NCERT Solutions Physics Class XI

CHAPTER 8
GRAVITATION

Q.8.1 Answer the following:

(a) You can shield a charge from electrical forces by putting it inside a hollow
conductor. Can you shield a body from the gravitational influence of nearby matter by
putting it inside a hollow sphere or by some other means?
(b) An astronaut inside a small space ship orbiting around the earth cannot detect
gravity. If the space station orbiting around the earth has a large size, can he hope to
detect gravity?
(c) If you compare the gravitational force on the earth due to the sun to that due to the
moon, you would find that the Sun’s pull is greater than the moon’s pull.
(you can check this yourself using the data available in the succeeding exercises).
However, the tidal effect of the moon’s pull is greater than the tidal effect of sun. Why?

Ans.8.1
(a) No. Unlike electrical forces, gravitational force is independent of the status of the
objects.
(b) Yes, the size of the space station is large enough and the astronaut will detect the
change in Earth’s gravity.
(c) Tidal effect depends inversely upon the cube of the distance while gravitational force
depends inversely on the square of the distance. Since the distance between the Moon
and the Earth is smaller than the distance between the Sun and the Earth, the tidal
effect of the Moon’s pull is greater than the tidal effect of the Sun’s pull.

Q.8.2 Choose the correct alternative:

(a) Acceleration due to gravity increases/decreases with increasing altitude.
(b) Acceleration due to gravity increases/decreases with increasing depth (assume the
earth to be a sphere of uniform density).
(c) Acceleration due to gravity is independent of mass of the earth/mass of the body.
(d) The formula –G Mm(1/r2 – 1/r1) is more/less accurate than the formula mg(r2 – r1) for
the difference of potential energy between two points r2 and r1 distance away from the
centre of the earth.

Ans.8.2
2ℎ
(a) Decreases - Acceleration due to gravity at depth h is given by 𝑔𝑔ℎ = (1 – )g, where
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜 𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒ℎ, g = acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the
Earth. From this equation, it is clear that acceleration due to gravity decreases with
increase in height
𝑑𝑑
(b) Decreases – Acceleration due to gravity at depth d is given by 𝑔𝑔𝑑𝑑 = (1- )g. So the
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
acceleration due to gravity decreases with increase in depth.
(c) mass of the body – Acceleration due to gravity of body mass m is given by the
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
relation g = 2 , where G = Universal gravitation constant, M = mass of the Earth and
𝑅𝑅
R = radius of the Earth. Hence, it can be inferred that acceleration due to gravity is
independent of the mass of the body.
 (d) More – Gravitational potential energy of two points 𝑟𝑟1 and 𝑟𝑟2 distance away from the
centre of the Earth is respectively given by:
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
V(𝑟𝑟1 ) = −- and V(𝑟𝑟2 ) = −-
𝑟𝑟1 𝑟𝑟2
1 1
Difference in potential energy, V = V(𝑟𝑟2 ) − V(𝑟𝑟1 ) = − 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺( − )
𝑟𝑟2 𝑟𝑟1
Hence this formula is more accurate than mg(𝑟𝑟2 - 𝑟𝑟1 )

Q.8.3 Suppose there existed a planet that went around the Sun twice as fast as the
earth. What would be its orbital size as compared to that of the earth?

Ans.8.3
Time taken by the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun, 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 = 1 year
Orbital radius of the Earth in its orbit, 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = 1 AU
1 1
Time taken by the planet to complete one revolution around the Sun, 𝑇𝑇𝑝𝑝 = 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 = year
2 2

Orbital radius of the planet = 𝑅𝑅𝑝𝑝

From Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion, we can write:

𝑅𝑅 𝑇𝑇
( 𝑝𝑝 )3 = ( 𝑝𝑝 )2
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒

𝑅𝑅𝑝𝑝 𝑇𝑇 1
= ( 𝑝𝑝 )2/3 =( )2/3 = 0.63
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 2

Hence, the orbital radius of the planet will be 0.63 times smaller than that of the Earth.

Q.8.4 Io, one of the satellites of Jupiter, has an orbital period of 1.769 days and the
radius of the orbit is 4.22 × 108 m. Show that the mass of Jupiter is about one-
thousandth that of the sun.

Ans.8.4
The rotation period of the satellite Io, 𝑇𝑇𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 = 1.769 days = 1.769 x 24 x 60 x 60s
Radius of the Orbit is given by the relation, 𝑅𝑅𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 = 4.22 × 108 m
3
4𝜋𝜋2 𝑅𝑅𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗
Mass is given by the relation: 𝑀𝑀𝑗𝑗 = 2 ……(i)
𝐺𝐺𝑇𝑇𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗
Where 𝑀𝑀𝑗𝑗 = mass of Jupiter and G = Universal gravitational constant

Orbital period of the Earth, 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 = 365.25 days = 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60 s

Orbital radius of the Earth, 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = 1 AU = 1.496 x 1011 m
4𝜋𝜋2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒3
Mass of Sun is given as : 𝑀𝑀𝑠𝑠 = …(ii)
𝐺𝐺𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒2
2 2
𝑀𝑀𝑠𝑠 4𝜋𝜋2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒3 𝐺𝐺𝑇𝑇𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒3 𝑇𝑇𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 1.496 x 1011 3 1.769 x 24 x 60 x 60 2
= × 3 = × 3 =( ) ×( ) = 1045.04
𝑀𝑀𝑗𝑗 𝐺𝐺𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒2 4𝜋𝜋2 𝑅𝑅𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒2 𝑅𝑅𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 4.22 ×108 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60
Hence it can be inferred that the mass of Jupiter is about one – thousandth that of the Sun.
Q.8.5 Let us assume that our galaxy consists of 2.5 × 1011 stars each of one solar mass.
How long will a star at a distance of 50,000 ly from the galactic centre take to complete
one revolution ? Take the diameter of the Milk Way to be 105 ly.

Ans.8.5

Mass of our galaxy Milky Way, M = 2.5 × 1011 solar mass

Solar mass = Mass of the Sun = 2.0 × 1030 kg
Mass of our galaxy = 2.5 × 1011 ×2.0 × 1030 = 5 × 1041 kg
Diameter of the Milky Way, d = 105 ly
Radius of the Milky Way = 5× 104 ly
1 ly = 9.46× 1015 m
r = 5× 104 ×9.46× 1015 m = 4.73× 1020 m
As a star revolves around the galactic centre of the Milky Way, its time period is given by the
4𝜋𝜋2 𝑟𝑟 3 1 4×3.142 ×4.733 ×1060 1
relation: 𝜏𝜏= ( )2 = ( )2 = 1.12× 1016 𝑠𝑠 = 3.55 x 108 years
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 6.67×10−11 ×5×1041

Q.8.6 Choose the correct alternative:

(a) If the zero of potential energy is at infinity, the total energy of an orbiting satellite is
negative of its kinetic/potential energy.
(b) The energy required to launch an orbiting satellite out of earth’s gravitational
influence is more/less than the energy required to project a stationary object at the same
height (as the satellite) out of earth’s influence.

Ans.8.6
(a) Total mechanical energy of a satellite is the sum of its kinetic energy (always
positive) and potential energy (can be either positive or negative). At infinity, the
gravitational potential energy of the satellite is zero. As the Earth-Satellite system is a
bound system, the total energy of the satellite is negative. Thus the total energy of an
orbiting satellite at infinity is equal to the negative of its kinetic energy.
(b) An orbiting satellite acquires a certain amount of energy that enables it to revolve
around the Earth. This energy is provided by its orbit. It requires relatively lesser
energy to move out of the influence of the Earth’s gravitational field than a stationary
object on the Earth’s surface that initially contains no energy.

Q.8.7 Does the escape speed of a body from the earth depend on
(a) the mass of the body,
(b)the location from where it is projected,
(c) the direction of projection,
(d) the height of the location from where the body is launched?

Ans.8.7
(a) Escape velocity of a body from the Earth is given by the relation:
𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = �2𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 ….(1)
Where g = acceleration due to gravity and R = radius of the Earth
So escape velocity is independent of the mass of the body.
(b) It does not depend on the location from where it is projected.
(c) Does not depend on the direction of projection
(d) Depends on the height of the location from where the body is launched.
 Q. 8.8 A comet orbits the sun in a highly elliptical orbit. Does the comet have a
constant
(a) linear speed,
(b) angular speed,
(c) angular momentum,
(d) kinetic energy,
(e) potential energy,
(f) total energy throughout its orbit?
Neglect any mass loss of the comet when it comes very close to the Sun.

Ans.8.8
Angular momentum and total energy at all points of the orbit of a comet moving in a
highly elliptical orbit around the Sun are constant. Is linear speed, angular speed, kinetic
and potential energy varies from point to point in the orbit.
(a) No
(b) No
(c) Yes
(d) No
(e) No
(f) Yes

Q.8.9 Which of the following symptoms is likely to afflict an astronaut in space

(a) swollen feet,
(b) swollen face,
(c) headache,
(d) orientational problem.

Ans.8.9
(a) Legs hold the entire mass of a body in standing position due to gravitational pull. In
space, an astronaut feels weightlessness because of the absence of gravity. Therefore
swollen feet of an astronaut do not affect him/her in space.
(b) A swollen face is caused generally because of apparent weightlessness in space. Sense
organs such as eyes, ears, nose and mouth constitute a person’s face. These symptoms
can affect astronaut in space.
(c) Headaches are caused because of mental strain. It can affect the working of an
astronaut in space.
(d) Space has different orientations. Therefore, orientational problem can affect an
astronaut in space.

Q.8.10 In the following two exercises, choose the correct answer from among the given
ones:
The gravitational intensity at the centre of a hemispherical shell of uniform mass
density has the direction indicated by the arrow (see Fig 8.12) (i) a, (ii) b, (iii) c, (iv) 0.
Ans.8.10
Gravitational potential (V) is constant at all points in a spherical shell. Hence the
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
gravitational gradient ( ) is zero everywhere inside the spherical shell. The gravitational
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
potential gradient is equal to the negative of gravitational intensity. Hence intensity is also
zero at all points inside the spherical shell. This indicates that gravitational forces acting at a
point in a spherical shell are symmetric.
If the upper half of a spherical shell is cut out then the net gravitational force acting on a
particle located at the centre O will be in the downward direction.
Since gravitational intensity at a point is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass at
that point, it will also act in the downward direction. Thus the gravitational intensity at centre
O of the given hemispherical shell has the direction as indicated by arrow c.

Q.8.11 For the above problem, the direction of the gravitational intensity at an
arbitrary point P is indicated by the arrow (i) d, (ii) e, (iii) f, (iv) g.

Ans.8.11
If the upper half of the spherical shell is cut out, then the net gravitational force acting on a
particle at an arbitrary point P will be in the downward direction. Since gravitational intensity
at a point is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass at that point, it will also act in the
downward direction. Thus, the gravitational intensity at an arbitrary point P of the
hemispherical shell has the direction as indicated by arrow e.

Q.8.12 A rocket is fired from the earth towards the sun. At what distance from the
earth’s centre is the gravitational force on the rocket zero? Mass of the sun = 2×1030 kg,
mass of the earth = 6×1024 kg. Neglect the effect of other planets etc. (orbital radius =
1.5 × 1011 m).

Ans.8.12
Mass of the Sun, 𝑀𝑀𝑠𝑠 = 2 × 1030 kg, Mass of the Earth, 𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 = 6 × 1024 kg
Orbital radius, r = 1.5 × 1011 m
Let the mass of the rocket be, m
Let x be the distance from the centre of the Earth where the gravitational force acting on
satellite P becomes zero.
From Newton’s law of gravitation, we can equate gravitational forces acting on the satellite P
under the influence of the Sun and the Earth as:
𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝑀𝑀𝑠𝑠 𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑟𝑟−𝑥𝑥 2 𝑀𝑀
2 = 𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚 2 or( ) = 𝑠𝑠
(𝑟𝑟−𝑥𝑥) 𝑥𝑥 𝑥𝑥 𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒
𝑟𝑟−𝑥𝑥 2 2 × 1030 𝑟𝑟−𝑥𝑥 1.5×1011
( ) = , = 577.35 , r = 578.35x , x = = 2.59 × 108 m
𝑥𝑥 6×1024 𝑥𝑥 578.35

Q.8.13 How will you ‘weigh the sun’, that is estimate its mass? The mean orbital radius
of the earth around the sun is 1.5 × 108 km.

Ans.8.13
Orbital radius of the Earth around the Sun, r = 1.5 × 108 km = 1.5 × 1011 m
Time taken by the Earth to complete 1 revolution around the Sun , T = 1 year = 365.25 days
= 365.25 ×24× 24 × 60 × 60 𝑠𝑠
Universal gravitational constant, G = 6.67× 10−11 N𝑚𝑚2 /𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘2
Thus, mass of the Sun can be calculated as,
4𝜋𝜋2 𝑟𝑟 3 4×(3.1416)2 ×(1.5 ×1011 )3
M= = = 2.0 × 1030 kg
𝐺𝐺𝑇𝑇 2 6.67 ×10−11 ×(365.25 ×24×60×60)2

Q. 8.14 A Saturn year is 29.5 times the earth year. How far is the Saturn from the sun if
the earth is 1.50 × 108 km away from the Sun?

Ans.8.14
Distance of the Earth from the Sun, 𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒 = 1.50 × 108 km = 1.5 × 1011 m
Time period of the Earth = 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 , Time period of the Saturn 𝑇𝑇𝑠𝑠 = 29.5𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒
Distance of Saturn from the Sun = 𝑟𝑟𝑠𝑠
4𝜋𝜋2 𝑟𝑟 3 1/2
From Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion, we have T =( )
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
𝑟𝑟𝑠𝑠3 𝑇𝑇𝑠𝑠2
For Saturn and Sun, we can write, 3 =
𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒3
29.5𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 2/3 29.5 2/3
𝑟𝑟𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑒 ( ) = 1.5 × 10 × 11
( ) = 1.4 X 1012 m
𝑇𝑇𝑒𝑒 1

Q.8.15 A body weighs 63 N on the surface of the earth. What is the gravitational force
on it due to the earth at a height equal to half the radius of the earth?

Ans.8.15
Weight of the body, W = 63 N
Acceleration due to gravity at h from the Earth’s surface is given by
𝑔𝑔
g’ = 1+ℎ 2 where g = acceleration due to gravity on the Earth’s surface, 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = Radius of the
( )
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
Earth. h =
2
𝑔𝑔 𝑔𝑔
g’ = 1+𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 /2 2 = 1+ℎ 2 = (4/9)g
( ) ( )
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 2ℎ
Weight of the body of mass m at a height h is given by
W’ = m X g’ = (4/9) mg = (4/9) x w = (4/9) x 63 N = 28 N
Q.8.16 Assuming the earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density, how much would a
body weigh half way down to the centre of the earth if it weighed 250 N on the surface?

Ans.8.16
Weight of a body of mass m at Earth’s surface, W = mg = 250 N
1
Body of mass m is located at depth, d = 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 , where 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 is radius of the Earth
2
𝑑𝑑
Acceleration due to gravity at depth g (d) is given by : g’ = (1 - )g = (1/2)g
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
Weight of the body at depth d
W’ = mg’ = (1/2) mg = (1/2)W = (1/2) x 250 N = 125 N

Q.8.17 A rocket is fired vertically with a speed of 5 km s-1 from the earth’s surface.
How far from the earth does the rocket go before returning to the earth? Mass of the
earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg; mean radius of the earth = 6.4 × 106 m; G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2.

Ans.8.17
Velocity of the rocket, v = 5 km/s = 5× 103 m/s
Mass of the Earth, 𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 = 6.0 × 1024 kg
Radius of the Earth, 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = 6.4 × 106 m
Height reached by rocket mass, m = h
At the Earth’s surface
1 −𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒
Total energy of the rocket = Kinetic energy + Potential energy = m𝑣𝑣 2 + ( )
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
−𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒
At highest point h, v = 0, and potential energy =
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
−𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒
Total energy of the rocket at height h =
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
From the law of conservation of energy, we have,
Total energy of the rocket at Earth surface = Total energy at height h
1 −𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒 −𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑒 1 1 1
m𝑣𝑣 2 + ( )= or 𝑣𝑣 2 = 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 ( − )
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ 2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
1 1 1 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 ℎ 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 ℎ 𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑒 ℎ 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑚𝑚
𝑣𝑣 2 = 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 ( − )= = × = where g = = 9.8
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 (𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ) 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒2 (𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ) (𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ) 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒2 𝑠𝑠 2
𝑣𝑣 2 (𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 + ℎ) = 2𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑒 ℎ 𝑣𝑣 2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 + 𝑣𝑣 2 ℎ = 2𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑒 ℎ h(2𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑒 − 𝑣𝑣 2 ) = 𝑣𝑣 2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒
𝑣𝑣 2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 6
h= = 1.59 x 10 m
(2𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑒 − 𝑣𝑣 2 )

Q.8.18 The escape speed of a projectile on the earth’s surface is 11.2 km s–1. A body is
projected out with thrice this speed. What is the speed of the body far away from the
earth? Ignore the presence of the sun and other planets.

Ans.8.18
Escape velocity of the projectile on the Earth’s surface, 𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = 11.2 km/s = 11.2× 103 m/s
Projection velocity of the projectile = 3𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒
Mass of the projectile = m
Velocity of the projectile far away from the Earth = 𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓
1 1
Total energy of the projectile on the Earth = m𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 2 − m𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2
2 2
Gravitational potential energy of the projectile far away from the Earth is zero.
1
Total energy of the projectile far away from the Earth = m𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 2
2
From the law of conservation of energy
1 1 1
m𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 2 – m𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2 = m𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 2
2 2 2

𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 2 − 𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2 = 𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 2

𝑣𝑣𝑓𝑓 = �𝑣𝑣𝑝𝑝 2 − 𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2 = �(3𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 )2 − 𝑣𝑣𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 2 = √8 ×11.2= 31.68 km/s

Q.8.19 A satellite orbits the earth at a height of 400 km above the surface. How much
energy must be expended to rocket the satellite out of the earth’s gravitational
influence? Mass of the satellite = 200 kg; mass of the earth = 6.0×1024 kg; radius of the
earth = 6.4 × 106 m; G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2.

Ans.8.19
Mass of the Earth, M = 6.0×1024 kg
Mass of the satellite, m = 200 kg
Radius of the Earth, 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 = 6.4 × 106 m
Universal gravitational constant, G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2
Height of the satellite, h = 400 km = 0.4× 106 m
1 −𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑚𝑚
Total energy of the satellite at height h = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2 + ( )
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒
Orbital velocity of the satellite, v = �
𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
𝑚𝑚 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑚𝑚 1 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀𝑒𝑒 𝑚𝑚
Total energy of the satellite at height h = ( )-( ) =− ( )
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ 2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
The negative sign indicates that the satellite is bound to the Earth. This is called bound
energy of the satelliteType equation here.
1 𝐺𝐺𝑀𝑀 𝑚𝑚
Energy require to send the satellite out of its orbit = - (bound energy) = ( 𝑒𝑒 )
2 𝑅𝑅𝑒𝑒 +ℎ
1 6.67 𝑋𝑋 10−11 ×6×1024 ×200 9
= ( ) = 5.88× 10 J
2 6.4×106 +0.4×106

Q.8.20 Two stars each of one solar mass (= 2×1030 kg) are approaching each other for a
head on collision. When they are a distance 109 km, their speeds are negligible. What is
the speed with which they collide? The radius of each star is 104 km. Assume the stars to
remain undistorted until they collide. (Use the known value of G).

Ans.8.20
Mass of each star, M = 2×1030 kg, Radius of each star, R = 104 km = 107 m
Distance between stars, r = 109 km = 1012 m
For negligible speed, v = 0
The total energy of two stars separated at a distance r
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 1 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
=− + 𝑚𝑚𝑣𝑣 2 = − ……..(i)
𝑟𝑟 2 𝑟𝑟

Now, consider the case when the stars are about to collide. Velocity of the stars = V, distance
between the centres of the stars = 2R
1 1
Total kinetic energy of both stars = M𝑉𝑉 2 + M𝑉𝑉 2 = M𝑉𝑉 2
2 2
 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Total potential energy of both stars = −
2𝑅𝑅
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Total energy of two stars = M𝑉𝑉 2 − …….(ii)
2𝑅𝑅

Using the law of conservation of energy, we can write

𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
M𝑉𝑉 2 − =−
2𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
M𝑉𝑉 2 = −
2𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟
1 1 1 1
𝑉𝑉 2 = GM ( − ) = 6.67× 10−11 × 2 × 1030 ( − )
2𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟 2×107 10−12
1 1
= 1.334× 1020 ×( − )
2×107 10−12

V = 2.6× 106 m/s

Q. 8.21 Two heavy spheres each of mass 100 kg and radius 0.10 m are placed 1.0 m
apart on a horizontal table. What is the gravitational force and potential at the
midpoint of the line joining the centers of the spheres? Is an object placed at that point
in equilibrium? If so, is the equilibrium stable or unstable?

Ans.8.21

Mass of each sphere, M = 100 kg

Separation between the spheres, r = 1 m
X is the midpoint between the spheres.
Gravitational force at point x will be zero. This is because gravitational force exerted by each
spheres will act in opposite directions.
Gravitational potential at point x:
−𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 −𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 4×6.67×10−11 ×100
= 𝑟𝑟 𝑟𝑟 = −4 =− = −2.668 × 10−8 J/kg
𝑟𝑟 1
2 2

Any object placed at point x will be in equilibrium state, but the equilibrium is unstable. This
is because any change in the position of the object will change the effective force in that
direction.
Q.8.22 As you have learnt in the text, a geostationary satellite orbits the earth at a
height of nearly 36,000 km from the surface of the earth. What is the potential due to
earth’s gravity at the site of this satellite? (Take the potential energy at infinity to be
zero). Mass of the earth = 6.0×1024 kg, radius = 6400 km.
Ans.8.22
Mass of the Earth, M = 6.0 × 1024 kg
Radius of the Earth, R = 6400 km = 6.4× 106 m
Height of geostationary satellite from the surface of the Earth, h = 36000 km = 3.6× 107 m
Gravitational potential energy due to Earth’s gravity at height h:
−𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
=
(𝑅𝑅+ℎ)
6.67×10−11 ×6.0×1024 6.67×6.0×1013
=− =− = −9.44× 106 J/kg
3.6×107 +6.4×106 4.24×107

Q.8.23 A star 2.5 times the mass of the sun and collapsed to a size of 12 km rotates with
a speed of 1.2 rev. per second. (Extremely compact stars of this kind are known as
neutron stars. Certain stellar objects called pulsars belong to this category). Will an
object placed on its equator remain stuck to its surface due to gravity? (mass of the sun
= 2×1030 kg).

Ans.8.23
Yes, a body gets stuck to the surface of a star if the inward gravitational force is greater than
the outward centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the star.
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Gravitational force, 𝑓𝑓𝑔𝑔 = 2 , where M = mass of the star = 2.5× 2 × 1030 = 5× 1030 kg
𝑅𝑅
M = mass of the body, R = radius of the star = 12km = 1.2× 104 𝑚𝑚
6.67×10−11 ×5×1030 ×𝑚𝑚
𝑓𝑓𝑔𝑔 = = 2.31 × 1012 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
(1.2×104 )2
Centrifugal force 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = mr𝜔𝜔2 where 𝜔𝜔 = angular speed = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 and angular frequency 𝛾𝛾 = 1.2
rev/s
𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 = mR(2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋)2 = m×(1.2× 104 ) × 2 × 3.14 × 1.2 × (2 × 3.14 × 1.2) = 6.81× 105 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Since 𝑓𝑓𝑔𝑔 > 𝑓𝑓𝑐𝑐 , the body will remain stuck to the surface of the star.

Q.8.24 A spaceship is stationed on Mars. How much energy must be expended on the
spaceship to launch it out of the solar system? Mass of the space ship = 1000 kg; mass of
the sun = 2×1030 kg; mass of mars = 6.4×1023 kg; radius of mars = 3395 km; radius of
the orbit of mars = 2.28 ×108 km; G = 6.67×10-11 N m2 kg–2.

Ans.8.24
Mass of the spaceship, 𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 = 1000 kg
Mass of the Sun, M = 2×1030 kg
Mass of Mars, 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 6.4×1023 kg
Orbital radius of Mars, R = 2.28 ×108 km = 2.28 ×1011 m
Radius of Mars, r = 3395 km = 3.395 × 106 𝑚𝑚
Universal Gravitational constant, G = 6.67×10-11 N m2 kg–2
−𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠
Potential energy of the spaceship due to the gravitational attraction of the Sun =
𝑅𝑅
−𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
Potential energy of the spaceship due to the gravitational attraction of Mars=
𝑟𝑟
Since the spaceship is stationed on Mars, its velocity and hence its kinetic energy will be zero
−𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 −𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑀𝑀 𝑚𝑚
Total energy of the spaceship = − = −𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 ( + 𝑚𝑚)
𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟 𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟
The negative sign indicates that the system is in bound state.
Energy required for launching the spaceship out of the solar system = - (Total energy of the
spaceship)
 𝑀𝑀 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
= 𝐺𝐺𝑚𝑚𝑠𝑠 ( + )
𝑅𝑅 𝑟𝑟
−11 2×1030 6.4×1023
= 6.67× 10 × 103 × ( + )
2.28×1011 3.395×106
−8 18 17
= 6.67 × 10 × (8.77 × 10 + 1.88× 10 )
= 6.67 × 10−8 × 8.958 × 1018
= 5.97× 1011 J

Q.8.25 A rocket is fired ‘vertically’ from the surface of mars with a speed of 2 km s–1. If
20% of its initial energy is lost due to Martian atmospheric resistance, how far will the
rocket go from the surface of mars before returning to it? Mass of mars = 6.4×1023 kg;
radius of mars = 3395 km; G = 6.67×10-11 N m2 kg–2.

Ans.8.25
1
Initial kinetic energy of the rocket = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2
2
−𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Initial potential energy of the rocket =
𝑅𝑅
1 2 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Total initial energy = 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 −
2 𝑅𝑅
If 20% of initial kinetic energy is lost due to Martian atmosphere resistance, then only 80% of
its kinetic energy helps in reaching a height
1 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Total initial energy available = 0.8 × 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2 −
2 𝑅𝑅
Maximum height reached by the rocket = h
At this height, the velocity and hence the kinetic energy of the rocket becomes zero.
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
Total energy of the rocket at height h = −
𝑅𝑅+ℎ
Applying the law of conservation of energy for the rocket, we can write:
𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
0.4 × 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 2 − =−
𝑅𝑅 𝑅𝑅+ℎ
2 1 1
0.4 𝑣𝑣 = GM( − )
𝑅𝑅 𝑅𝑅+ℎ
𝑅𝑅+ℎ−𝑅𝑅 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺ℎ
0.4 𝑣𝑣 2 = GM( )=
𝑅𝑅(𝑅𝑅+ℎ) 𝑅𝑅(𝑅𝑅+ℎ)
𝑅𝑅+ℎ 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺
=
ℎ 0.4𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 2
𝑅𝑅 𝐺𝐺𝐺𝐺 6.4×1023 ×6.67×10−11
+1= =
ℎ 0.4𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 2 0.4×3395×103 ×20002
h = 495 km