Gravitation

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SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. Three identical point masses, each of mass 1 kg lie in the x–y plane at points (0, 0) (0, 0.2m) and (0.2m,0).
The gravitational force on the mass at the origin is :–
(A)1.67 x 10–11 (iˆ  ˆj)N (B) 3.34 x 10–10 (iˆ  ˆj)N (C) 1.67 x 10–9 (iˆ  ˆj)N (D) 3.34 x 10–10 (iˆ  ˆj)N
Ans. (C)
Sol. 2 M

F12
M
1 M F13 3
G 11 6.67  1011
F1  F2    1.67  109
.22 .04

Fnet  F1 ˆi   F2 ˆj   F ˆi  ˆj   1.67  109 ˆi  ˆj 

2. If the gravitational force were to vary inversely as mth power of the distance, then the time period of a planet in
circular orbit of radius r around the Sun will be proportional to
(A) r–3m/2 (B) r3m/2 (C) rm + 1/2 (D) r(m+1)/2
Ans. (D)
1 C
Sol. F  m ; F  m
r r
This force will provide the required centripetal force
Therefore
C C
m2 r = m ; 2 
r mr m 1
2  
T  T  r m1 / 2


3. 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)
GM G81M
Sol. At P : g  2  0 
x (D  x)2
M P 81M
 D – x = 9x; 10x = D x D–x
D 9D
x from the Moon and from the earth
10 10

4. The radius of Earth is about 6400 km and that of mars is 3200 km. The mass of the Earth is 10 times the mass
of mars. An object weight 200 N on the surface of Earth. Its weight on the surface of mars will be :–
(A) 80 N (B) 40 N (C) 20 N (D) 8 N
Ans. (A)

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GM
Sol. g R is reduced to R/2 and the mass of the mars becomes 10 times
r2
4 4
g mars  g earth and Wmars= Wearth = 80N.
10 10

5. Imagine a new planet having the same density as that of Earth but it is 3 times bigger than the Earth in size. If
the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of Earth is g and that on the surface of the new planet is g', then
g
(A) g' = 3g (B) g' = (C) g' = 9g (D) g' = 27 g
9
Ans. (A)
4
G R 3
GM 3 4
Sol. g  2  2
g = GR 
R R 3
g R
     g   3g
g  3R

6. 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)
Sol. Gravitational potential at centre
GM
Vin = 
R
R 2GM
R' = ; Vin =
2 R
Potential will decrease.

7. A stone drop from height 'h' (h << Re, Re is radius of earth) reaches to Earth surface in1 sec. If the same stone
taken to Moon and drop freely then it will reaches from the surface of the Moon in the time (The 'g' of Moon is
1/6 times of Earth):–
(A) 6 second (B) 9 second (C) 3 second (D) 6 second
Ans. (A)
2h 2h 2h
Sol. t =1 sec; t '   6  6 sec
g g' g

8. The rotation of the Earth having radius R about its axis speeds upto a value such that a man at latitude angle
600 feels weightless. The duration of the day in such case will be
R g R g
(A) 8  (B) 8  (C)  (D) 4 
g R g R
Ans. (C)
Sol. 60°
m 2r
60°

r = R cos 60°

g' = g – 2r cos 60

g' = g – 2R cos2 60
g' = 0, g = 2R cos2 60
4g 2 R R
 , t   2 
R  4g g

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9. The radius of a spherical planet having uniformly distributed mass is R. A satellite revolves around it in a circle
of radius 'r' with angular speed . The acceleration due to gravity on planet's surface will be
r 3 r 2 3 r 3 2 r 2 2
(A) (B) (C) (D)
R R R2 R
Ans. (C)
GM g
Sol.  3
  g  r2
r r
2
r 2
Hence g 0  g    r 3 2
R R

10. A body attains a height equal to the radius of the Earth when projected from Earth' surface. The velocity of the
body with which it was projected is :–
GMe 2GM e 5 GMe 3GM e
(A) (B) (C) (D)
R R 4 R R
Ans. (A)
Sol. By applying conservation of energy
KEi + PEi = KEf + PEf
1 GM e m GM e m
mv 2  0
2 R 2R
1 GM m  1 
mv 2  e
   1
2 R  2 
1 GMe m GMe
mv 2  u
2 2R R

11. If acceleration due to gravity at surface of Earth is g, then increase in potential energy in lifting an object of
mass m to a height equal to the radius R of Earth will be :–
mgR mgR
(A) (B) 2mgR (C) mgR (D)
2 4
Ans. (A)
GM e m GM e m mgR
Sol. PEi =    mgR ; PEf =  
R 2R 2
mgR
Increase in PE is
2

12. Find the distance between centre of gravity and centre of mass of a two particle system attached to the ends of
a light rod. Each particle has same mass. Length of the rod is R, where R is the radius of Earth
m

(A) R (B) R/2 (C) zero (D) R/4

Ans. (B)
Sol. Centre of gravity of the two particles.
W X  W2 X 2 (0)(0)  (mg)(R)
XCG  1 1  R
W1  W2 0  mg
The centre of mass of the two particle system is at
M(R)  m(0) R
X CM  
2M 2

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13. The intensity of gravitational field at a point situated at a distance 8000 km from the centre of Earth is 6.0
newton /kg. The gravitational potential at that point in newton – meter/kg will be :
(A) 6 (B) 4.8 × 107 (C) 8 × 105 (D) 4.8 × 102
Ans. (B)
GM GM
Sol. Ig  2 , V  
R R
V=IgR=6× 8 × 106 = 4.8 × 107

K
14. The gravitational field due to a mass distribution is E  in the x–direction. (K is a constant). Taking the
x3
gravitational potential to be zero at infinity, then find gravitation potential at a distance x.
K K K K
(A) (B) (C) 2 (D)
x 2x x 2x 2
Ans. (D)
0 
k
Sol.  dV   Ig .dx ;  dV    x3
dx
v r

 1  k k
0  V   2   V   2  V 
 2x  r 2r 2x 2

15. Escape velocity of a body from the surface of Earth is 11.2 km/sec. If the mass of Earth becomes double of its
present mass and radius becomes half of its present radius, then escape velocity will become
(A) 5.6 km/sec (B) 11.2 km/sec (C) 22.4 km/sec (D) 44.8km/sec
Ans. (C)
2GM 2G2M 2GM
Sol. ve  ; ve  2
R R/2 R
ve =2 (11.2 km/sec) = 22.4 km/sec

16. A body of mass m is situated at distance 4Re above the Earth's surface, where Re is the radius of Earth how
much minimum energy be given to the body so that it may escape :–
mgR e mgR e
(A) mgRe (B) 2mgRe (C) (D)
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Ans. (C)
Sol. To escape from the earth total energy of the body should be zero KE+ PE = 0
1 GMm mgR e
mv 2   0  KEmin =
2 5R 5

17. 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)
1 GM1M 2
Sol. K.E. = 
2 r
r= 2R for the first and r = 8R for the IInd
K.E1  1 8R 
  4 :1
K.E 2  2R 1 
GM1M 2 P.E1
Similarly P.E. is   , =4:1
R P.E 2
K.E
Put the ratio of 2
P.E

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18. A satellite is seen after each 8 hours over equator at a place on the Earth when its sense of rotation is opposite
to the Earth. The time interval after which it can be seen at the same place when the sense of rotation of Earth
& satellite is same will be:
(A) 8 hours (B) 12 hours (C) 24 hours (D) 6 hours
Ans. (C)
Sol. Relative angular velocity when the particle are moving in same direction is 
 1+ 2 (1 + 2) t = 2 
2 
  2 = rad / sec ; 1 =
24 6
When the particles are moving in the same direction then angular velocity becomes
(1–2) (1 – 2) t = 2
By substituting 1 and 2 in equation we get  24 hrs

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SECTION - 1 : MULTIPLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. A point P is lying at a distance r (< a) from the centre of shell of radius a. If E and V be the gravitational field
and potential at the point P then,
GM GM
(A) E = 0 (B) E   2 (C) V = 0 (D) V  
r a
Ans. (AD)
Sol. The field inside the shell is zero and so potential inside the shell is constant equal to the value that exists at the
GM
surface i.e. 
a

2. Orbital velocity of a satellite in its orbit (around earth) of radius 'r' is 'v'. it collides with another body in it orbit
and comes to rest just after the collision. Taking the radius of earth as R, the speed with which it will fall on the
r
surface of earth will be v a(  b)
R
(A) a = 1 (B) a = 2 (C) b = 1 (D) b = 2
Ans. (BC)
GM
Sol. v ....... (i)
r
GMm GMm 1
   mv ' 2 ...... (ii)
r R 2
r
From (i) and (ii) we have v' = v 2(  1)
R

3. 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)
Sol. Motion of m
CM
 2r  Gm  2m  2 r3 m
m2     T   2 2m
 3 r2  3Gm 2r/3 r/3
 T  r 3/ 2 and T  m 1/ 2

4. In circular orbit of a satellite of mass m, revolving around a planet of mass M in an orbit of radius r and having
the period of revolution T, we have
GM
(A) orbital speed equals (B) T2  r3
r
GMm GMm
(C) kinetic energy equals (D) potential energy equals 
2r 2r
Ans. (ABC)
Sol. For a satellite
GMm
K.E. 
2r
GMm
P.E.  
r
GMm
T.E.  
2r
So, all (A), (B) and (C) are correct.
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5. 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)
GMr
Sol. Gravitational field intensity F =
R3
Inside the sphere
(F1  r1, F2  r2)
F1 r1
 of r1 < R & r2 < R
F2 r2
Gravitational field intensity
1
I  2 (Out side the sphere)
r
F1 r22
   if r1 > R and r2 > R
F2 r12

6. Gravitational potential at the centre of curvature of a hemispherical bowl of radius R and mass M is V :–
(A) Gravitational potential at the centre of curvature of a thin uniform wire of mass M, bent into a semicircle
of radius R, is also equal to V
(B) In part (A) if the same wire is bent into a quarter of a circle then also the gravitational potential at the
centre of curvature will be V
(C) In part (A) if the wire mass is non uniformly distributed along its length and is bent into a semicircle of
radius R, gravitational potential at the centre is V
(D) None of these
Ans. (A,B,C)
Sol. Gravitational potential due to hemisphere at the centre is V because distance of each mass particle from the
centre O is R. If the distance between the point and mass is changed potential will also change

7. When a planet moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit (Sun as focus of ellips)
(A) its angular momentum about sun remains constant.
(B) it moves faster when it is nearer to the sun.
(C) its total energy increases when it goes nearer to the sun.
(D) its potential energy decreases when it goes nearer to the sun.
Ans. (ABD)
Sol. Theoretical.

SECTION - 2 : COMPREHENSION BASED QUESTIONS

(SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTION)

Comprehension-1
An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed equal to half the magnitude of
escape velocity from the surface of earth. R is the radius of earth and g is acceleration due to gravity at the
surface of earth. (R = 6400 km)

8. Then the distance of satellite from the surface of earth is

(A) 3200 km (B) 6400 km (C) 12800 km (D) 4800 km
Ans. (B)
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Sol. Let M and R be the mass and radius of the earth respectively. If m be the mass of satellite, then escape velocity
from earth e = (2 Rg)
e
Velocity of satellite s =  (2R g) / 2 0 ......... (1)
2
 GM   R 2g 
Further] s =  r    R  h 
   
R 2g
  s2 
Rh
h = R = 6400 km
9. The time period of revolution of satellite in the given orbit is
2R 4R 8R 6R
(A) 2 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) 2
g g g g
Ans. (C)
4 2 3
Sol. T2 = x
Gm
Hence time period of revolution T is
x3
T = 2 (Put x = 2R)
Gm
8R
 T = 2
g

10. If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its orbit and allowed to fall freely onto the earth, the speed with which it
hits the surface of the earth.
gR gR
(A) gR (B) 1.5g R (C) (D)
2 2
Ans. (A)
Sol. Now total energy at height h = total energy at earth's surface (from principle of conservation of energy)
m 1 m
 0  GM  mv 2  GM
Rh 2 R
1 GM m GMm
or mv 2   ( h = R)
2 R 2R

v= gR

Comprehension-2
A pair of stars rotates about a common center of mass. One of the stars has a mass M and the other has mass
m such that M = 2m. The distance between the centres of the stars is d (d being large compared to the size of
either star).
11. The period of rotation of the stars about their common centre of mass (in terms of d, m, G.) is
4 2 3 8 2 3 2 2 3 4 2 3
(A) d (B) d (C) d (D) d
Gm Gm 3Gm 3Gm
Ans. (D)
12. The ratio of the angular momentum of the two stars about their common centre of mass ( Lm/ LM) is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 9
Ans. (B)
13. The ratio of kinetic energies of the two stars ( Km/KM.) is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 4 (D) 9
Ans. (B)

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Sol. 11-13
Let the angular speed of revolution of both stars be  about the common centre, that is, centre of mass of
system.

The centripetal force on star of mass m is

2d Gm(2m) 4 2 3
m2  . Solving we get T  d
3 d2 3Gm
The ratio of angular momentum is simply the ratio of moment of inertia about center of mass of system.
2
 2d 
m
L m Im 3 
   2
2
L M IM  d
2m  
3
Similarly, The ratio of kinetic energy is simply the ratio of moment of inertia about center of mass of system.
2
1  2d 
I m 2 m 
Km 3 
 2   2
2
KM 1 2  d 
I  2m  
2 M
3

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SECTION - 1 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

1. A small ball of mass 'm' is released at a height 'R' above the Earth surface, as shown in the figure. If the
maximum depth of the ball to which it goes is R/2 inside the Earth through a narrow grove before coming to
rest momentarily. The grove, contain an ideal spring of spring constant K and natural length R, the value of K
aGMm
is (R is radius of Earth and M mass of Earth). Find value of a.
R3

R M
m
K

Ans. (7)
Sol. By energy conservation
K i + Ui = K f + U f
2
GMm 1  R  11GMm
0  K  
2R 2  2 8R
GMm  11 1  1  R 2 
  K 
R  8 2  2  4 
7GMm KR 2

8R 8
7GMm
K
R3
2. Gravitational potential difference between surface of a planet and a point situated at a height of 20m above its
surface is 2 joule/kg. If gravitational field is uniform, then the work done in taking a 5kg body of height 4 meter
above surface will be (in Joule) :
Ans. (2)
Sol. V = –Eg.dr
Because field is uniform
1 1 2
 2 = –Eg.20  E   ; V =  [4] 
10 10 5
work done in taking a 5 kg body to height 4 m
= m (change in gravitational potential)
 2
 5   2 J
5

3. There is a concentric hole of radius R in a solid sphere of radius 2R. Mass of the remaining portion is M. What
n GM
is the gravitational potential at centre is  . Find the value of n.
14R

Ans. (9)

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3 GM '
Sol. Potential at centre due to sphere of radius 2R and total mass M' is 
2 R

4. In the given figure, L = 1 metre, if total gravitational force on 4 kg mass is F1 and on 2 kg mass is F2 , then
F1
find out the ratio of .
F2

Ans. 2
Sol. F1 = F42  F41  F41
G8 G4 2  2 2G
 2
 2
(2cos 45)  2
4L 2L L
G8 G2 
F2 = F24  F21  F21  2
 2cos 45 
4L 2L2
G F1
 2
2  2   2
L F2

5. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius R applies a gravitational force of attraction equal to F 1 on a
particle placed at P, distance 2R from the centre of the sphere. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is now made in
the sphere as shown in figure. The sphere with cavity now applies a gravitational force F 2 on the same particle
placed at P. Find the ratio of F2/F1 .

O P
R R

7
Ans.
9
GMm
Sol. F1 =
4R 2
F2 = force due to whole sphere – force due to cavity
GMm GMm GMm 7GMm F 7
F2 = 2 2
 2
 2
 2 
4R 4R 18R 36R F1 9

6. The gravitational field in a region is given by E  (3iˆ  4ˆj) N/kg. Find out the work done (in joule) in
displacing a particle by 1 m, along the line 4y = 3x + 9 :
Ans. 0
Sol. For the line 4y = 3 x + 9
4dy = 3dx; 4dy – 3 dx = 0....(i)
For work in the region,
dW = E.  dxiˆ  dyjˆ  3iˆ  4ˆj .  dxiˆ  dyjˆ
= 3dx–4dy (from equation (i)) = 0

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7. A tunnel is dug along the diameter of the earth (Radius R & mass M). There is a particle of mass ' m ' at the
centre of the tunnel. Find the minimum velocity given to the particle so that it just reaches to the surface of the
GM
earth is
nR
Ans. (1)
Sol. Let the minimum speed imparted to the particle of mass m so that it just reaches surface of earth is v. Applying
conservation of energy
1  3 GM  GM
mv 2    m   m 0
2  2 R  R
GM
Solving we get v =
R

SECTION - 2 : MATRIX - MATCH QUESTIONS

8. In elliptical orbit of a planet, as the planet moves from apogee position to perigee 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) Can not say
Ans. (A) R (B) Q (C) Q (D) P
va
rP ra
Sol. COAM : mvara = mvprp

vP
(A) At perigee
rP < ra vP > va (r)
(B) Distance from sun at the position of perigee decreases (q)
GMm
(C) Potential energy at perigee UP = 
rP
(D) Angular momentum remains same (p)

9. Let V and E denote the gravitational potential and gravitational field respectively at a point due to certain
uniform mass distribution described in four different situations of column-I. Assume the gravitational potential
at infinity to be zero.The value of E and V are given in column-II. Match the statement in column-I with results
in column-II.
Column-I Column-II
(A) At centre of thin spherical shell (P) E = 0
(B) At centre of solid sphere (Q) E  0
(C) A solid sphere has a non-concentric spherical cavity.
At the centre of the spherical cavity (R) V  0
(D) At centre of line joining two point masses of equal magnitude (S) V = 0

Ans. (A) P,R (B) P,R (C) Q,R (D) P,R

Sol. (A) At centre of thin spherical shell V  0, E = 0.
 (B) At centre of solid sphere V  0 , E = 0.
(C) At centre of spherical cavity inside solid sphere V  0, E  0.
(D) At centre of two point masses V  0, E=0.

12 E
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10. On the surface of earth the gravitational field is E and gravitational potential is V. Match the following
Column - I Column - II
1
(A) At height h = R, value of E (P) decreases by a factor
4
R 1
(B) At depth d  , value of E (Q) decreases by a factor
2 2
11
(C) At height h = R, value of V (R) increases by a factor
8
R
(D) At depth d  , value of V (S) increases by a factor 2
2
11
(T) decreases by a factor
8
Ans. (A) P, (B) Q, (C) S, (D) T
GM GM
Sol. E  2 , V  
R R
Gravitational field of the earth is actually the measure of acceleration due to gravity.
At height h = R:
GM GM E
E'  
(R  h) 2
4R 2 4
GM
V'
2R
1
i.e., E' decreases by a factor and V' increases by a factor of 2.
4
R
At depth d  :
2
 d E
E '  E    
 R 2
GM
V' (3R 2  r 2 )
2R 3
GM  R2  11 GM
V '   3  3R 2  
2R  4  8 R
1 11
i.e., E' decreases by a factor and V' also decreases by a factor
2 8

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JEE-Physics


SECTION-1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. Which of the following most closely depicts the correct variation of the gravitation potential V(r) due to a large
planet of radius R and uniform mass density ? (figures are not drawn to scale) :
[JEE(Main) 2015, Online]

V(r) V(r) V(r)

V(r) r
r
(1) O r (2) O (3) O (4) O r

Ans. (2)
GM
Sol. Vin (r)  (3R 2  r 2 )
2R 3
GM
Vout (r ) 
x

2. A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit at a height 'h' from the earth's surface (radius of earth R; h<<R). The
minirnum 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) 2gR (2) gR (3) gR / 2 (4) gR ( 2  1)
Ans. (4)
GM V
Sol. Vorbit =
GR h

2GM
For escape Vmin =
GR R

So minimum increase =
2GM
hR
 
2 1

1
3. Figure shows elliptical path abcd of a planet around the sun S such that the area of triangle csa is the area
4
of the ellipse. (See figure) With db as the semimajor axis, and ca as the semiminor axis. If t 1 is the time taken
for planet to go over path abc and t2 for path taken over cda then : [JEE(Main) 2016, Online]

(1) t1 = 4t2 (2) t1 = 3t2 (3) t1 = t2 (4) t1=2t2

Ans. (2)
dA
Sol.  constant
dt
A = Kt
A1 t 
 K 1 
A2  t2 
3 3A / 4 t 
  K 1 
1 A/4  t2 

14 E
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4. An astronaut of mass m is working on a satellite orbiting the earth at a distance h from the earth's surface. The
radius of the earth is R, while its mass is M. The gravitational pull F G on the astronaut is:-
[JEE(Main) 2016, Online]
GMm
(1) Zero since astronaut feels weightless (2) 0 < FG <
R2
GMm GMm GMm
(3)  FG  (4) FG 
R  h R  h
2 2 2
R
Ans. (4)
Sol. Conceptual.
5. 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 R O R O R O
Ans. (3)
GM  d
Sol. g in  1  R 
R2  
GM
g out 
(R  h)2

6. 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 :
(1) in a circular orbit of a different radius [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
(2) in the same circular orbit of radius R
(3) in an elliptical orbit
(4) such that it escapes to infinity
Ans. (3)
Sol.

mˆi  mˆj  2m1

1 GM
 
2 R
7. 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, Online]
3 1
(1) mv 2 (2) mv2 (3) 2mv2 (4) mv 2
2 2
Ans. (2)
GM
Sol. At height r from center of earth. orbital velocity =
r
 By energy conservation
 GMm 
KE of ' m'   00
 r 
(At infinity, PE = KE = 0)
2
GMm  GM 
 KE of 'm' = 
 r 
m  mv 2
r  

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31 11
8. Two stars of masses 3 × 10 kg each, and at distance 2 × 10 m 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, Online]
(1) 1.4 ×105 m/s (2) 24 ×104 m/s (3) 3.8 ×104 m/s (4) 2.8 ×105 m/s
Ans. (4)
By energy convervation between 0 & .
GMm GMm 1
   mV 2  0  0
r r 2
[M is mass of star m is mass of meteroite)
4GM
 v  2.8 105 m / s
r

K
9. A test particle is moving in a circular orbit in the gravitational field produced by a mass density (r)  .
r2
Identify the correct relation between the radius R of the particle's orbit and its period T :
[JEE (Main) 2019 - Online]
(1) T/R2 is a constant (2) TR is a constant (3) T2/R3 is a constant (4) T/R is a constant
Ans. (4)
k
Sol.   2
r
R
k
G 2 4 r 2 dr
r Gk4  C
E 0  
R2 R R
2
C  2 
Now m  m2 R  m   R
R  T 
T
  Constant
R

10. 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 ? [JEE (Main) 2019 - Online]
22
[Given : Mass of planet = 8 × 10 kg ;
Radius of planet = 2 × 106 m, Gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2/kg2]
(1) 9 (2) 11 (3) 13 (4) 17

Ans. (2)
4 2 3
Sol. T = r
GM
24hr
no. of revolution =
T
and r = 2.02 × 106
on solving
no. of revolution = 11

11. 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 × 10 6 m)
[JEE (Main) 2019 - Online]
(1) 1.6 × 106 m (2) 6.4 × 106 m (3) 9.0 × 106 m (4) 2.6 × 106 m
Ans. (4)
16 E
 Gravitation

Gm
Sol. g
R2
g Gm

2 (R  h)2
h = 2.6 × 106 m

12. The ratio of the weights of a body on the Earth's surface to that on the surface of a planet is
1
9 : 4. The mass of the planet is th of that of the Earth. If 'R' is the radius of the Earth, what is the radius of
9
the planet ? (Take the planets to have the same mass density) [JEE (Main) 2019 - Online]
R R R R
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 2 4 9
Ans. (2)
GMm
Sol. W = mg =
R2
w1 M1R 22 9 R 22 R
 2
  9  2
 R2 
w 2 M 2 R1 4 R 2

13. 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 - Online]
2GM GM GM 2GM
(1) (2) (3) (4)
9a 2 3a 2 9a 2 3a 2
Ans. (2)
2m
Sol.
m
2a

a
3a
Gm G2m
g'  
(3a)2 (3a)2
G3m Gm
g'  
9a 2 3a 2

14. A body is moving in a low circular orbit about a planet of mass M and radius R. The radius of the orbit can be
taken to be R itself. Then the ratio of the speed of this body in the orbit to the escape velocity from the planet
is : [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
1
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) (4) 2
2
Ans. (3)
GM
Sol. Vorbit =
R
2GM
Vescape =
R
Vorbit 1

Vescape 2

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15. A satellite is moving in a low nearly circular orbit around the earth. Its radius is roughly equal to that of the
earth's radius Re. By firing rockets attached to it, its speed is instantaneously increased in the direction of its
3
motion so that is become times larger. Due to this the farthest distance from the centre of the earth that
2
the satellite reaches is R, value of R is : [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
(1) 4Re (2) 3Re (3) 2Re (4) 2.5Re
Ans. (2)
V= 3 V0
Sol. 2

Re
V'
Rmax

GM
V0 
Re
–GMm 1 –GMm 1
 mv 2   mv ' 2 ....(i)
Re 2 R max 2
VRe = V'Rmax ....(ii)
Solving (i) & (ii)
R max  3R e
 r2 
16. The mass density of a planet of radius R varies with the distance r from its centre as (r)  0  1  2  . Then
 R 
the gravitational field is maximum at: [JEE (Main) 2020 - Online]
1 5 3
(1) r  R (2) r  R (3) r  R (4) r = R
3 9 4
Ans. (2)

Sol. E 4r2 =  0 4 r 2 dr

r
 r2  2
 Er2 = 4 G 0  1   r dr
0  R2 
 r3 r5 
 E = 4 G0   
 3 5R 2 
dE 5
0  r R
dr 9
17. Find the gravitational force of attraction between the ring and sphere as shown in the diagram, where the
plane of the ring is perpendicular to the line joining the centres. If 8 R is the distance between the centres of
a ring (of mass 'm') and a sphere (mass 'M') where both have equal radius 'R'. [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
m M

R R

x –
8R Y

8 GmM 2 2 GMm 1
GMm 8 GmM
(1)  (2)  (3)  (4) 
9 R 3 R2 3 8 R
2
27 R 2
Ans. (4)
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 Gravitation

Sol. Gravitational field of ring
Gmx

 
3/ 2
R2  x2
Force between sphere & ring


GmM  8R 
R 
3/ 2
2
 8R 2

GmM 8
 2

R 27
Ans. (4)

18. Assume that a tunnel is dug along a chord of the earth, at a perpendicular distance (R/2) from the earth's
centre, where 'R' is the radius of the Earth. The wall of the tunn7el is frictionless. If a particle is released in this
tunnel, it will execute a simple harmonic motion with a time period : [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
2R g 1 g R
(1) (2) (3) (4) 2
g 2R 2 R g
Ans. (4)
Sol. Force along the tunnel
 GMmr 
F   3  cos 
 R 
gm  GM 
F x  2  g,r cos   x 
R  R  r
 x
g
a x
R R/2
g R
2  T  2
R g

Ans. (4)

19. Two satellites A and B of masses 200kg and 400kg are revolving round the earth at height of 600 km and
1600 km respectively. If TA and TB are the time periods of A and B respectively then the value of T B – TA:
B
A
E

[Given : radius of earth = 6400km, mass of earth = 6 × 10 24 kg]. [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
(1) 1.33 × 103 s (2) 3.33 × 102 s (3) 4.24 × 103 s (4) 4.24 × 102 s
Ans. (1)
r3
Sol. T = 2
GM
(6400  600)10 3
TA = 2
GM
73
TA = 2  109
GM
83
TB = 2  109
GM

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
9
210 
TB – TA = 8 8 7 7 
GM  
= 314 × 4.107
= 1289.64
= 1.289 × 103 s

1
20. The approximate height from the surface of earth at which the weight of the body becomes of its weight on
3
the surface of earth is : [Radius of earth R = 6400 km and 3  1.732 ] [JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]
(1) 3840 km (2) 4685 km (3) 2133 km (4) 4267 km
Ans. (2)
M
Sol. Mg '  g
3
g
g' 
3
2
 R  g
g'  g  3
 R  h 
R 1
 .
Rh 3
h  ( 3  1)R
 (1.732  1)6400
h  4685km

21. The height of any point P above the surface of earth is equal to diameter of earth. The value of acceleration
due to gravity at point P will be : (Given g = acceleration due to gravity at the surface of earth)
[JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]
(1) g/2 (2) g/4 (3) g/3 (4) g/9
Ans. (4)
Gm
Sol. g  2
r 2r
Gm
g 
(3r)2 r
Gm
g 
9r 2
g
g 
9

22. The distance between Sun and Earth is R. The duration of year if the distance between Sun and Earth
becomes 3R will be : [JEE(Main) 2022 - Online]
(1) 3 years (2) 3 years (3) 9 years (4) 3 3 years
Ans. (4)
3/ 2
 3R 
Sol. T  T    3 3T
 R 

23. The weight of a body at the surface of earth is 18 N. The weight of the body at an altitude of 3200 km above
the earth’s surface is (given, radius of earth Re = 6400 km) [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) 9.8 N (2) 4.9 N (3) 19.6 N (4) 8 N
Ans. (4)

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
g
Sol. Acceleration due to gravity at height h g  2
 h
1  R 
 
So weight at given height
mg 18
mg '  2
 2
 8N
 h  1
1  R  1  2 
   

24. If the distance of the earth from Sun is 1.5 × 106 km. Then the distance of an imaginary planet from Sun, if its
period of revolution is 2.83 years is: [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) 6 × 107 km (2) 6 × 106 km (3) 3 × 106 km (4) 3 × 107 km
Ans. (3)
2 3
2 T  R 3
Sol. T R  1  1
 T2   R2 
2 3
 1   1.5  106 
    
 2.83   R2 
1

 R 2   2.83   1.5  10 6   
2 3 3

 
1
8 3
 1.5  10 6  3  10 6 km

25. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Acceleration due to earth’s gravity decreases as you go ‘up’ or ‘down’ from earth’s surface.
Statement II: Acceleration due to earth’s gravity is same at a height ‘h’ and depth ‘d’ from earth’s surface, if
h = d.
In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer form the options given below
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct
(2) Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
(3) Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect
(4) Both Statement I and II are correct
Ans. (3)
Sol. g

r=R
g
g  2
 h
1  R 
 
 d 
g   g 1  
 R
Statement I is correct & Statement II is incorrect

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26. A planet has double the mass of the earth. Its average density is equal to the that of the earth. An object
weighing W on earth will weigh on that planet : [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) 22/3 W (2) W (3) 21/3 W (4) 2 W
Ans. (3)
4
Sol. m    R 3
3
1
R  m 3 (  cons tan t)
Gm
weight  W  g 
R2
m
W  m1/ 3
m 2/ 3
So, W1 = (2)1/3 W

27. Choose the incorrect statement from the following: [JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) The speed of satellite in a given circular orbit remains constant.
(2) For a planet revolving around the sun in an elliptical orbit, the total energy of the planet remains constant.
(3) When a body fall towards earth, the displacement of earth towards the body is negligible.
(4) The linear speed of a planet revolving around the sun remains constant.
Ans. (4)
Sol. Planets revolve in elliptical paths around sun. Thus their linear speed is not constant

SECTION-2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

28. An asteroid is moving directly towards the centre of the earth. When at a distance of 10R (R is the radius of the
earth) from the earths centre, it has a speed of 12 km/s. Neglecting the effect of earths 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 - Online]
Ans. (16)
Sol. U1 + K1 = U2 + K2

GMe m 1 GMe m 1
  mv 02    mv 2
10 R 2 R 2

9 GM e m 1 1
   mv 02  mv 2
10 R 2 2
9 1 1 1
 M  v e2  mv 02  mv 2
10 2 2 2
9 2
v2 = v e  v 02
10
9
=  (11.2)2  (12)2
10
v2 = 112.896 + 144
v = 16.027
v = 16 km/s

22 E
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29. In the reported figure of earth, the value of acceleration due to gravity is same at point A and C but it is smaller
than that of its value at point B (surface of the earth). The value of OA : AB will be x : y. The value of x is
.......... [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
C
3200 km
B

A
Earth O

R = 6400 km

Ans. (4)
GM  r 
Sol. gA 
R3
GM
gC  2
C
 R 3200 km = R/2
R  2 
  B
gA = gC
A
r 1 4R r
 r
R 3
9 9 Earth O
R2
4
4R 5R R = 6400 km
so OA = ; AB = R – r =
9 9
OA : AB = 4 : 5

30. The initial velocity vi required to project a body vertically upward from the surface of the earth to reach a
height of 10R, where R is the radius of the earth, may be described in terms of escape velocity ve such that
x
vi   ve . The value of x will be ________. [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
y
Ans. (10)
–GMm –GMm 1
Sol.   mv 2
11R R 2
20GM
v=
11R

31. The radius in kilometer to which the present radius of earth (R = 6400 km) to be compressed so that the
escape velocity is increased 10 time is _______. [JEE (Main) 2021 - Online]
Ans. (64)
2Gm
Sol. Ve  … (1)
R
2Gm
10Ve  … (2)
R'
R
 10 
R'
R 6400
 R '   = 64 km
100 100

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SECTION-1 : SINGLE CHOICE CORRECT QUESTIONS

1. The gravitational field, due to the 'left over part' of a uniform sphere (from which a part as shown, has been
'removed out' ), at a very far off point P, located as shown, would be nearly : [JEE(Main) 2013, Online]

Removed Mass of complete

Part sphere = M
P
R
R

x
5 GM 6 GM 7 GM 8 GM
(1) (2) (3) (4)
6 x2 7 x2 8 x2 9 x2
Ans. (3)
4
Sol. M  ()   (R 3 )
3
4  M
M1  ()  (R / 2)3   
3  8
g P  g M  g M1 +
GM GM1
gP   M1
x 2 (R / 2  x)2
M
GM GM
g P  2  2 (x  R / 2)
x 8x
7GM
gP 
8x 2
2. 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 attraction. The speed of each particle is : [JEE(Main) 2014]
GM GM GM 1 GM
(1) (2) 2 2 (3) (1  2 2) (4) (1  2 2)
R R R 2 R
Ans. (4)
Sol. 1 2
F1

F2
F1
3 4
GMM GM 2 GM 2
F1   ; F2 
(R 2)2 2R 2 4R 2
mv 2
F1 2  F2 =
R
GM 2 GM 2 Mv 2
2 =
2R 2 4R 2 R
GM2 2 GM
 = v2
4R 4R
1 GM
2 R
1 2 2  =v

24 E
 Gravitation

R
3. From a sphere of mass M and radius R, a smaller sphere of radius is carved out such that the cavity made
2
in the original sphere is between its centre and the periphery. (See figure). For the configuration in the figure
where the distance between the centres of the original sphere and the removed sphere is 3R, the gravitational
force between the two spheres is : [JEE(Main) 2014, Online]

3R
59 GM 2 GM 2 41GM 2 41GM 2
(1) (2) (3) (4)
450 R 2 225 R 2 450 R 2 3600 R 2
Ans. (4)
4 
Sol. M    R 3 
3 

4  M
M 2    (R / 2)3   M1 M2
3  8
GM GM 2 R
(GA)due to M1 = 2

(3R) (5R / 2)2 A
GM 4G(M / 8)
 
9R 2 25R 2
GM  1 1  41GM
   
R 2  9 50  450R 2

 41GM  M 
FM 2  (GA )(M 2 )   2  
 450R  8 

41GM 2
FM 2 
3600 R 2

4. m1 m2
v1 v2

d
Two hypothetical planets of masses m1 and m2 are at rest when they are infinite distance apart. Because of the
gravitational force they move towards each other along the line joining their centres. What is their speed when
their separation is 'd' ? (Speed of m1 is v1 and that of m2 is v2): [JEE(Main) 2014, Online]
2G 2G
(1) v1  m2 ; v 2  m1
m1 m2
(2) v1 = v2
2G 2G
(3) v1  m1 ; v 2  m2
d(m1  m 2 ) d(m1  m2 )

2G 2G
(4) v1  m2 ; v 2  m1
d(m1  m 2 ) d(m1  m2 )
Ans. (4)

E 25
JEE-Physics

Sol. Energy conservation
Ui + Ki = Uf + Kf
GM1M 2 1 1
0+0=   m1 v 12  m 2 v 22 ....(1)
d 2 2
Momentum conservation
m1v1 = m2v2 ....(2)

R
5. From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a spherical portion of radius is removed, as shown in figure.
2
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 GM 2GM 2GM

(1) (2) (3) (4)
2R R 3R R
Ans. (2)
11 GM 3GM
Sol. V 
8 R 8
GM
V
R

k
6. The mass density of a spherical body is given by (r) = for r  R and (r) = 0 for r > R, where r is the
r
distance from the centre.
The correct graph that describes qualitatively the acceleration, a, of a test particle as a function of r is :
[JEE(Main) 2017, Online]

a a a a

(1) R r (2) R r (3) R r (4) R r

Ans. (1)
Sol. g

R r
(r)  K / r rR
(r) = 0 r>R
g  dA  M in (4 G)
K
g in  4 r 2   r (4 r dr)4 G
2

g in  K  2G
GM
g out 
r2

26 E
 Gravitation

7. 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, Online]
  1 1   1 1  
(1) Gm  A     BL  (2) Gm  A     BL 
  a  L a     a a  L  
  1 1   1 1  
(3) Gm  A     BL  (4) Gm  A     BL 
 aL a   a aL 
Ans. (2)

Sol.

dm= (A + Bx2)dx
GM dm
dF 
x2
GM
 
aL
= F a x2
A  Bx 2 dx

aL
 A 
= GM    Bx 
 x a

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

8. 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, Online]
1 1
(1) 2 (2) (3) 1 (4)
2 2
Ans. (3)
GMe
Sol. Orbital velocity V =
r
1
TA = m A VA2
2
1
TB = m B VB2
2
Gm
m
TA R
 
TB Gm
2m 
2R
TA
 =1
TB

9. 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, Online]
2 3 3
(1) s (2) 2 3 s (3) s (4) s
3 2 2
Ans. (2)

E 27
JEE-Physics

GM
Sol. g
R2
2 2
gp Me  R e  1 1
  3  
g e Me  R p  3 3
1
Also T 
g
Tp ge
   3  Tp  2 3s
Te gp

10. The energy required to take a satellite to a height 'h' above Earth surface (radius of Earth = 6.4 × 10 3 km) is
E1 and kinetic energy required for the satellite to be in a circular orbit at this height is E 2. The value of h for
which E1 and E2 are equal, is: [JEE(Main) 2019, Online]
(1) 1.28 × 104 km (2) 6.4 × 103 km (3) 3.2 × 103 km (4) 1.6 × 103 km
Ans. (3)
Sol. Usurface + E1 = Uh
KE of satelite is zero at earth surface & at height h
GM e m GM e m
  E1  
Re  Re h 
 1 1 
E1 = GM e m   
R
 e R e h

GM e m h
E1 = 
Re  h Re
mv 2
Gravitational attraction FG = maC =
Re  h
mv 2 GM e m
E2  
 R e  h   R e  h 2
GM e m
mv2 =
Re  h
mv 2 GM e m
E2 = 
2 2Re  h
E1 = E2
h 1 R
  h  e  3200km
Re 2 2

11. A satellite of mass m is launched vertically upwards with an initial speed u from the surface of the earth. After it
m
reaches height R (R = radius of the earth), it ejects a rocket of mass so that subsequently the satellite
10
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, Online]
2
m 2GM   119 GM 
(1)  u   (2) 5m  u 2 
20  3R   200 R 
2
3m  5GM  m  2 113 GM 
(3)  u   (4) u 
8  6R  20  200 R 
Ans. (2)

28 E
 Gravitation

Sol. Applying energy conservation
K i + Ui = K f + U f
1  GMm  1 GMm
mu 2      mv 2 
2  R  2 2R
GM
v  u2  ....(i)
R
By momentum conservation, we have
vT

m
10 vr
R Rocket

m 9m GM
vT  ....(ii)
10 10 2R
m
& v r  mv
10
m GM
 v r  m u2  ....(iii)
10 R
Kinetic energy of rocket
1
 m  v 2T  v r2 
2
m  GM GM 
 81  100u 2  100
20  2R R 
m 119GM   119GM 
 100u 2   5m  u 2  .
20  2R   200R 

hc 5
12. A quantity f is given by f  where c is speed of light, G universal gravitational constant and h is the
G
Planck's constant. Dimension of f is that of : [JEE(Main) 2020, Online]
(1) Momentum (2) Area (3) Energy (4) Volume
Ans. (3)
Sol. [h] = M1L2T–1
[C] = L1T–1
[G] = M–1L3T–2
M1L2 T 1  L5 T 5
[f] = = M1L2T–2
M 1L3 T 2

13. A body is projected vertically upwards from the surface of earth with a velocity sufficient enough to carry it to
infinity. The time taken by it to reach height h is ______ S. [JEE(Main) 2021, Online]
Re  h 
3/ 2
 2R e  h 
3/ 2

(1)  1    1 (2)  1    1
2g  Re   g  Re  

1 R e   1 2R e  
3/ 2 3/ 2
h  h 
(3)  1    1 (4)  1    1
3 2g  Re   3 g  Re  
 
Ans. (4)

E 29
JEE-Physics

Sol.

Applying energy conservation from (1) to (2)

1  2GM  GMm 1 GMm
m.    mv 2 
2  Re  Re 2 Rr
1 GMm
  mv 2 
2 Rr
2GM dr
  v 
R  r dt
t Re  h

  2GM  dt 
0

Re
 
R  r dr

2 3/ 2 R e  h
2GM ·t   R  r 
3  Re

2 R e3  
3/ 2
h 
t  1    1
3 2GM  Re  

GM
g
R e2

1 2R e  
3/ 2
h 
t  1    1
3 g  Re  


14. The angular momentum of a planet of mass M moving around the sun in an elliptical orbit is L . The
magnitude of the areal velocity of the planet is : [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]
4L L 2L L
(1) (2) (3) (4)
M M M 2M
Ans. (4)
ds
Sol.
r 

For small displacement ds of the planet its area can be written as

ds
d 
r
1 1
dA  rd  r ds sin 
2 2
dA 1 ds Vr sin 
A.vel =  r sin  
dt 2 dt 2
dA 1 mVr sin  L
 
dt 2 m 2m

30 E
 Gravitation

15. The distance of the Sun from earth is 1.5 × 10 11 m and its angular diameter is (2000) s when observed from
the earth. The diameter of the Sun will be : [JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]
(1) 2.45 × 1010 m (2) 1.45 × 1010 m (3) 1.45 × 109 m (4) 0.14 × 109 m
Ans. (3)

Sol.

d

r
2000  d
   
60  60 180 1.5  10
2000 
  d    1.5  10
60  60 180
  1.5
=  10 = 1.45 × 109
3  6  18

16. Four spheres each of mass m form a square of side d (as shown in figure). A fifth sphere of mass M is situated
at the centre of square. The total gravitational potential energy of the system is :
[JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]

Gm  Gm 
(1)  (4  2)m  4 2M  (2)  (4  2)M  4 2m 
d   d  
Gm  2 Gm  2
(3)  3m  4 2M  (4)  6m  4 2M 
d   d  
Ans. (1)

Sol.

Gm2 Gm2 GMm

– 4 – 2– 4 2
d 2d d
Gm 
– (4  2)m  4 2M 
d  

E 31
JEE-Physics

17. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A: A pendulum clock when taken to Mount Everest becomes fast.
Reason R: The value of g (acceleration due to gravity) is less at Mount Everest than its value on the surface of
earth.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(2) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(3) A is not correct but R is correct
(4) A is correct but R is not correct
Ans. (3)
1
Sol. T 
g

18. T is the time period of simple pendulum on the earth’s surface. Its time period becomes x T when taken to a
height R (equal to earth’s radius) above the earth’s surface. Then, the value of x will be:
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
1 1
(1) 4 (2) 2 (3) (4)
2 4
Ans. (2)
Sol. At surface of earth time period

T  2
g
At height h = R
g g
g'  2

 h 4
1  R 
 

 xT  2
g / 4 
 xT  2  2
g
xT = 2T  x = 2

19. Every planet revolves around the sun in an elliptical orbit :

A. The force acting on a planet is inversely proportional to square of distance from sun.
B. Force acting on planet is inversely proportional to product of the masses of the planet and the sun
C. The centripetal force acting on the planet is directed away from the sun.
D. The square of time period of revolution of planet around sun is directly proportional to cube of semi-major
axis of elliptical orbit.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) A and D only (2) C and D only (3) B and C only (4) A and C only
Ans. (1)
Gm1 m 2
Sol. F =
r2
1
F 2
r
 F m1m2
 This force provides centripetal force and acts towards sun
  T2  a3 (Kepler’s third law)

32 E
 Gravitation

20. An object is allowed to fall from a height R above the earth, where R is the radius of earth. Its velocity when it
strikes the earth’s surface, ignoring air resistance, will be :
gR
(1) 2 gR (2) gR (3) (4) 2gR
2
Ans. (2)
Sol. Loss in PE = Gain in KE
 GMm   GMm  1 2
      mv
 2R   R  2
GM
 v2   gR
R
 v  gR

21. Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.
Assertion A : Earth has atmosphere whereas moon doesn’t have any atmosphere.
Reason R : The escape velocity on moon is very small as compared to that on earth.
In the light of the above statement, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
[JEE(Main) 2023 - Online]
(1) A is true but R is false
(2) A is false but R is true
(3) Both A and R are correct but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(4) Both A and R are correct and R is correct explanation of A
Ans. (4)
Sol. At Moon, due to low escape velocity, the rms velocity of molecules is greater than escape velocity. Hence
molecules escape and there is no atmosphere at Moon.

SECTION-2 : NUMERICAL ANSWER BASED QUESTIONS

22. Suppose two planets (spherical in shape) of radii R and 2R, but mass M and 9 M respectively have a centre to
centre separation 8 R as shown in the figure. A satellite of mass ‘m’ is projected from the surface of the planet
of mass ‘M’ directly towards the centre of the second planet. The minimum speed ‘v’ required for the satellite
a GM
to reach the surface of the second planet is then the value of ‘a’ is ________.
7 R
[Given : The two planets are fixed in their position] [JEE (Main) 2021 - ONLINE]

R 9M 2R
M

8R
Ans. (4)

E 33
JEE-Physics

M 9M
Sol.

v P

x 8R–x
Acceleration due to gravity will be zero at P therefore,
GM G9M

x2 (8R  x)2
8R – x = 3x
x = 2R
Apply conservation of energy and consider velocity at P is zero.
1 GMm G9Mm GMm G9Mm
mv 2    0 
2 R 7R 2R 6R
4 GM
V=
7 R

23. A ball of mass 0.5 kg is dropped from the height of 10m. The height, at which the magnitude of velocity
becomes equal to the magnitude of acceleration due to gravity, is ............... m. (Use g = 10 m/s2).
[JEE(Main) 2022, ONLINE]
Ans. (5)
Sol. v 2  u 2  2as
100  0  2 10  s
S = 5m
Height from ground = 10 – 5 = 5m

34 E
 Gravitation


1. 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’.
(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 [IIT-JEE 2008]
(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.

2. 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 bodies
GM
is 4
L
(B) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two bodies
GM
is 2
L
(C) The minimum initial velocity of the mass m to escape the gravitational field of the two bodies
2GM
is
L
(D) The energy of the mass m remains constant
Ans. (BD)
V
Sol.
M M
L L
Total energy of m is conserved for escape velocity
K.Ef + P.Ef = K.Ei + P.Ei
1  GMm 
O+O= mv 2  2 
2  L 
4GM GM
 v 2
L L

1
3. A planet of radius R   (radius of Earth) has the same mass density as Earth. Scientists dig a well of depth
10
R
on it and lower a wire of the same length and of linear mass density 10 –3 kgm–1 into it. If the wire is not
5
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 on Earth is 10 ms –2) [JEE(Adv.) 2014]
(A) 96 N (B) 108 N (C) 120 N (D) 150 N
Ans. (B)

E 35
JEE-Physics

Sol. Each point of wire experiences different g
MGy
R3 R
MGy 5
df  (dy) 3
R 4R
MG
R 5
 df  R 3 4R
y dy
5

 2 16R 2 
R 
MG  25 
F 
R3  2 
 
MG  9  9MG
F 
R  50  50R
9 G M e R
F 5
R 1000 dy
50 e
10
9GMe
F
5000 R e 4R y
9gR e 5
F
5000
9  103  10  6  106 54  104
F   108 N
5000 5  103

4. 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) [JEE(Adv.) 2015]
P(r  3R / 4) 63 P(r  3R / 5) 16 P(r  R / 2) 20
(A) P(r = 0) = 0 (B)  (C)  (D) 
P(r  2R / 3) 80 P(r  2R / 5) 21 P(r  R / 3) 27
Ans. (BC)
GM
Sol. dF  3 r dS dr
R
dF GM
  r dr
dS R3
p r r
GM GM  r 2 
  dP 
0
3 
R R
r dr  P   3  
R  2 R
GM  2
 P R  r2 
2R 3
dS
 3R  GM  2 9R 2  7R 2 r
P R  dF

So  4   2R 3  16   16  63 dr
P(2R / 3)  2 4R  2
5R 2 80
 R  R
9  9
GM  2 9R 2 
3 
R 
P(3R / 5)
 2R  25   16  25  16
P(2R / 5) GM  2 4R 2  25 21 21
R  25 
2R 3 
GM  2 R 2  3R 2
3 
R 
P(R / 2)
 2R  4   4  27
P(R / 3) GM  2 R 2  8R 2 32
R  9  9
2R 3 
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 Gravitation

5. 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 planet's gravity is 1/4th of its value at the surface of the planet. If
the escape velocity from the planet is v esc  v N , then the value of N is (ignore energy loss due to
atmosphere) [JEE(Adv.) 2015]
Ans. (2)
GM
Sol. g surface  2
R
GM
g' 
(R  h)2 R
GM
g' 
(R  h)2
GM GM

(R  h)2 4R 2
2
Rh Rh
  4 2
 R  R
 R + h = 2R  h = R
GMm 1 GMm
  mv 2  
R 2 2R
1 GMm
mv 2 
2 2R
GMm 1
  mv e2  0
R 2
1 GMm
mv e2   mv 2
2 R
ve  v 2
N=2

6. 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 nearer to M is at a distance r = 3 from M, the tension
 M 
in the rod is zero for m  k   . the value of k is [JEE(Adv.) 2015]
 288 

Ans. (7)
Sol. Gm Gm 2
2
M m 2
m
3 GMm GM
(3)2 (4 )2
arel. = 0
GMm Gm2 Gm Gm2
2
 2   2
(3 ) (4 )2
1 1 
m     2m
 9 16 
7
m m
288
m=7
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JEE-Physics

7. 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 × 10 4 times larger than the
radius of the Earth. The escape velocity from Earth's gravitational field is v e = 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
[JEE (Adv.) 2017]
(Ignore the rotation and revolution of the Earth and the presence of any other planet)
(A) vs = 22 km s–1 (B) vs = 72 km s–1 (C) vs = 42 km s–1 (D) vs = 62 km s–1
Ans. (C)
 GM e GM Sun  1 2
Sol.  R   m  2 mv e  0
 e d 
 GM e GM Sun 
2 
 Re d 

GMe  M R 
2  1  Sun e 
Re  Me d 

3  105
 11.2 1 
2.5  10 4
 11.2(1  12)1/ 2 = 40.38

8. 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] [JEE(Adv.) 2019]
K K 3K K
(A) 2 2 (B) (C) 2 2 (D)
r m G 2
6r m2G r m G 2r 2 m2G
Ans. (D)
Sol. Let total mass included in a sphere of radius r be M.
For a particle of mass m,
GMm mv 2

r2 r
GMm 2Kr
  2K  M 
r Gm
2Kdr M
 dM = r
Gm m
2K dr
 (4r2dr)=
Gm
K
  =
2r 2 Gm
 K
 n=  2
m 2r m2G

9. The distance between two stars of masses 3MS and 6MS is 9R. Here R is the mean distance between the
centers of the Earth and the Sun, and MS is the mass of the Sun. The two stars orbit around their common
center of mass in circular orbits with period nT, where T is the period of Earth’s revolution around the Sun.
The value of n is ___. [JEE (Adv.) 2021 - ONLINE]
Ans. (9)

38 E
 Gravitation

Sol. Let both the stars rotate about their common COM with angular velocity  then for star A

3Ms F COM F 6Ms

B
6R 3R

FG  3MS 2 (6R)

G(3M S )(6M S )
 3M S 2 (6R)
(9R)2

GM S 8 / R3
  T '  2  9T
8 / R3 GM S

Ans. (9)

10. Two spherical stars A and B have densities A and B, respectively. A and B have the same radius, and their
masses MA and MB are related by MB = 2MA. Due to an interaction process, star A loses some of its mass, so
that its radius is halved, while its spherical shape is retained, and its density remains A. The entire mass lost by
A is deposited as a thick spherical shell on B whit the density of the shell being A. If vA and vB are the escape
vB 10n
velocities from A and B after the interaction process, the ratio  . The value of n is __________,
vA 151/ 3
[JEE(Adv.) 2022 - Online]
Ans. (2.30)

Sol.

M 2M
A  B 
4 3 4 3
R R
3 3
3
4 R M
(A) M A  A   
3  2 8
2GM A 2GM GM
VA   
RA 8(R / 2) 2R
7M 4 
(B) M B  2M   B    (R13  R 3 )
8 3 
(15)1/ 3 R
R1 
2

E 39
JEE-Physics

2G(23)M / 8 23GM
VB  2

 1/ 3 R  2(151/ 3 R)
 15 
 2
VB 23 10n
 
VA 1 151/ 3
15
3
n = 2.30

11. Two satellites P and Q are moving in different circular orbits around the Earth (radius R). The heights of P and Q
from the Earth surface are hP and hQ, respectively, where hp = R/3. The accelerations of P and Q due to Earth’s
gravity are gP and gQ, respectively. If gP /gQ = 36/25, what is the value of hQ? [JEE(Adv.) 2023]
(A) 3R /5 (B) R/6 (C) 6R /5 (D) 5R /6
Ans. (A)
Sol.
P
hP
Q
R E
hQ

GM
2
gP r2  rQ 
 P  
g Q GM  rP 
rQ2
2
36  rQ 
 
25  rP 
rQ 6

rP 5
6
rQ  rP
5
6 R
R  hQ  R 
5  3
24 9 3
hQ  RR  R R
15 15 5

*****

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