EXERCISE # (S-1)

FORCE/FIELD
HCV Worked out Examples (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 1 to 8, 10)

1. A sphere of radius R has its centre at the origin. It has a uniform mass density o except that
there is a spherical hole of radius r = R/2 whose centre is at x = R/2 as in fig. (a) Find
gravitational field at points on the axis for |x| > R (b) Show that the gravitational field inside the
hole is uniform, find its magnitude and direction.

O x

 G0 R 2  1 8  ˆ  2G0 R 2
Ans. g 
 (x  (R / 2)) 2 x 2  i, g = î
6   3
Sol. g(x) = gsolid sphere + ghollow sphere
GMsolid sphere GM hollow sphere
= 2
 2
x  R
x  
 2
 3

 4 3  G   4   R  
G0  R  0  
= 3   3  2  
2 2
x  R
x  
 2
 
 
4 3  1 1 
g(x) = G  0 R  3 
 3   x  R 
2

 8 x   
  2 

2. A small body of mass m is projected with a velocity just sufficient to make it reach from the
surface of a planet (of radius 2R and mass 3M) to the surface of another planet (of radius R and
mass M). The distance between the centers of the two spherical planets is 6R. The distance of
the body from the center of bigger planet is ‘x’ at any moment. During the journey, find the
distance x where the speed of the body is (a) maximum (b) minimum. Assume motion of body
along the line joining centres of planets.
Ans. 2R, 3R[3 – 3]
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 1
Sol.
(a) speed will maximum at projection point 3M12R (M, R)
(b) To just reach the other planet small body must
be able to reach the point where gravitation field m
due to both planet is zero. At this point speed will
be minimum and equal to zero.
G  3M GM
  3 (6R – x) = x
x 2
(6 R  x)
 1  3  x  6 3R


6 3  
3 1 R
2
HCV Exercises (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 1 to 15)
POTENTIAL/ENERGY
HCV Worked out Examples (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 9)
3. Two uniform spherical stars made of same material have radii R and 2R. Mass of the smaller
planet is m. They start moving from rest towards each other from a large distance under mutual
force of gravity. The collision between the stars is inelastic with coefficient of restitution 1/2.
(a) Find the kinetic energy of the system just after the collision.
(b) Find the maximum separation between their centres after their first collision.
2Gm 2
Ans. (a) (b) 4Rccc
3R
Sol. Mass of bigger planet = 8m
Let u1 & u2 are speed just before collision
So, from momentum conservation; u1 = 8u2 ...(i)
m 8m
u1
u2
From energy conservation,
1 2 1 G(m)8m
From energy conservation, mu1  (8m)  u 22  0 ....(ii)
2 2 3R
Let v1 & v2 are speed just after collision
from P = 0,
m 8m

v1 v2
mu1 – 8mu2 = –mv1 + 8mv2 ...(iii)
Apply energy conservation between just after collision and maximum separation (when they
come to rest, due to mutual attraction.
 x2  R2 
Ans. 1   4R 2
 x 
 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 2
4. A body is launched from the earth’s surface at an angle =30º to the horizontal at a speed
1.5GM
v0 = . Neglecting air resistance and earth’s rotation, find (a) the height to which the
R
body will rise. (b) the radius of curvature of trajectory at its top point.
 7 
Ans. (a) h = 
 2  1  R , (b) 1.125 R
 
Sol. Using angular momentum conservation
1.5GM
m  cos30 R = mvr
R
2
3 GM  3  R 2 9 GMR
2
v =     2 =
2 R  2  r 8 r2
Using energy conservation
2
GmM 1  3 GM  GmM 1
  m    =  mv 2
R 2  2 R  r 2
1 GmM GmM 1 9 GMR
 =  m
4 R r 2 8 r2
1 1 9 R
= 
4R r 16 r 2
4r2 – 16 Rr + +9R2 = 0
7R
After solving, r =  2R
2
7R  7 
height above earth surface = r – R =  R    1 R
2  2 

HCV Exercises (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 16 to 21, 37, 38)

VARIATION IN ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY 'g'
HCV Worked out Examples (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 11)
5. Calculate the distance from the surface of the earth at which above and below the surface
acceleration due to gravity is the same.
4 Gm 2 2Gm
Ans. (i) , (ii)
3 R 3 5R
GMm 1 2 GMm
Sol.  mv  
R 2 9R
4 GM
 V=
3 R
GMm 1 2 GMm
T.E. = –  mv  
R 2 9R
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 3
 GMm 1 2
=–  mv
5R 2
2 2GM
 V’ =
3 5R

6. The Earth may be regarded as a spherically shaped uniform core of density 1 and radius R/2

surrounded by a uniform shell of thickness R/2 and density 2. Find the ratio of 1 if the value
2
of acceleration due to gravity is the same at surface as at depth R/2 from the surface.
Ans. 7/3
4G R
Sol. (g) R  1  …(1)
2 3 2
4 R
3
4   R  
3

(g)R  4R2 = 1      2    R 3       4G

3 2 3   2   
 
4 3  1  1 
R   2 1     4G
3 8  8 
(g)R = ….(ii)
4R 2
(g) R  (g)R
2

R
4G 1 
2 = 4 R  G  1    7 
 2 
3 3 8 8
1 1 72
 
2 8 8
41 = 1 + 72
1 7

2 3

HCV Exercises (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 6, 22 to 27, 34)

ESCAPE VELOCITY

7. A particle is fired vertically from the surface of the earth with a velocity ke, where e is the
escape velocity and k < 1. Neglecting air resistance and assuming earth's radius as Re. Calculate
the height to which it will rise from the surface of the earth.
R ek2
Ans.
1 k2
Sol. h = height above the earth surface

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 4
 from energy conservation between surface & maximum height.
GMe mp 1 Gme m p
  mp (KVe )2 
R1 2 (R e  h)

2Gme
and Ve 
Re
HCV Exercises (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 39)

CIRCULAR ORBIT
HCV Worked out Examples (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 12)

8. A satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth. The total energy of the satellite is
E = – 2 ×105J. The amount of energy to be imparted to the satellite to transfer it to a circular
orbit where its potential energy is U= – 2 × 105J is equal to ________.
Ans. 1 × 105J
GMm mv 2

R2 R M V
1 2 GMm m
mv  at any distance R R
2 2R
GMm PE
So for PE = corresponding KE = –
R 2
u
 for U = –2 × 105 J KE =  10 J
5

2
9. A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth in a circular orbit of radius r. It starts losing energy
due to small air resistance at the rate of C J/ s. Then the time taken for the satellite to reach the
earth is _______.
GMm  1 1 
Ans. t   
2C  R e r 
GMm
Sol. Energy in the orbit =
2r
GMm
Energy at the surface =
2R e
GMm  1 1 
Loss in energy =   
2  Re r 
Lossin energy
time required =
C

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 5
10. A body moving radially away from a planet of mass M, when at distance r from planet,
explodes in such a way that two of its many fragments move in mutually perpendicular circular
orbits around the planet. What will be (a) then velocity in circular orbits. (b) maximum distance
between the two fragments before collision and (c) magnitude of their relative velocity just
before they collide.
GM 2GM
Ans. (a) h = ; (b) r 2 ; (c)
r r
Sol. They move in circular orbit of radius r.
GM
(a) So, orbital velocity =
r
(b) Maximum Distance = r 2 A
(when one will be at Position-A and other at Position-B) B
2GM
(c) Relative velocity when they Collide = v0 2 =
r
(v0 = orbital velocity)

11. A satellite close to the earth is in orbit above the equator with a period of rotation of 1.5 hours.
If it is above a point P on the equator at some time, it will be above P again after
time________.
Ans. 1.6 hours if it is rotating from west to east, 24/17 hours if it is rotating from east to west
2 
Sol.  
24 12


'

There can be two w' one from west to east and one from east to west.
2m 4
'   rad / hr.
1.5 3
for west to east for east to west
wrel =  – ' wrel =  + '
5 4  17
= rad / hr.  
4 3 12 12
8 24
T = hrs. T= hrs
5 17
= 1.6 hrs.

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 6
12. A binary star has a period (T) of 2 earth years while distance L between its components having
masses M1 and M2 is four astronomical units. If M1 = MS where MS is the mass of sun, find the
ratio M2/5MS.
Ans. 3
GM1M 2 M 2 M 2S2 (4r)
Sol. 
(4r)2 (M1  M 2 )
2
 v  GM
e =    3 S
2

r r

13. A pair of stars rotates about a common center of mass. One of the stars has a mass M which is
twice as large as the mass m of the other. Their centres are at a distance d apart, d being large
compared to the size of either star. (a) Derive an expression for the period of rotation of the
stars about their common centre of mass in terms of d,m, G. (b) Compare the angular
momentum of the two stars about their common centre of mass by calculating the ratio Lm/ LM.
(c) Compare the kinetic energies of the two stars by calculating the ratio Km/KM.
2d3/2
Ans. (a) T  , (b) 2, (c) 2
3Gm
Sol. (a) The COM of the system divides the distance between the stars in the inverse ratio of thin
masses. If d1 & d2 are the distances of M & m from the COM. (COM = Centre of mass)
d d
d1 =  m & d2 = M
Mm Mm
The stars will rotate in circles of radii d1 & d2 about their COM. The same force of
attraction provides the necessary centripetal force for their circular motion.
GmM
 = M12d1 = m22d2
d2
Gm Gm M  m G(M  m)
or 12 =   
d 2d1 d 2 dm d3

G(M  m)
 1 = 2 =
d3
(b) From the fact that the moment of momentum is also angular momentum.
IM (Mv1 )d1 M d12 M m2 m
    
Im (Mv2 )d 2 m d 22 m M 2 M

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 7
 1
Mv12
KM M 2d 2 M d12
(c)  2   12 12 
K m 1 MvMv 2 m 2d 2 m d 22
2
2
K M M m2 m
   
Km m M2 M

14. A cord of length 64 m is used to connect a 100 kg astronaut to spaceship whose mass is much
larger than that of the astronaut. Estimate the value of the tension in the cord. Assume that the
spaceship is orbiting near earth surface. Assume that the spaceship and the astronaut fall on a
straight line from the earth centre. The radius of the earth is 6400 km.
Ans. T = 3 × 10–2 N
Sol.

GM
= 2R
R2
GmM
 T = m2(R + l)
(R  l ) 2

 GM  GmM
T = m  3  (R  l ) 
 R  (R  l ) 2
 R l 1 
T = GmM  3  
 R (R  l ) 2 
 (R  l )3  R 3 
T= GmM  3 2 
 R (R  l ) 
GmM 
3  l 
3

T=  R   1    1
R (R  l )
3 2
 R  
GmM  3l 
T=   1   1
R2  R 
 3l  3l 100 10  3  64
T= GmM  3  = mg  = = 3 × 10–2 N
 R  R 6400 10 3

15. A hypothetical spherical planet of radius R and its density varies as  = Kr, where K is constant
and r is the distance from the center. Determine the pressure caused by gravitational pull inside
(r < R) the planet at a distance r measured from its center.
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 8
 1 2
Ans. K G(R 4  r 4 )
4
Sol. dm = kr4r2dr
m = kr4 dr
Gm r
E=
r2
Gkr 4  k4r 3dr
–dP =
4r 4
– dP = Gk2r3dr
P r r
 dP  Gk 2    r 3dr
P 0 r R

r4  R4
– P = Gk2
4
R 4  r4
P = Gk2
4
HCV Exercises (Chapter No. - Q.No. 30 to 33, 36)

KEPLER'S LAWS
HCV Worked out Examples (Chapter No. 11 - Q.No. 13)

16. The minimum and maximum distances of a satellite from the centre of the Earth are 2R and 4 R
respectively, where R is the radius of Earth and M is the mass of the Earth. Find radius of
curvature at the point of minimum distance.
Ans. 8R/3
vmin

2R 4R
Earth
Sol. vmax
2
GmM e mv max
 …(i)
(2R) 2 Rc
Using energy conservation :
GmMe 1 2 GmM e 1 2
 mvmax =  mvmin …(ii)
2R 2 4R 2
Using angular momentum conservation
m.vmax  2R = m×vmin 4R
v
vmin = max
2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 9
 GmMe 1 2 GmM e 1 v max
2
 mvmax =  m
2R 2 4R 2 4
1 2  3  GmM e
mv max    =
2 4 4R
2GM e
v 2max 
3R
Put value of v 2max in eq. (i)
GmM e m  2GM e

4R 2 3R  R C
2  4R 2 8R
RC = 
3R 3

HCV Exercises (Chapter No. 11 - Q. No. 29)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 10
 EXERCISE # (S-2)
1. Mean solar day is the time interval between two successive noon when sun passes through
zenith point (meridian). Sidereal day is the time interval between two successive transit of a
distant star through the zenith point (meridian). If mean solar day is X minutes longer than the
sidereal day. In other words, distant stars would rise X minutes early every successive day.
Find the nearest integer of X. [You may assume circular orbit for the earth]
Ans. 4
Sol. According to the diagram alongside, when the earth revolves about its polar axis in one sidereal
day, it also moves from E to E around the sun due to translational motion and the point P is at
P.
When the Earth still rotates through an angle about its axis to complete one solar day until the
point P is at P, again facing the sun.
Earth advances in its orbit by approximately 1° every day, i.e. in 24 hours. Then, it will have to
rotate by 361° (which we define as 1 day) to have the sun at zenith point again).

24h 24  60  60s
Time taken to transverse 1 ° = 1 = = 239.3s
361 361
i.e., 239.3s = 3 min 59.3s  4 min
Hence, distant stars would rise 4 minutes early every successive day.

2. Assume that a geosynchronous communications satellite is in orbit at the longitude of Kota.

You are in Kota and want to pick up its signals. In what direction should you point the axis of
your parabolic antenna? The latitude of Kota is 30°N.
 32 
Ans. cot–1  3   to vertical
 105 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 11
 
30º
36,000 km
Sol.

R = 6400 km

 x 2  64002  (42400) 2
cos 30° =
2  6400  42400
Using sine rule
sin 30 sin(180  )

37003 42400

3. The fastest possible rate of rotation of a planet such that for which the gravitational force on
material at the equator barely provides the centripetal force needed for the rotation.. Show then
3
that the corresponding shortest period of rotation is given by T  , where  s the density
G
of the planet, assumed to be homogeneous.
3
Ans. T
G

GM e m GM e
Sol. = m2R  =
R2 R3
Me 4
=  Me = . R 3
4 3
R 3

3
2 R3
T= = 2
 4
G.. R 3
3
3
T=
G

4. A satellite is orbiting the Earth of mass M in equatorial plane in a circular orbit having radius
2R and same sense of rotation as that of the Earth. Find duration of time for which a man
standing on the equator will be able to see the satellite continuously. Assume that the man can
see the satellite when it is above horizon. Take Earth's angular velocity = .

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 12
 2
Ans.
 GM 
3 3
 e 
 8R 
Sol. Man standing on Earth at point O in able to see satellite when Satellite lie between point A & B
w.r.t Earth.
For Seltellite
A

O
R 2R

Earth

GM.m 2R B
m'2.(2R) = =30º
(2R) 2
GM
' =
8R 3
GM – 
rel =
8R 3
1 2
T= .
3 Gm

8R 3

5. A launching pad with a spaceship is moving along a circular orbit of the moon, whose radius R
is triple that of moon's radius Rm. The space ship leaves the launching pad with a relative

velocity equal to the launching pad's initial orbital velocity v 0 and the launching pad then falls
to the moon. Determine the angle  with the horizontal at which the launching pad crashes into
the surface if its mass is twice that of the spaceship m.
3
Ans. cos  
17
3m v0 2m v2 m v1
Sol.

 GM 

v1 = v2 = v0 ...(ii)  v0  

 3R 

3v0 = 2v2 +v1 …(ii)
2 4 GM
v2 = v 0  v 22  
3 9 3R
Using angular momentum conservation
m v2 3R = m vf cos  R

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 13
 3v 2 9v22 9 4 GM
vf =  vf2    
cos  cos  cos  9 3R
2 2

4 GM
vf2  
3cos  R
2

Using energy conservation :

GmM 1 2 GmM 1 2
 mv2 =  mvf
3R 2 R 2
GmM 1 4 GM GmM 1 4 GM
 m  =  m 
3R 2 9 3R R 2 3cos  R
2

1 2 2
 = 1 
3 27 3cos 2 
2 1 2 27  9  2 20
= 1  = =
3cos 2
3 27 27 27
2  27 9
cos2  = =
3  20 10
3
cos  =
10

6. A hypothetical planet of mass M has three moons each of equal mass ‘m’ each revolving in the
same circular orbit of radius R. The masses are equally spaced and thus form an equilateral
triangle. Find:
m

R
m m

(i) the total P.E. of the system

(ii) the orbital speed of each moon such that they maintain this configuration.
3Gm  m  G m 
Ans. (i)    m  , (ii)   M
R  3  R 3 
Sol.
m

R M
30º
m m
3
a  R. .2  R 3
2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 14
 GmM Gm2
(i) Total P.E. Energy = 3 3
R R 3
3Gm  m 
=   M
R  3 
mv2 GmM Gm2
(ii)   2. cos30º
R2
 
2
R R 3
GM 2Gm 3
v2 =  .
R 3R 2
Gm GM G  m 
v=  = .  M
3R R R  3 

7. Imagine a planet of mass M with a small moon of mass m and radius a orbiting it and keeping
the same face toward it. If the moon now approaches the planet, there will be a critical distance
from the planet's center at which loose material lying on the moon's surface will be lifted off.
Show that this distance is given by |rc = a(3M/m)1/3. This critical distance is called Roche's
limit.
Ans. rc= a (3 M/m)1/3
GMm mv 2
Sol. 
rC2 rC
GM v 2

rC2 rC
m02a
Gmm 0
Gm 0 m a2 
(r  a) 2 m0 v2 V

r rC
2
GMm0 GmM 0 v
 m 0 w 2a =  m0
(r  a )
a 2
r
GM av 2 GM Gm
 2 =  2
(r  a) 2
r a2 r
GM GM Gm GM
a 3 = 2  2
(r  a 2
r a r
 1 1  aGM Gm
GM   2  3 = 2
 (r  a) r 
2
r a

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 15
  2ra  a 2 a  m
M 2  3 = 2
 r (r  a) r  a
2

 (r  a)(2ra  a 2 )  a(r  a) 2  m
M  = 2 {r  (r – a)}
 r (r  a)
3 2
 a
 (r  a)(2ra  a 2  ar  a 2  m
M  = 2
 r 3 (r  a) 2  a
 3ra  2a 2  m
M 3  = 2
 r (r  a)  a
a<<r
 3a  m
M 3  = 2
r  a
3m 3
r3 = a
m
1/3
 3M 
r=   a
 m 
8. An astronaut in a circular orbit around earth observes a celestial body moving in a lower
circular orbit around earth in same plane as his orbit and in the same sense. He observes that
the body moves at a speed of 5 m/s relative to himself when it is closest to him. The minimum
distance between him and the body if he is moving at a speed of 5000 m/s is  km. Fill the

value of in OMR sheet.
4
(Mass of earth = 6 × 1024 kg & round off the value of  to the nearest integer).
Ans. 8
GM GM 5000 m/s
Sol. V= r=
r V2 r+
GM 5005 m/s
r= r
(5005) 2
GM
r+=
(5000) 2
GM GM
= 
(5000) (5005)2
2

–11 N  m2
Put G = 6.67 × 10 &M=6 × 1024 kg
Kg 2

= 8 km
4

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 16
9. Two large spherical object of mass M each (uniformly distributed) are fixed as shown in figure.
A small point mass m is projected from point A heading towards center C 2 of second sphere.
The minimum velocity of point mass so that it can reach upto second object at point B is
n GM
then calculate n. [Neglect other gravitational forces]
3 5R
M M
v0
C1 C2
R A B R

10R
Ans. 8
M,R M,R

C1 C2
Sol. O

5R
10R
O is the point where gravitational tield is zero due to both sphere. So, small particle have to
cross O Point only.
Using Energy Conservation.
GMm GMm 1 2 GMm
   mv   20
R 9R 2 5R
1 2 10GMm 2GMm
mv  
2 9R 5R
20GM 4GM
v2 = 
9R 5R
 GM  5 1
v2 =   
R 9 5
GM  16 
v2 =  
R  45 
2  4 GM
v=
3 5R
8 GM
v=
3 5R

10. Two point–like objects, each with mass m, are connected by a massless rope of length . The
objects are suspended vertically near the surface of Earth, so that one object is hanging below
GMm
the other. Then the objects are released. Show that the tension in the rope is T  where
R3
M is the mass of the Earth and R is its radius [ << R].
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 17
Sol. On Particle – 1
GMm Gm 2
 2 + T = ma …….(i) m
(r  l )2 l 1
On Particle – 2 l a
GMm Gm 2
 2 –T = ma …….(ii) m 2
r2 l
From eq (i) & (ii)
GMm Gm2 GMm Gm2
  T   2 T r
(r  l )2 l2 r2 l
GMm GMm 2Gm2
2T =   2
r2 (r  l )2 l
 
 
2T = 2  m 
GM m 2m 

r   l l 
2 2
  1     
  r r 
Since it is very near to surface & l << R.
So, r = R
Using Binomial expansion.
GM   2l  
2T = 2  m  m 1   
R   R 
GM  2ml 
2T = 2  3 
R  R 
GMml
T=
R3

R
11. There is a crater of depth on the surface of the Moon (radius R). A projectile is fired
100
vertically upward from the crater with velocity, which is equal to the escape velocity v from the
surface of the Moon. Find the maximum height attained by the projectile. [IIT-JEE 2003]
Ans. h = 99.5 R

Sol.

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 18
 Let particle be projected from A and it reaches to point B at a height h from surface.
2GM
It is projected with escape velocity =
R
Energy at A = energy at B.
K.E. + P.E. (at A) = P.E. at B
1 2GM GmM  2  99  2 
2
GMm
m  3 
3R    R  =  (R  h)
2 R 2R   100  
1 2GM 2.0199GmM GMm
m  =
2 R 2R (R  h)
0.0199GMm GMm
 =
2R (R  h)
2R
R+h= = 100.5 R
0.0199
h = 99.5 R

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 19
 EXERCISE # (O-1)
FORCE/FIELD
1. Choose the INCORRECT option.
(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 inertia mass are equal is an experimental result
(C) That the acceleration due to gravity on earth is the same for all bodies is due to the equality
of gravitational mass and inertia mass.
(D) Gravitational mass of a particle like proton can depend on the present of neighbouring
heavy objects but the inertia mass cannot.
Ans. (D)
 
Sol. F  ma {Here m = inertial mass}
 GMm
F  2 rˆ {Here m = Gravitational mass}
r
And both mass are equal expermently.
GMm 
2
r̂  ma
r

2. 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)
2 3 5 10
Ans. (D)
Sol. Let x is distance from centre of earth where gravitation field is zero.
GM GM m
i.e. 2 e  0 .....(i)
D  x
2
x
Me
 81 .....(ii)
Mm

3. A mass is at the center of a square, with four masses at the corners as shown.
5M 3M 2M 3M 5M 3M 2M 3M

(A) M (B) M (C) 2M (D) 2M

M 5M M 2M M 5M M 2M
Rank the choices according to the magnitude of the gravitational force on the center mass.
(A) FA = FB < FC = FD (B) FA > FB < FD < FC (C) FA = FB > FC = FD (D) None
Ans. (A)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 20
 5F 3F 2F
 Gm 2 
Sol. (A) m  m F  2 
 r 
F 5F
2F 3F 10F 6F 4F 6F

(B) m (C) m (D) m

F 2F 2F 10F 2F 4F
Clearly : FC = FD > FA = FB

POTENTIAL/ENERGY
4. A hollow spherical shell is compressed to half its radius. The gravitational potential at the
centre
(A) increases
(B) decreases
(C) remains same
(D) during the compression increases then returns at the previous value.
Ans. (B)
GM
Sol. V
R
5. A particle of mass M is at a distance a from surface of a thin spherical shell of equal mass and
having radius a.
M

(A) Gravitational field and potential both are zero at centre of the shell.
(B) Gravitational field is zero not only inside the shell but at a point outside the shell also.
(C) Inside the shell, gravitational field alone is zero.
(D) Neither gravitational field nor gravitational potential is zero inside the shell.
Ans. (D)

Sol.

(A)Gravitation field is non zero at the centre of the shell and potential is non-zero as well
(B) Gravitation field is non zero inside the shell and is zero at some points lying on a plane
outside the shell.
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 21
 (C) Inside the shell gravitational field is zero due to the shell itself but is non-zero due to the
mass M at distance a from the shell surface.
(D) This is true.

VARIATION IN ACCELERATION DUE TO GRAVITY 'g'

6. At what altitude will the acceleration due to gravity be 25% of that at the earth’s surface (given
radius of earth is R)?
(A) R/4 (B*) R (C) 3R/8 (D) R/2
Ans. (B)
GM 1 GM
Sol. . 
R 4 (r  h) 2
2

 r + h = 2R
h=R

7. Let  be the angular velocity of the earth’s rotation about its axis. Assume that the acceleration
due to gravity on the earth’s surface has the same value at the equator and the poles in absence
of rotation of earth. An object weighed at the equator gives the same reading as a reading taken
at a depth d below earth’s surface at a pole (d<<R) The value of d is
2 R 2 2 R 2 22 R 2 Rg
(A) (B) (C) (D)
g 2g g g
Ans. (A)
Sol. Weight at equator = Weight at depth 'd' at pole
 d
mg  m2 R  1  
 R
8. If the radius of the earth be increased by a factor of 5, by what factor its density be changed to
keep the value of g the same?
(A) 1/25 (B) 1/5 (C) 1/ 5 (D) 5
Ans. (B)
4
Sol. g GR
3
9. The mass and diameter of a planet are twice those of earth. What will be the period of
oscillation of a pendulum on this planet if it is a seconds pendulum on earth?
1 1
(A) 2 second (B) 2 2 seconds (C) second (D) second
2 2 2
Ans. (B)
L GM
Sol. T  2 &
g r 2
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 22
10. A spherical uniform planet is rotating about its axis. The velocity of a point on its equator is V.
Due to the rotation of planet about its axis the acceleration due to gravity g at equator is 1/2 of
g at poles. The escape velocity of a particle on the pole of planet in terms of V is
(A) Ve = 2V (B) Ve = V (C) Ve = 2V (D) Ve = 3V
Ans. (A)
Sol. Ve  2g0 R,g 0 is acceleration due to gravity at point of projection.

11. A (non-rotating) star collapses onto itself from an initial radius Ri with its mass remaining
unchanged. Which curve in figure best gives the gravitational acceleration 'ag' on the surface of
the star as a function of the radius of the star during the collapse?
ag

b d

a
c
R
Ri
(A) a (B) b (C) c (D) d
Ans. (B)
1
Sol. g 2
r

ESCAPE VELOCITY
12. 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
2 2
Ans. (B)
2GM
Sol. Use energy conservation between surface & centre and Ve 
R

13. Two planets A and B have the same material density. If the radius of A is twice that of B, then
v
the ratio of the escape velocity A is
vB

(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 1/ 2 (D) 1/2

Ans. (A)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 23
 4
2G(  R 3 )
2GM 3
Sol. Ve = 
R R
Ve  SR 2
2
VA R  R A  2R B 
  A  
VB  RB  A  B 
VA
=2
VB

CIRCULAR ORBIT
14. Two identical satellites are at the heights R and 7R from the Earth's surface. Then which of the
following statement is incorrect. (R = radius of the Earth)
(A) Ratio of total energy of both is 5
(B) Ratio of kinetic energy of both is 4
(C) Ratio of potential energy of both 4
(D) Ratio of total energy of both is 4 and ratio of magnitude of potential to kinetic energy is 2
Ans. (A)
Sol. For a satellite
| PE | GM p ms
| ME || KE | 
2 2r
Mp = mass of planet
ms = mass of satellite
r = distance from centre of earth

15. A satellite of the earth is revolving in circular orbit with a uniform velocity V. If the
gravitational force suddenly disappears, the satellite will
(A) continue to move with the same velocity in the same orbit.
(B) move tangentially to the original orbit with velocity V.
(C) fall down with increasing velocity.
(D) come to a stop somewhere in its original orbit.
Ans. (B)
Sol. Since Gravitational force is the only force which is providing Centripetal force.
So, once it is disappeared it moves along tangent.

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 24
16. 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
Ans. (D)
GM
Sol. V0 =
2R
GmM GMm 1 2
 E   mv0
R 2R 2
GMm 1 GMm 3 GMm 3
E=    mgR
2R 2 2R 4 R 4

17. The figure shows the variation of energy with the orbit radius of a body in circular planetary
motion. Find the correct statement about the curves A, B and C

A
Energy

r
C
B

(A) A shows the kinetic energy, B the total energy and C the potential energy of the system.
(B) C shows the total energy, B the kinetic energy and A the potential energy of the system.
(C) C and A are kinetic and potential energies respectively and B is the total energy of the
system.
(D) A and B are kinetic and potential energies and C is the total energy of the system.
Ans. (D)
PE GM
Sol. TE   KE  
2 2r
18. A satellite can be in a geostationary orbit around earth at a distance r from the centre. If the
angular velocity of earth about its axis doubles, a satellite can now be in a geostationary orbit
around earth if its distance from the centre is
r r r r
(A) (B) (C) (D)
2 2 2 (4)1/3 (2)1/3
Ans. (C)
GMm
Sol. = m2r
r2
GM
2 = 3
r
Now, If  of earth is doubled then w of Geostationary satellite is also doubled.
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 25
 GMm
2
= m(2)2. r'
r'
GM
42 = 3
r'
GM GM
4 3 = 3
r r'
1/3
 r3 
r' =  
4
r
r' =
(4)1/3
19. An earth satellite is moved from one stable circular orbit to another larger and stable circular
orbit. The following quantities increase for the satellite as a result of this change
(A) gravitational potential energy (B) angular velocity
(C) linear orbital velocity (D) centripetal acceleration
Ans. (A)
GMm
Sol. Gravitational Potential Energy (E) =
r
GM
Angular velocity () = 3
r
GM
Linear velocity (v0) =
r
GM
Centripetal acceleration (ac) = 2
r
Clearly with increase in r, only gravitational Potential Energy increases.

20. A double star system consists of two stars A and B which have time period T A and TB. Radius
RA and RB and mass MA and MB. Choose the correct option : [IIT-JEE 2006]
(A) If TA > TB then RA > RB (B) If TA > TB then MA > MB
2 3
T  R 
(C)  A    A  (D) TA = TB
 TB   R B 
Ans. (D)
Sol.  for double star system is same So, Time period of revolution will also same.
TA = TB.
KEPLER'S LAWS
21. A planet of mass m is in an elliptical orbit about the sun (m << Msun) with an orbital period T.
If A be the area of orbit, then its angular momentum would be:
2mA mA
(A) (B) mAT (C) (D) 2mAT
T 2T

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 26
Ans. (A)
dA L
Sol. A real velocity 
dt 2m
L = angular momentum
m = mass of planet

22. 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
(A)the acceleration of S is always directed towards the centre of the earth
(B) the angular momentum of S about the centre of the earth changes in direction, but its
magnitude remains constant
(C) the total mechanical energy of S varies periodically with time
(D) the linear momentum of S remains constant in magnitude
Ans. (A)
m
F
Sol.
Earth

(a) Since force on S will always act towards earth,

So, direction of acceleration of S is always directed towards centre of earth.
(b) Since Force acting on S always pass through earth, So, angular momentum of S is
constant about earth.
(c) Total mechanical energy remains constant.
(d) Linear momentum varies in magnitude as distance of S from earth changes with time.
Hence speed changes with time.
23. Two satellites A and B of same mass 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
Ans. (A)
dA v0 r
Sol. Areal velocity  
dt 2
GM
& v0  , V0  obrbitalspeed
r
r = radius of orbit

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 27
  dA 
24. A planet revolves about the sun in elliptical orbit. The areal velocity   of the planet is
 dt 
4.0×1016m2/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
Ans. (C)
dA L mvr
Sol. = =
dt 2m 2m
vr
= 4 × 1016
2
4 1016  2
V= = 4 × 104 m/s = 40 km/s.
2 10 12

25. A satellite of mass 5M orbits the earth in a circular orbit. At one point in its orbit, the satellite
explodes into two pieces, one of mass M and the other of mass 4M. After the explosion the
mass M ends up travelling in the same circular orbit, but in opposite direction. After explosion
the mass 4M is
(A) In a circular orbit (B) unbound
(C) elliptical orbit
(D) data is insufficient to determine the nature of the orbit.
Ans. (B)
Gm
Sol. v0 = Vorbit =
r
5m v0 v0 m 4m v
5m V0 = 4mv – mv0
4 mv = 6mv0
3
v = v0
2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 28
 EXERCISE # (O-2)
1. Two masses m1 and m2 (m1 < m2) are released from rest from a finite distance. They start
moving under their mutual gravitational attraction
(A) acceleration of m1 is more than that of m2
(B) acceleration of m2 is more than that of m1
(C) centre of mass of system will remain at rest in all the references frame
(D) total energy of system remains constant
Ans. (A), (D)
m1 m2
F F
Sol. r
a1 a2

G m1m 2 G m2 G m1  F
F= 2
; a1 = 2
, a2 = 2 a  

r r r m
Total Energy of system in constant. As there is no external work on system.

2. A geostationary satellite is at a height h above the surface of earth. If earth radius is R

R

R h

(A) The minimum colatitude on earth upto which the satellite can be used for
communication is sin–1 (R/R+h)
(B) The maximum latitudes on earth upto which the satellite can be used for communication
is cos–1 (R/R+h)
(C) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is given as 2R2 (1+ sin)
(D) The area on earth escaped from this satellite is given as 2R2 (1+ cos)
Ans. (A), (B), (C)


 

Sol.
R  R 
sin  =   = sin 1  
Rh Rh
 Co–latitude

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 29
  latitude
R  R 
cos  =  = cos 1  
Rh Rh
cos  = sin 
2(1  cos )
Area covered on Earth =  4R 2
4
= 2R (1 – sin )
2

Area escape on Earth = 4R2 – 2R2(1 – sin )

= 2R2(1 + sin )

3. When a satellite in a circular orbit around the earth enters the atmospheric region, it encounters
small air resistance to its motion. Then
(A) its kinetic energy increases
(B) its kinetic energy decreases
(C) its angular momentum about the earth decreases
(D) its period of revolution around the earth increases
Ans. (A), (C)
Sol. Due to air resistance satellite will experience tangential force due to which it will not remain in
its orbit and approach towards earth hence r decreases and v increases. Thus KE increases. Due
to tangential force angular momentum decreases.
4. A communications Earth satellite
(A) goes round the earth from east to west
(B) can be in the equatorial plane only
(C) can be vertically above any place on the earth
(D) goes round the earth from west to east
Ans. (B), (D)
Sol. Communication satellite  geostationary satellite.
  same as earth. (West to East) moves in equatorial plane only.
5. If a satellite orbits as close to the earth's surface as possible,
(A) its speed is maximum
(B) time period of its rotation is minimum
(C) the total energy of the 'earth plus satellite' system is minimum
(D) the total energy of the 'earth plus satellite' system is maximum
Ans. (A), (B), (C)

V  maximum
Sol. rmin T2 r3  T  minimum
T. E = – (KE)
Kinetic Energy  maximum & totalEnergy  minimum.
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 30
6. For a satellite to orbit around the earth, which of the following must be true?
(A) It must be above the equator at some time
(B) It cannot pass over the poles at any time
(C) Its height above the surface cannot exceed 36,000 km
(D) Its period of rotation must be  2 R / g where R is radius of earth

Ans. (A), (D)

All possibilities
GM .
Sol. vo 
r

2 r3 R 2 r3
T= = 2 . = 2
 GM R 2 R 2g

Clearly T  2 R
g

7. Two satellites s1 & s2 of equal masses revolve in the same sense around a heavy planet in
coplanar circular orbit of radii R & 4R
(A) the ratio of period of revolution of s1 & s2 is 1 : 8.
(B) their velocities are in the ratio 2 : 1
(C) their angular momentum about the planet are in the ratio 2 : 1
(D) the ratio of angular velocities of s2 w.r.t. s1 when all three are in the same line is 9 : 5.
Ans. (A), (B), (D)
GM GM
Sol. V1 = V2 =  V1 = 2V2
R 4R
2R 2(4R) T 1
T1 = , T2 =  1 =
V1 V2 T2 8
L1 1
L1 = mV1R , L2 = mV24R  =
L2 2

Gm Gm
1 = , 2 =
R3 (4 R)3

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 31
8. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius 4 units is located with its centre at the origin O of
coordinates. Two spheres of equal radii 1 unit, with their centres at A (–2, 0, 0) and B (2, 0, 0)
respectively, are taken out of the solid leaving behind spherical cavities as shown in figure.
Then
y

m
A B
x
O

z
(A) The gravitational field due to this object at the origin is zero
(B) The gravitational field at the point B (2, 0, 0) is zero
(C) The gravitational potential is the same at all points of circle y2+z2=36
(D) The gravitational potential is the same at all points on the circle y2+z2=4
Ans. (A), (C), (D)
Sol.

Let

FA = gravitational field due to sphere A (if it were present at that position)

FB = gravitational field due to sphere B (if it were present at that position)

FR = gravitational field due to remaining portion after the cavities are made.
  
Then from superposition principle, we can see that FA  FB  FR  O, = 0, as the force due to
entire, sphere is zero at centre.
 
Now since FA  FB  0 due to symmetry.

Hence FR  0 , hence option (i) is correct
Now at B.
 GM GM GM
Field due to entire sphere is given by F  3 r  2
R 64 32
  
Then from superposition principle, we can see that FA  FB  FR  0, as the force due to entire
sphere is zero at centre.
 
Now since FA  FB  0 due to symmetry.

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 32
 
Hence FR  0 , hence option (i) is correct
Now at B,
 GM GM GM
Field due to entire sphere is given by F  3 r  2 .
R 64 32
 Gm GM GM 
whereas FA  2 r   where m = mass of sphere A = M/64 and F B = 0
4 16  64 1024
From superposition principle, we have
   
FA  FB  FR  F
 GM GM GM ˆ GM ˆ 31GM
F 3 r  i i 0
R 16 16  64 1024 1024
Hence option (ii) is not correct.
Regarding potential at a point on y2 + z2 = 36, we can see that the radius of the circle is 6 units,
howerver, all the points on it are symmetrically located from remaining sphere. Hence potential
must be same at every point on this circle. Same logic holds for the circle y2 + z2 = 4 also,
though this circle lies inside the remaining sphere.
Hence options (iii) and (iv) are also correct.
Hence options (i), (iii) and (iv) are corect.
Note, we can use superposition principle to calculate the potential at these points.
GM  1 1 
In option (iii) it will be equal to  
2  3 32 10 


GM  1 1 
In option (iv) it will be equal to  
2  3 32 10 


9. The magnitudes of the gravitational field at distance r1 and r2 from the centre of a uniform,
sphere of radius R and mass M are F1 and F2 respectively. then
F1 r1 F1 r22
(A)  if r1 < R and r2 < R (B)  if r1 > R and r2 > R
F2 r2 F2 r12
F1 r13 F1 r12
(C)  if r1 < R and r2 < R (D)  if r1 < R and r2 < R
F2 r23 F2 r22
Ans. (A), (B)
Sol. inside outside
r GM
F = .4G F =
3 r2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 33
 r1  R & r2  R r1  R & r2  R

f1 r f1 r2 2
 1 
f 2 r2 f 2 r12

10. For a satellite to be geo–stationary, which of the following is/are essential conditions?
(A) It must always be stationed above the equator
(B) It must be rotated from west to east
(C) It must be about 36000 km above the Earth
(D) Its orbit must be circular, and not elliptical
Ans. (A), (B), (C), (D)
Sol. h = 36,000 km from Earth surface.
Earth = geostationary Satellite.

11. A tunnel is dug along a chord of the Earth at a perpendicular distance R/2 from the Earth's
centre. The wall of the tunnel may be assumed to be frictionless. A particle is released from one
end of the tunnel. The pressing force by the particle on the wall, and the acceleration of the
particle varies with x (distance of the particle from the centre) according to :
Pressing Pressing
Force Force

(A) (B)
x x
x=R/2 x=R x=R/2 x=R
Acceleration Acceleration

(C) (D)
x x
x=R/2 x=R x=R/2 x=R
Ans. (B), (C)
Fsin
o
xo
Sol. Fcos
4 G.Sx R/2
f=
3

Pressing force = Fsin

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 34
 R
4Gx 2
= .
3 x
2GR
= (independent of x)
3

 2
2

f cos  4Gx x2  R
acceleration = = .
m 3m x
4G 2 R 2
= x 
3m 4

12. A double star is a system of two stars of masses m and 2m, rotating about their centre of mass
only under their mutual gravitational attraction. If r is the separation between these two stars
then their time period of rotation about their centre of mass will be proportional to :
(A) r3/2 (B) r (C) m1/2 (D) m–1/2
Ans. (A), (D)
r1 mr r
m 2m r1  
r 3m 3
Sol.
Gm.2m  r 
= m 2  
r 2  3 
1
m m 2
  3    3
2
r r 2
1 3 1
T   T  r 2 ; T  m 2


Paragraph for question nos. 13 to 14

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

13. 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

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 35
Ans. (B)
Sol. According to Kepler’s second law, Area swap by planet is same in same time internal.
So, moving from A to C to B, planet swaps more area Hence, t1 t2.
14. If U is the potential energy and K kinetic energy then |U| > |K| at
(A) Only D (B) Only C (C) both D & C (D) neither D nor C
Ans. (C)
P.E
Sol. T.E = – KE =
2

P.E = – 2 K.E
So, U  K  at all point of elliptical path.

Paragraph for question nos. 15 to 17

An Earth satellite is a body placed in a stable orbit about the Earth. These satellites are used for
communications, meteorology, Earth measurements (gravitation and magnetic fields), resource
evaluation (water, minerals), transmission of radio and TV signals, and as reference points for
navigation.
Although most satellites are launched from ground based stations, more recently some have
been placed in orbit from one of NASA's space shuttles.
There are two requirements needed to place a satellite in a stable orbit at an insertion point C.
(Figure). It is first necessary to bring the satellite to that altitude and then the satellite must be
given the necessary orbiting velocity. The orbiting velocity for a circular orbit, also called the
insertion velocity.
C
B Earth
A
R
h
S

15. What is insertion velocity for very small h (<<R)

½ ½
 GM   h   2GM   h 
(A)   1  (B)   1 
 R   2 R   R   2 R 
½ ½
 GM   2h   GM   h 
(C)   1  (D)   1 
 R   R  2 R   2 R 
Ans. (A)

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 36
 1  GM 
2
GmM 1
+ mv2 = m  
 R  h 
Sol.
R  h  2 2
1 1 GmM
mv2 =
2 2 R h
GM GM
V= =
R h  h
R 1  
 R 
1
  2
V=
GM 1  h 
R  R 
Using Binomial expansion.
GM  
V= 1 h 
R  2R 

16. If velocity at insertion point is k times escape velocity of the satellite at the insertion height h,
then mark incorrect statement.
(A) For k =1 satellite moves in a circular orbit
(B) For k 1 satellite moves in an unbound orbit
(C) For k < 1 satellite may move in an elliptical orbit
(D) For k < 1 satellite can move in circular orbit
Ans. (A)
Sol. For escape.
GmM 1
+ mv2 = 0
2(R  h) 2
Gm
Ve =  K =1
R h

17. A particle is projected from surface of Earth with velocity v, such that it’s total energy at height
h becomes same as the total energy of a satellite of same mass, moving in circular orbit of same
height. Value of v is
½ ½
2GM  h  GM  h 
(A) 1   (B) 1  
R  Rh R  Rh
½ ½
2GM  h  GM  h 
(C) 1   (D) 1  
R  Rh R  Rh
Ans. (B)
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 37
 GMm 1 GmM
Sol.  mv2 =
R 2 2(R  h)
1 GMm GMm
mv2 = –
2 R 2(R  h)
2GM GM
V2 = –
R R h
 2(R  h)  R 
V2 = GM  
 R R  h  
R  2h 
V2 = GM .
R.R  h 
GM R  h h 
V2 =  
 R  h R  h 
.
R
1
  2
V=
GM 1  h 
R  R  h 

Paragraph for Q. 18 to 20
A problem that has fascinated philosophers & scientists is how the universe began, if it had a
beginning, and how long ago it happened. Much has been learned in the last few decades about
the conditions of the early universe. Current thinking assumes that the universe began as a big–
bang, at that time everything was condensed into a very small space, where there were both
extremely high densities & exceptionally high temperatures (actually, it was beginning of space
and time as we know them). Since that time the universe has been in continuous expansion, so
that the average density & temperature have been decreasing continuously. The rate of
expansion of the universe (that is, the rate at which galaxies are receding from each other) is
given by Hubble's Law, discovered in 1929 by the astronomer Edwin Hubble, it states that the
rate of separation of any two galaxies in the universe is directly proportional to their separation.
Thus, if we have two galaxies a distance R apart, their receding relative speed is given by
v = HR where, H is a proportionality factor called as Hubble's parameter. The currently
accepted value for H is : 22 kms–1 MLyr–1 = 2.32 × 10–18 s–1 where one MLyr (mega light -
year) is 9.46 × 1021 m.
18. If we define a time tH, which corresponds to the time when two galaxies have reached a
separation of 2R from R, using Hubble's Law, then tH is
1 ln (2) R H
(A) tH = (B) tH = (C) tH = (D) tH = ln (2)
H H H R
Ans. (B)
2R 2R
dr dr dr ln(2)
Sol. Vrel = Hr;
dt
= Hr; 
R
r
= 
R
r
or ln 2 = HtH or tH =
H
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 38
19. Some recent observations by Hubble Space Telescope has fascinated astronomers and baffled
the scientists that even with the presence of gravitational attraction to retard the separation
between the galaxies, it seems that they are accelerating which according to some scientists
proves the existence of dark energy which is supplying the increasing kinetic energy to
accelerate the expansion. To measure the amount of dark energy supply we need to calculate
the rate at which separation velocity is increasing at different levels of separation, find the ratio
of relative acceleration at separation of R and 2R respectively.
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 1 (C) 1 : 2 (D) 1 : 4
Ans. (C)
dv
Sol. arel = = H(v) = H2R
dt

20. There is a distance called as the horizon of the universe, which is equal to the farthest distance
that can be observed from earth, it corresponds to the time taken by light to reach earth almost
very close to the age of universe. The oldest & farthest objected observed from earth is near the
constellation of ursa major. It is a star like object called a quasar and is estimated to be at a
distance of 1.3 × 1026 m, therefore we see it as it was about how much years ago :
(A) 1.36 × 1010 years (B) 4.3 × 1017 years
(C) 2.32 × 1018 years (D) 9.46 × 1021 years
Ans. (A)
1.3 1026
Sol. Time taken by light of cover 1.3 × 10 m =
26
sec
3 108
21. A satellite is in a circular equatorial orbit of radius 7000 km around the Earth. If it is transferred
to a circular orbit of double the radius
Column I Column II
(A) Angular momentum (P) Increases
(B) Area of Earth covered by satellite signal (Q) Decreases
(C) Potential energy (R) Becomes double
(D) Kinetic energy (S) Becomes half
Ans. (A) P; (B) P; (C) PS; (D) QS;
GM
Sol. V0 
r
L = mv0r = m Gmr  L  r , as r  L
GmM 1
P.E =  P.E   as r  P.E 
r r
1 1
K.E = mv02   as r K.E 
2 r
Area =

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 39
 .


Area covered by satellite is larger. When satellite is at Higher attitude.

22. In elliptical orbit of a planet, as the planet moves from aphelion position to perihelion position,
Column I Column II
(A) Speed of planet (P) Remains same
(B) Distance of planet from centre of Sun (Q) Decreases
(C) Potential energy (R) Increases
(D) Angular momentum about centre of Sun (S) Cannot say
Ans. (A) R; (B) Q; (C) Q; (D) P;
Sol. Aphelion position  Fastest point
 Perihelion position  Nearest point.

Perihelion position aphelion position

Speed – maximum Speed (minimum)
GmM
Potential Energy =
r
(Minimum at fastest point . So potential Energy decreases.)

23. Column I Column II

(A) Kinetic energy of a particle in (P) work done by gravitational force
gravitational field is increasing should be positive
(B) Potential energy of a particle in (Q) work done by external force
gravitational field is increasing should be non zero
(C) Mechanical energy of a particle in (R) work done by gravitational force in
gravitational field is increasing should be negative
(S) cannot say anything
Ans. (A) S; (B) R; (C) Q;

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 40
 EXERCISE # (JM)
1. 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 is 11 km s–1, the escape velocity
from the surface of the planet would be [AIEEE-2008]
(1) 11 km s–1 (2) 110 km s–1 (3) 0.11 km s–1 (4) 1.1 km s–1
Ans. (2)
2GM 2GM e 10 2GM e
Sol. V= = = 10 = 110 k m/s
R Re Re
10
g
2. The height at which the acceleration due to gravity becomes (where g = the acceleration due
9
to gravity on the surface of the earth) in terms of R, the radius of the earth, is [AIEEE-2009]
R R
(1) (2) (3) 2 R (4) 2R
2 2
Ans. (4)
Sol. Acceleration due to gravity at height h from earth surface.
g
g' = 2
 h
 1  
 R
g g
  h = 2R
9  h 2
1  
 R
3. Two bodies of masses m and 4 m are placed at a distance r. The gravitational potential at a
point on the line joining them where the gravitational field is zero is : [AIEEE-2011]
4Gm 6Gm 9Gm
(1) zero (2) – (3) – (4) –
r r r
Ans. (4)
Gm G(4m)
Sol. =
x 2
(r  x) 2
1 2
=
x rx
r – x = 2x
r
3x =
3
r
x=
3

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 41
 Gm G(4m)
 
r / 3 2r / 3
3Gm 6Gm 9Gm
  =- Ans.
r r r
4. 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 :
[AIEEE 2011]
Gm Gm Gm Gm
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4R 3R 2R R
Ans. (1)
Sol.

Gm 2
2
= m2R
(2R)
Gm 2
3
= 2
4R
Gm
=
4R 3
v = R
Gm Gm
v= ×R =
4R 3 4R

5. The mass of a spaceship is 1000 kg. It is to be launched from the earth's surface out into free
space. The value of 'g' and 'R' (radius of earth) are 10 m/s2 and 6400 km respectively. The
required energy for this work will be : [AIEEE 2012]
(1) 6.4 × 1011 Joules (2) 6.4 × 108 Joules
(3) 6.4 × 109 Joules (4) 6.4 × 1010 Joules
Ans. (4)
 GMm  GMm
Sol. W = 0 –  
 R  R
m
= gR2 × = mgR
R

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 42
 = 1000 × 10 × 6400 × 103
= 64 × 109 J
= 6.4 × 1010

6. What is the minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of a
planet of mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2R? [JEE Main 2013]
5GmM 2GmM GmM GmM
(1) (2) (3) (4)
6R 3R 2R 3R
Ans. (1)
1 GMm 1 GM GMm GMm  1  GMm
Sol. Ef  mv02   m     1 
2 3R 2 3R 3R 3R  2  6R
GMm
Ei  +K
R
Ei = Ef
5GMm
K
6R
7. Four particles, each of mass M and equidistant from each other, move along a circle of radius R
under the action of their mutual gravitational attration. the speed of each particle is :
[JEE Main 2014]

(1)
GM
R
(2) 2 2
GM
R
(3)
GM
R

1 2 2  (4)
1 GM
2 R

1 2 2 
Ans. (4)
GM 2 1 GM 2 Mv 2
Sol. 2  2

( 2R)2 2 4R R
2 2 2
GM GM Mv
2
 2

2R 4R R
1 GM 
v 1  2 2 
2 R 
8. 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 (G = gravitational constant) [JEE Main 2015]

GM 2GM 2GM GM
(1)  (2)  (3)  (4) 
R 3R R 2R
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 43
Ans. (1)
Sol. By principle of superosition
GM  2 R 2  3G M 11GM 3GM GM
v 3 
3R     3
 
2R  4  2 8R 2R 8R R
2

9. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height 'h' from the earth's surface (radius of earth
R ; h << R). The minimum increase in its orbital velocity required, so that the satellite could
escape from the earth's gravitational field, is close to : (Neglect the effect of atmosphere.)
[JEE Main 2016]
(1) gR (2) gR / 2 (3) gR  2 1 (4) 2gR
Ans. (3)
GM
Sol. V0  or gR
R
2GM
Ve  or gR
R

 Inreasein velocity  gR  2  1

10. The variation of acceleration due to gravity g with distance d from centre of the earth is best
represented by (R = Earth's radius) : [JEE Main 2017]
g g g g

(1) d (2) d (3) d (4) d

O O R O R O R
Ans. (4)
GMx
Sol. g inside the Earth (straight line)
R3
GM
g outside the Earth
r2
where M is Mass of Earth

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 44
11. If the angular momentum of a planet of mass m, moving around the Sun in a circular orbit is L,
about the center of the Sun, its areal velocity is :
[JEE Main-2019]
4L L L 2L
(1) (2) (3) (4)
m m 2m m
Ans. (3)
dA L
Sol. 
dt 2m

12. The energy required to take a satellite to a height 'h' above Earth surface (radius of Earth = 6.4
× 103 km) is E1 and kinetic energy required for the satellite to be in a circular orbit at this height
is E2. The value of h for which E1 and E2 are equal, is: [JEE Main-2019]
4 3 3
(1) 1.28 × 10 km (2) 1.6 × 10 km (3) 6.4 × 10 km (4) 3.2 × 103 km
Ans. (4)
GMm GMm
Sol. E1 = U =  
hR R
1 GMm
E2 = mv 2 
2 2(h  R)
E1 = E2
GMm GMm GMm
   
hR R 2(h  R)
GMm 3 GMm
 
R 2 (h  R)
2
 R= (h  R)
3
R
 h=  3.2 103 km
2

13. A satellite is moving with a constant speed v in circular orbit around the earth. An object of
mass 'm' is ejected from the satellite such that it just escapes from the gravitational pull of the
earth. At the time of ejection, the kinetic energy of the object is :
[JEE Main-2019]
3 1
(1) mv2 (2) mv 2 (3) mv 2 (4) 2 mv2
2 2
Ans. (1)
GM
Sol. Orbital velocity for a satellite in an orbit of radius r =
r
To escape T.E  0
 By energy conservation
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 45
 K.E. +P.E. = 0
 GMm 
KE of 'm' +    =0+0
 r 
2
GMm  GM 
  KE of 'm' =    m = mv
2
r  r 

14. Two stars of masses 3 × 1031 kg each, and at distance 2 × 1011m rotate in a plane about their
common centre of mass O. A meteorite passes through O moving perpendicular to the star's
rotation plane. In order to escape from the gravitational field of this double star, the minimum
speed that meteorite should have at O is :
(Take Gravitational constant G = 6.67 ×10–11 Nm2 kg–2)
[JEE Main-2019]
(1) 2.8 ×105 m/s (3) 3.8 ×104 m/s (3) 1.4 ×105 m/s (4) 2.4 ×104 m/s
Ans. (1)
Gms m Gms m 1 2
Sol.   mv  0
r r 2
1 2 2Gms m
mv 
2 r
4Gms
v
r
4  6.67 1011  3 1031
V=
1011
= 2.8 × 105

15. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height h from the earth surface, such that
h << R where R is the radius of the earth. Assuming that the effect of earth's atmosphere can be
neglected the minimum increase in the speed required so that the satellite could escape from the
gravitational field of earth is : [JEE Main-2019]

(1) 2gR (2) aR  

2 1 (3) gR (4)
gR
2
Ans. (2)
Sol. as R  h
orbital velocity near
earth surface
v0 = gr
 Escape velocity near earth surface
Ve = 2gR

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 46
 V = Ve– V0 = 2gR – gR

= gR  2 1 
16. The mass and the diameter of a planet are three times the respective values for the Earth. The
period of oscillation of a simple pendulum on the Earth is 2s. The period of oscillation of the
same pendulum on the planet would be :- [JEE Main-2019]
3 3 2
(1) s (2) s (3) s (4) 2 3s
2 2 3
Ans. (4)
GM
Sol. g
R2

T = 2
g
Tp gE
=
TEarth gp

GM
R2 Tp
=
G3 TEarth
 3R 
2

Tp = 2 3 sec

17. A straight rod of length L extends from x = a to x=L + a. The gravitational force is exerts on a
point mass 'm' at x = 0, if the mass per unit length of the rod is A + Bx2, is given by:
[JEE Main-2019]

 1 1     1 1 
(1) Gm  A     BL  (2) Gm  A     BL 
 a aL   aL a  
  1 1   1 1  
(3) Gm  A     BL  (4) Gm  A     BL 
 aL a    a aL 
Ans. (1)
dx

Sol. m x

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 47
 Gmdm
dF =  x2
La
(A  Bx 2 )
= a
Gm
x2
dx

 1 1  
= Gm  A     BL 
  a (L a)  

18. A satellite of mass M is in a circular orbit of radius R about the centre of the earth. A meteorite
of the same mass, falling towards the earth, collides with the satellite completely inelastically.
The speeds of the satellite and the meteorite are the same, just before the collision. The
subsequent motion of the combined body will be : [JEE Main-2019]
(1) in a circular orbit of a different radius (2) in an elliptical orbit
(3) in the same circular orbit of radius R (4) such that it escapes to infinity
Ans. (2)
Sol. By momentum Conservation
Pi = Pf

– MV0i – MV0j = 2M Vf
  V V   V
Vf =   0 ˆi  0 ˆj   Vf  0
 2 2  2
Path will be elliptical

19. 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: [JEE Main-2019]
1 1
(1) (2) 1 (3) (4) 2
2 2
Ans. (2)
1
Sol. KE  mv 2
2
1  GM 
= m 
2  r 
A m A R B m R
    1
TB R A mB R 2m

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 48
20. Four identical particles of mass M are located at the corners of a square of side ‘a’. What
should be their speed if each of them revolves under the influence of others gravitational field
in a circular orbit circumscribing the square? [JEE Main-2019]

GM GM GM GM
(1) 1.41 (2) 1.21 (3) 1.35 (4) 1.16
a a a a
Ans. (4)

Sol.

Net force (F) on particle towards centre of circle is

GM 2 GM 2
F=  2 2
2a 2 a
GM 2  1 
= 2 
 2
a 2 
a
This force will act as centripetal force(FC). Distance of particle from centre of circle is .
2
a mv 2
r= , FC =
2 r
mv 2 GM 2  1 
  2   2
a a 2 
2
GM    GM GM
v2 =   1 v2 = (1.35) ,  v = 1.16
a 2 2  a a

21. The temperature, at which the root mean square velocity of hydrogen molecules equals their
escape velocity from the earth, is closest to :
[Boltzmann Constant kB = 1.38×10–23 J/K Avogadro Number NA = 6.02×1026 /kg Radius of
Earth : 6.4×106 m Gravitational acceleration on Earth = 10 ms–2]
[JEE Main-2019]
(1) 800 K (2) 104 k (3) 650 K (4) 3×105 K
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 49
Ans. (2)
3RT
Sol. v rms  vescape  2gR e
m
vrms  vescape
3RT
 2gR e
m
3 1.38 1023  6.02 1026
T
2
= 2 × 10 × 6.4 × 106
4 10  6.4 106
T  10 103  104 k
3 1.38  6.02 10 3

Note : Question gives Avogadro Number

NA = 6.02 × 1026 /kg but we take
NA = 6.02 × 1026 /kmol.

22. A rocket has to be launched from earth in such a way that it never returns. If E is the minimum
energy delivered by the rocket launcher, what should be the minimum energy that the launcher
should have if the same rocket is to be launched from the surface of the moon? Assume that the
density of the earth and the moon are equal and that the earth's volume is 64 times the volume
of the moon. [JEE Main-2019]
E E E E
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 16 64 32
Ans. (2)

Sol.

Minimum energy required (E) = – (Potential energy of object at surface of earth)

 GMm  GMm
   
 R  R
Now Mearth = 64 Mmoon
4 4
 · R 3e  64 · R 3m
3 3
Re = 4Rm
E M R 1 4
Now moon  moon · earth  
E earth Mearth R moon 64 1
E
 E moon  
16
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 50
23. A solid sphere of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘a’ is surrounded by a uniform concentric spherical shell
of thickness 2a and mass 2M. The gravitational field at distance ‘3a’ from the centre will be:
[JEE Main-2019]
GM 2GM GM 2GM
(1) 2 (2) 2
(3) 2 (4)
3a 9a 9a 3a 2
Ans. (1)
Sol.

We use gauss's Law of gravitation

g·4r2 = (Mass enclosed) 4G
3M4G MG
g= =
4(3a) 2
3a 2

24. A test particle is moving in a circular orbit in the gravitational field produced by a mass density
K
(r) = 2 . Identify the correct relation between the radius R of the particle's orbit and its period
r
T: [JEE Main-2019]
2 2 3
(1) T/R is a constant (2) T /R is a constant (3) TR is a constant (4) T/R is a constant
Ans. (4)
R
Sol. m   4r 2dr
0

m = 4KR
v  4K
T 2
 
R 4K
 
25. The value of acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface is 9.8 ms –2 . The altitude above its
surface at which the acceleration due to gravity decreases to 4.9 ms–2 is close to : (Radius of
earth = 6.4 × 106 m) [JEE Main-2019]
6 6
(1) 2.6 × 10 m (2) 1.6 × 10 m (3) 9.0 × 106 m (4) 6.4 × 106 m
Ans. (1)
Gm g 1 Gm
Sol.    2
(R  h) 2
2 2 R
(R + h) = 2R2
2

Alternative Solution
h2 + 2Rh – R2 = 0
h = 2.6 × 106 m
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 51
26. A spaceship orbits around a planet at a height of 20 km from its surface. Assuming that only
gravitational field of the planet acts on the spaceship, what will be the number of complete
revolutions made by the spaceship in 24 hours around the planet ?
[ Given : Mass of planet = 8 × 1022 kg, Radius of planet = 2 × 106 m, Gravitational constant
G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2 ] [JEE Main-2019]
(1) 13 (2) 17 (3) 9 (4) 11
Ans. (4)
GM 6.67 1011  8 1022
Sol. = =
r3 (2.02 106 )3
2
T=  2.15 hrs

24 hrs
n= = 11.1
T
So Ans. will be 11.

27. The ratio of the weights of a body on the Earth's surface to that on the surface of a planet is 9 :
1
4. The mass of the planet is th of that of the Earth. If 'R' is the radius of the Earth, what is the
9
radius of the planet ? (Take the planets to have the same mass density)
[JEE Main-2019]
R R R R
(1) (2) (3) (4)
2 9 3 4
Ans. (1)
GM
Sol. gsurface =
R2
GM e m
2
R e2 9 Me  R p  R R
       Rp = e
GM p m 4 Mp  R e  4 2
2
Rp

28. A satellite of mass m is launched vertically upwards with an initial speed u from the surface of
m
the earth. After it reaches height R (R = radius of the earth), it ejects a rocket of mass so
10
that subsequently the satellite moves in a circular orbit. The kinetic energy of the rocket is (G
is the gravitational constant; M is the mass of the earth): [JEE Main-2020]
2
m  2 113 GM  3m  5GM 
(1) u   (2)  u  
10  200 R  8  6R 
2
 119 GM  m 2GM 
(3) 5m  u 2   (4)  u  
 200 R  20  3R 
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 52
Ans. (3)
Sol. Applying energy conservation
Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf
1  GMm  1 GMm
mu 2      mv 
2

2  R  2 2R
GM
v  u2  …(i)
R
By momentum conservation, we have

m 9m GM
vT  …(ii)
10 10 2R
m
& v r  mv
10
m GM
 v r  m u 2    …(iii)
10 R
Kinetic energy of rocket
1

 m vT2  v2r
2

m  GM GM 
  81  100u 2  100 
20  2R R 
m 119GM 
 100u 
2

20  2R 
 119GM 
 5m  u 2  
 200R 

29. A box weighs 196 N on a spring balance at 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 north pole and the
radius of the earth = 6400 km) : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 194.32 N (2) 195.32 N (3) 195.66 N (4) 194.66 N
Ans. (2)
Sol. W = 196 – m2R

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 53
30. Consider two solid spheres of radii R1 = 1m, R2 = 2m and masses M1 and M2, respectively. The
M
gravitational field due to sphere  and  are shown. The value of 1 is: [JEE Main-2020]
M2

1 1 2 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
6 3 3 2
Ans. (1)
Sol. Gravitational field on the surface of a solid sphere is given by
GM
Eg  2
R
By the graph
GM1 GM 2
2
 2 and 3
(1) (2) 2
M1 1
On solving, 
M2 6

31. An asteroid is moving directly towards the centre of the earth. When at a distance of 10 R (R is
the radius of the earth) from the earths centre, it has a speed of 12 km/ s. Neglecting the effect
of ear ths atmosphere, what will be the speed of the asteroid when it hits the surface of the earth
(escape velocity from the earth is 11.2 km/ s) ? Give your answer to the nearest integer in
kilometer/s______. [JEE Main-2020]
Ans. (16.41 16)
Sol. P.E1 + K.E1 = P.E 2 + K.E2
GMe m 1 2 GMe m 1 2
  mv0    mv
10m 2 R 2
9 GMe m 1 2 1 2
  mv0  mv
10 R 2 2
9 1 1 1
 M  ve2  mv02  mv2
10 2 2 2
9
V 2  V12  Ve 2
10
v = 16.414 km/s

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 54
32. A body A of mass m is moving in a circular orbit of radius R about a planet. Another body B of

m v 
mass collides with A with a velocity which is half   the instantaneous velocity v of A.
2 2
The collision is completely inelastic. Then the combined body : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) continues to move in a circular orbit
(2) starts moving in an elliptical orbit around the planet
(3) Escapes from the Planet's Gravitational field
(4) Falls vertically downwards towards the planet
Ans. (2)
Sol. Initially, the body of mass m is moving in a circular orbit of radius R. So it must be moving
with orbital speed.
GM
v0 
R
After collision, let the combined mass moves with speed v1
m v0  3m 
mv0    v1
2 2  2 
5v0
v1 
6
Since after collision, the speed is not equal to orbital speed at that point. So motion cannot be
circular. Since velocity will remain tangential, so it cannot fall vertically towards the planet.
Their speed after collision is less than escape speed 2v0 , so they cannot escape gravitational
field.
So their motion will be elliptical around the planet.

33. Planet A has mass M and radius R. Planet B has half the mass and half the radius of Planet A.
v n
If the escape velocities from the Planets A and B are vA and vB, respectively, then A  .
vB 4
The value of n is : [JEE Main-2020]
(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 1 (4) 2
Ans. (1)
2GM
Sol. Ve  (Escape velocity)
R
2GM
VA 
R
2G[M / 2] 2GM
VB  
R/2 R
VA n
 1  n = 4
VB 4
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 55
 EXERCISE # (JA)
1. A spherically symmetric gravitational system of particles has a mass density [IIT-JEE 2008]

 for r  R
 0
0 for r  R

where 0 is a constant. A test mass can undergo circular motion under the influence of the
gravitational field of particles. Its speed V as a function of distance r (0 < r < ) from the centre
of the system is represented by
V V V V

(A) (B) (C) (D)

R r R r R r R r

Ans. (C)
Sol.  = 0 r<R
=0 r>R
Case I r<R
mV 2
FC =
r
r mV 2
mg  (g = acceleration due to gravity at surface of
R r
sphere)
g
V= r for r < R
R
Case II r>R
GMm mV 2
=
r2 r

GM g
V=  R So
r r

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 56
2. Statement – 1 : An astronaut in an orbiting space station above the Earth experiences
weightlessness.
and
Statement – 2 : An object moving around the Earth under the influence of Earth’s gravitational
force is in a state of ‘free-fall’. [IIT-JEE 2008]
(A) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for
Statement-1
(B) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is Not a correct explanation for
Statement-1
(C) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
(D) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True
Ans. (A)
Sol. If only gravitational force acts on astronaut (that is in state of free fall), he shall
feel weightless. Thus statement -2 is correct explanation of statement -1.
6g
3. Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet is g, where g is the gravitational
11
2
acceleration on the surface of the earth. The average mass density of the planet is times that
3
of the earth. If the escape speed 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 : [IIT-JEE 2010]
Ans. 3
 3
4
GM (G)  3 R 
Sol. g= = ; g R
R2 R2
g '  '   R '   2  R' 6
=     =    = Given
g  R 3  R  11
 4 
(G)  ()  R 3  
R' 3 6
= Ve =
GM
=  3 
Ve  R  ; Ve = 3 km/hr.
R 22 R R

4. A binary star consists of two stars A (mass 2.2 MS) and B ( mass 11 MS) where Ms is the mass
of the sun. They are separated by distance d and are rotating about their centre of mass, which
is stationary. The ratio of the total angular momentum of the binary star to the angular
momentum of star B about the centre of mass is : [IIT-JEE 2010]
Ans. 6

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 57
 c.m.
Sol. A B
2.2 Ms 5d d
6 6 11 Ms
 5d   5d   d d
(2.2Ms )       (11 Ms )     
Total angular momentum about c.m.
=  6   6   6   6  = 6.
Angular momentum of B about c.m.  d   
d
(11 Ms )     
 6 6
5. A thin uniform annular disc (see figure) of mass M has outer radius 4R and inner radius 3R.
The work required to take a unit mass from point P on its axis to infinity is : [IIT-JEE 2010]
P

4R

3R
4R

(A)
2GM
7R

4 2 5  (B) 
2GM
7R

4 2 5  (C)
GM
4R
(D)
2GM
5R
 
2 1

Ans. (A)
Sol. Wext = U¥ – UP
 Gdm 
Wext = 0 –  –  – .1
 x  P
M 2rdr 2GM rdr
Wext = G = 
 7R 16R 2  r 2
2
=
7R 2  16R 2  r 2
x

2GM zdz 2GM

=
7R 2  z
=
7R 2
[Z] 3R
4R
r dr

2GM  16R 2  r 2 
4R
Wext =
7R 2   3R
2GM  4 2R – 5R 
Wext =  
7R 2
2GM  4 2 – 5 .
Wext =  
7R 2

6. A satellite is moving with a constant speed 'V’ in a circular orbit about the earth. An object of
mass ‘m’ is ejected from the satellite such that it just escapes from the gravitational pull of the
earth. At the time of its ejection, the kinetic energy of the object is [IIT-JEE 2010]
1 3
(A) mV 2 (B) mV2 (C) mV 2 (D) 2mV2
2 2
NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 58
Ans. (B)
Sol. Ve = 2v0
1 2 1
 
2
KE = mve = m 2v 0 = mv02
2 2
7. Two spherical planets P and Q have the same uniform density , masses MP and MQ, with
surface areas A and 4A, respectively. A spherical planet R also has uniform density and its
mass is (MP + MQ) . The escape velocities from the planets P, Q and R, are VP, VQ and VR
respectively. Then [IIT-JEE 2012]
1
(A) VQ > VR > VP (B) VR > VQ > VP (C) VR/VP = 3 (D) VP /VQ =
2
Ans. (B), (D)
4
2.G. R 3
2GM 3 4G
Sol. Ves = = = R
R R 3
Ves  R
Sarface area of P = A = 4RP2
Surface area of Q = 4A = 4 RQ2
 RQ = 2Rp
mass R is MR = MP + MQ
4 4 4
 R 3R =  R 3P +  R 3Q
3 3 3
 RR3 = RP3 + RQ3
= 9RP3
RR = 91/3 RP  RR > RQ > RP
Therefore VR > VQ > VP
VR VP 1
= 91/3 and =
VP VQ 2
8. Two bodies, each of mass M, are kept fixed with a separation 2L. A particle of mass m is
projected from the midpoint of the line joining their centres, perpendicular to the line. The
gravitational constant is G. The correct statement(s) is (are) :- [IIT-JEE 2013]
(A) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two
GM
bodies is 4
L
(B) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two
GM
bodies is 2
L

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 59
 (C) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two
2GM
bodies is
L
(D) The energy of the mass m remains constant
Ans. (B), (D)

GM.2m 1 2
Sol   mv  0  0 M M
L 2
4GM L m L
 v
L

1
9. A planet of radius R   (radius of Earth) has the same mass density as Earth. Scientists dig
10
R
a well of depth on it and lower a wire of the same length and of linear mass density
5
10–3kgm –1 into it. If the wire is not touching anywhere, the force applied at the top of the wire
by a person holding it in place is (take the radius of Earth = 6× 106 m and the acceleration due
to gravity of Earth is 10 ms–2) [IIT-JEE 2015]
(A) 96 N (B) 108 N (C) 120 N (D) 150 N
Ans. (B)
4Gr
Sol. EG 
3
dF G dr
R
4G 4G  r 2 
R
F 
4R 3
rdr   
3 2 4R
5 5

4G  2 16R 2  4 9
= R   G  R 2
3 2  25  6 25
4 M 9 R2
F G   e
6 4 3 25 100
Re
3
after solving  F  108N

10. A bullet is fired vertically upwards with velocity v from the surface of a spherical planet. When
it reaches its maximum height, its acceleration due to the planets gravity is 1/4 th of its value at
the surface of the planet. If the escape velocity from the planet is Vesc  v N , then the value of
N is (ignore energy loss due to atmosphere) [IIT-JEE 2015]

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 60
Ans. 2
g g
Sol. g' 2

 h 4
1  
 R

h
1 2
R
hR ........(i)
So velocity of particular become zero at h = R
given vesc = v N
2GM
so v N ..........(i)
R
Applying conservation of energy
GMm 1 2 Gmm
 mv   0
R 2 2R
on solving
GM
v2 
R
GM
so v putting in equation (ii)
R
2GM GM
 N
R R
comparing N = 2

11. A large spherical mass M is fixed at one position and two identical point masses m are kept on
a line passing through the centre of M (see figure). The point masses are connected by a rigid
massless rod of length  and this assembly is free to move along the line connecting them. All
three masses interact only through their mutual gravitational interaction. When the point mass
 M 
nearer to M is at a distance r = 3 from M, the tension in the rod is zero for m  k   . The
 288 
value of k is [IIT-JEE 2015]
M m m
r 
Ans. 7

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 61
Sol. Due to gravitational interaction connected masses have some acceleration.
Let both small masses are moving with acceleration 'a' towards larger mass M

Force eq. for mass nearer to larger mass

GM Gm
  ma ......(ii)
(4) 2  2
from equation (i) & (ii)
GM GM GM Gm m M
 2   2    mm
9 2
 16 2
 9 16
7M
744
7M  M 
m  k  K7
288  288 

12. A spherical body of radius R consists of a fluid of constant density and is in equilibrium under
its own gravity. If P(r) is the pressure at r(r < R), then the correct option(s) is(are)
[IIT JEE 2015]
P(r  3R / 4) 63
(A) P(r = 0) = 0 (B) 
P(r  2R / 3) 80
P(r  3R / 5) 16 P(r  R / 2) 20
(C)  (D) 
P(r  2R / 5) 21 P(r  R / 3) 27
Ans (BC)
Sol. Gravitative field at a distance r r
4 P + dP
G P r 3
3 4Gr
=  P
r2 3
Consider a small patch of width dr at a distance r
P + dP

P
4
– dP. A = Gr A dr. 
3

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 62
 4G 2 
P r
  dP  
O R
3
rdr

4G 2  2
–P=  r – R 2 
3 2
2G 2  2 2
P=  R – r   P = c  R 2 – r 2 
3 
3R  9R 2  7R 2
r= P1 = c  R 2   = c
4  16  16
2R  4R 2  5R 2
r= P2 = c  R 2   =c
3  9  9
P1 63

P2 80
3R  9  16R 2
r= P3 = c  R 2  R 2  = c
9  25  25
2R  4R 2  21R 2
r= R4 = c  R 2   = c
5  25  25
P3 16

P4 21
 R2  3R 2
r=R P5 = c  R 2   =
 G  9
R  2 R2  8R 2
r= P6 = c  R   =
3  9  9
Ps 21

Pr 32

13. A rocket is launched normal to the surface of the Earth, away from the Sun, along the line
joining the Sun and the Earth. The Sun is 3 × 105 times heavier than the Earth and is at a
distance 2.5 × 104 times larger than the radius of the Earth. The escape velocity from Earth's
gravitational field is ve = 11.2 km s–1. The minimum initial velocity (vs) required for the rocket
to be able to leave the Sun-Earth system is closest to [IIT-JEE 2017]
(Ignore the rotation and revolution of the Earth and the presence of any other planet)
(A) vs = 22 km s–1 (B) vs = 42 km s–1 (C) vs = 62 km s–1 (D) vs = 72 km s–1
Ans. (B)
1 GMe m GMe m  3 105
Sol. mVe 
2
 =0
2 Re 2.5 104 R e

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 63
 Ve2 GMe  3 105 
 
R e  2.5 104 
1
2
 2GM e 
Ve = 13   = 13 11.2  42
 Re 

14. A planet of mass M, has two natural satellites with masses m1 and m2 The radii of their circular
orbits are R1 and R2 respectively. Ignore the gravitational force between the satellites. Define
v1, L1, K1 and T1 to be, respectively, the orbital speed, angular momentum, kinetic energy and
time period of revolution of satellite 1; and v2 , L2 , K2 and T2 to be the corresponding
quantities of satellite 2. Given m1/m2 = 2 and R1 / R2 =1/4, match the ratios in List-I to the
numbers in List-II. [JEE-ADVANCE-2018]
List - I List - II
v1 1
P. (1)
v2 8
L1
Q. (2) 1
L2
K1
R. (3) 2
K2
T1
S. (4) 8
T2
Codes :
P Q R S P Q R S
(A) 4 2 1 3 (B) 3 2 4 1
(C) 2 3 1 4 (D) 2 3 4 1
Ans. B
Sol. Planet - I Planet - II
GM GM
 v1   v2 
R1 R2
 L1  m1v1R1  L2  m2 v 2 R 2
GM GM
= m1 .R1 = m2 .R 2
R1 R2
L1  m1 R1  GM  L2  m2 R 2  GM 
1 1
 k1  m1v12  k 2  m2 v2 2
2 2
1  GM  1  GM 
k1  m1   k 2  m2  
2  R1  2  R2 

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 64
 m1  GM  m 2  GM 
k1    k2   
R1  2  R2  2 
2 R13 2 R 23
 T1   2  T2   2
1 GM 2 GM
v1 R2
(P)  2   (3)
v2 R1
L1 m1 R1 1
(Q)   2  1  (2)
L2 m2 R 2 2
K1 m1 R 2
(R)    2 4  8  (4)
K 2 m 2 R1
T1 R13 1 1
(S)  3
   (1)
T2 R2 64 8

15. Consider a spherical gaseous cloud of mass density (r) in free space where r is the radial
distance from its center. The gaseous cloud is made of particles of equal mass m moving in
circular orbits about the common center with the same kinetic energy K. The force acting on
the particles is their mutual gravitational force. If (r) is constant in time, the particle number
density n(r) = (r)/m is
[G is universal gravitational constant] [IIT-JEE 2019]
K K 3K K
(1) (2) (3) 2 2 (4) 2 2
6r m G
2 2
2r m G
2 2
r m G r m G
Ans. (2)
GM(r) m mv 2
Sol.  , (Where M(r) is mass upto radius r)
r2 r
GM(r)m 2K
 
r2 r
2Kr
 M(r) =
Gm
Also dM(r) = (r)dV
2K
 dr = (r)4r2dr
Gm
K
 (r) =
2Gmr 2
(r) K
 n(r) = 
m 2Gm2r 2

NUCLEUS-92, Rajeev Gandhi Nagar, Kota (Raj.) India 324005, Mob. 9358006181, 97831-97831 65