sphere as A C
2M m M
shown in figure. The sphere with cavity now
applies an gravitational force F2 on same particle (a) m will remain at rest [NCERT Exemplar]
placed at P. The ratio F2 / F1 will be (b) m will move towards M
(a) 1/2 (b) 7/9 (c) m will move towards 2M
(c) 3 (d) 7 (d) m will have oscillatory motion