Uday 2025

PRACTICE SHEET

(PHYSICS)
Chapter: GRAVITATION
Multiple Choice Answer Type Questions V0 1
(1) (2) v0
1. According to Kepler, planets move in 2 3
(1) Circular orbits around the sun 2 3v 0
(3) v0 (4)
(2) Elliptical orbits around the sun with sun at 3 2
exact centre
(3) Straight lines with constant velocity 6. Two-point masses having mass m and 2m are
(4) Elliptical orbits around the sun with sun at one placed at distance d . The point on the line joining
of its foci point masses, where gravitational field intensity is
zero will be at distance
2. The minimum and maximum distances of a planet 2d
(1) from point mass "2 m "
revolving around sun are r and R. If the minimum 3 +1
speed of planet on its trajectory is v0 . its maximum 2d
(2) from point mass "2 m "
speed will be 3 −1
v0 R v0 R d
(1) (2) (3) from point mass " m "
r R 1+ 2
v0 R 2 v0 r 2 d
(3) 2
(4) (4) from point mass " m "
r R2 1− 2

3. A planet of mass m moves around the sun of mass 7. If a satellite of mass 400kg revolves around the
M in an elliptical orbit. The maximum and earth in an orbit with speed 200 m/s then its
minimum distances of the planet from the sun are potential energy is
r₁ and r₂ respectively. The time period of the (1) −1.2MJ (2) −8.0MJ
planet is proportional to (3) −16MJ (4) −2.4MJ
3 3

(1) r12 (2) r22

3 3
8. An artificial satellite revolves around a planet for
(3) ( r1 + r2 ) 2 (4) ( r1 − r2 ) 2 which gravitational force ( F ) varies with distance
r from its centre as F  r 2 . If v0 its orbital speed,
4. In an orbit if the time of revolution of a satellite is then
T , then PE is proportional to 1 3
−
1 (1) v0  r 2
(2) v0  r 2
(1) T 3
(2) T 3 3
−
−4
2
(3) v0  r 2
(4) v0  r
(3) T 3
(4) T 3

5. If the gravitational potential on the surface of earth 9. As we go from the equator to the poles, value of
'g '
is V0 , then potential at a point at height half of the
(1) Remain the same
radius of earth is
(2) Decreases

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 (3) Increases (i) Geostationary satellites
(4) First increase and then decrease (ii) Polar satellites

Assertion and Reason Answer Type Questions

Case Based Study Answer Type Questions
Directions: These questions consist of two statements
18. Earth satellites revolve around the earth similar to
each, printed as Assertion and Reason. While answering
the motion of planets around the Sun. In particular,
these questions, you are required to choose any one of the
their orbits are circular or elliptic. Moon is the only
following four responses.
natural satellite of the earth with a near circular
10. Assertion: Angular momentum of a satellite about
orbit with a time period of 27.3 days approximately
a planet is constant.
which is almost equal to the rotational period of the
Reason: Gravitational force is a central force so its
moon about its own axis. Escape velocity is the
torque about the sun is zero.
minimum velocity required by an object to escape
(1) Both Assertion and Reason are True and the
the gravitational field that is, escape the land
Reason is a correct explanation of the
without ever falling back.. For example, a
Assertion.
spaceship leaving the surface of earth needs to be
(2) Both Assertion and Reason are True but
going 7 miles/second to leave without falling back
Reason is not a correct explanation of the
to the surface or falling into orbit.
Assertion.
(3) Assertion is True but the Reason is False.
i. The ratio of escape velocity at earth ( Ve ) to the
(4) Assertion and Reason are False
escape velocity at a planet ( V p ), whose radius and
Very Short Answer Type Questions mean density are twice as that of earth is
11. What is the value of G at the centre of the earth? (1) 1: 2 2 (2) 1: 2
(3) 2 :1 (4) 1: 4
12. What is the apparent weight of an astronaut in a
satellite revolving around the earth? ii. Gas escapes from the surface of a planet because it
acquires an escape velocity. The escape velocity
13. Write any two applications of Newton’s law of will depend on which of the following factors?
gravitation. (1) Temperature of the planet
(2) Mass of the particle escaping
14. How far from the earth does the gravitational (3) Mass of the planet
potential energy due to the earth become zero? (4) None of the above

Short Answer Type Questions iii. A satellite S is moving in an elliptical orbit around
the earth. The mass of the satellite is very small is
15. Deduce the relation between the orbital velocity of
compared to the mass of the earth, then
satellite close to earth’s surface and escape velocity
(1) The angular momentum of S about the centre
from earth surface.
of the earth changes in direction, but its
magnitude remains constant
16. The radii of two planets are R and 2R respectively
(2) The acceleration of S is always directed

and their densities are  and . What is the ratio towards the centre of the earth
2
(3) The linear momentum of S remains constant
of acceleration due to gravity at their surface?
in magnitude
(4) The total mechanical energy of S varies
Long Answer Type Questions
periodically with time
17. Write some uses of

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iv. The escape velocity of a satellite from the earth is GM GM
Ve . If the radius of earth contracts to (1/4)th of its (1) (2)
R R2
value, keeping the mass of the earth constant,
escape velocity will be GM 2GM
(3) (4)
(1) unaltered (2) tripled 2R R2
(3) halved (4) doubled

v. The expression for orbital velocity of an object

is…
■■■

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 Answer Key

1. (4) 7. (3)
2. (1) 8. (2)
3. (3) 9. (3)
4. (3) 10. (1)
5. (3) 18. i. (1), ii. (3), iii. (2), iv. (4), v. (1)
6. (3)

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 Hints & Solutions

Multiple Choice Answer Type Questions A minimum distance of the planet from the sun
1. (4) = r2
Kepler's Law of Orbits - The Planets move around Explanation for the correct option
the sun in elliptical orbits with the sun at one of Mean of the distance of the planet from the sun
the focii. Kepler's Law of Areas - The line joining r +r 
a planet to the Sun sweeps out equal areas in equal = 1 2
 2 
interval of time.
According to Kepler’s third law, the square of the
time period is proportional to the cube of the
2. (1)
semi-major axis.
Minimum velocity of planet, Vmin = v0 ,
Therefore,
Let, maximum velocity of planet, Vmax . 3
 (r + r ) 
T2  1 2 
 2 
3
 (r + r )  2
T  1 2 
 2 
3
T   r1 + r2  2

According to Kepler’s second law the line that 4. (3)

joins any planet to the sun sweeps out equal areas T 2  r3 …(1)
in equal intervals of time. Thus planets appear to Where, r = radius of orbit.
move slower when they are farther sun than when For a satellite of mass m orbiting in an oribit of
they are nearer. radius r around a planet of mass M , the
Now, for planets moving around the in an − GM
Potential energy ( PE ) = …(2)
elliptical orbit, angular momentum is conserved. r
| L P | = L A From equation (1) and (2)
GMm
 mVmax r = mv0 R  PE  2

v0 R T3
 Vmax = −
2
r  PE  T 3

Why this question:

To make students understand the consequence of 5. (3)
conservation of angular momentum in planetary
R
orbits. The orbital velocity Position of point at height h = from the centre
2
will be greater when the planet is closer to the
R 3R
sun. Also when velocity at one point is known, of earth, r = R + =
2 2
velocity at another point can be found out.
V ' = Potential at point P

3. (3) GM GM 2  GM 
V '= − =− = − 
Given data r 3R 3 R 
Mass of planet = m 2  GM 
V '= V0  V0 = − 
Mass of sun = M 3 R 
Maximum distance of the planet from the sun = r1 V0 = potential at the surface of earth.

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6. (3)
Let r be the distance of the point from m where
the gravitational field is zero.

The field due to m will be cancelled by the field

due to 2m . Fc = Fg
Hence, Em = E2 m
mV02
Gm 2Gm  = kr 2
 =
r2 (d − r )2
k
 V02 =   r 3

1
=
2  m
r d −r 3
k
 d − r = + 2r  V0 = r2
m
(
 r 1+ 2 = d ) 3

V0  r 2
d
r=
1+ 2
9. (3)
1. The value of g depends on the radius of the
7. (3)
Kinetic –energy earth.
1 1
2. The value of g is inversely proportional to the
K= mv 2 =  400  (200) 2 radius of the earth.
2 2
3. The equatorial radius is 21km more than the
= 200  (200) 2
poles.
= 2  102  4  104 Gm
= (8  10 6 ) joule 4. g = [Where, m is the mass, r is the radius
r2
ET = Total – energy = − K = ( − 8  10 )
6
G is the universal gravitational constant, g is the
Potential-energy = 2  ET acceleration due to gravity at the earth’s surface.]
5. Therefore, the value of g increases as we go
= 2  ( −8  10 6 )
from the equator to the poles.
= −16  106 joule
Assertion and Reason Answer Type Questions
8. (2)
10. (1)
Fg  r 2  Fg = kr 2 Both Assertion and Reason are True and the
Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

11. The value of acceleration due to gravity decreases
when a body goes inside the earth’s surface.
At the centre of Earth, the force due to the upper
half of the Earth will cancel the force due to the
lower half.

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 Force due to any portion of the Earth at the centre
will be cancelled due to the portion opposite to it.
Thus, the gravitational force at the centre on
anybody will be 0.
Since, from Newton’s law, we know
F = mass  gravity .
Since the mass m of an object can never be 0 .
Therefore, when F = 0, g has to be 0 . Thus, the
value of g is zero at the centre of Earth.
GM 1 M 2
16. F=
12. The apparent weight of an astronaut in artificial R2
satellite of earth is zero because weight of the
astronaut is balanced by the centrifugal force,
acted on the astronaut when the satellite revolve
around the earth.

13. Applications of universal law of gravitation are

1. Universal law of gravitation is used to
determine the masses of sun, the earth and the GM 1
a=
moon accurately. R2
2. It is also used in calculating the trajectory of
astronomical bodies and to predict their motion.

14. We place the zero point of gravitational potential

energy at a distance r of infinity. This makes all
values of the gravitational potential energy
negative. It turns out that it makes sense to do this
because as the distance r becomes large, the
gravitational force tends rapidly towards zero.
GM
g=
R2
Short Answer Type Questions
4 3
15. For circular orbit GR  
3 4
mV02  g1 = = G  R
F= R 2
3
r
4 
GMm mv 2 G  8 R 3 
 = g2 = 3 2 = G  4 R 4
r2 r R 2
3
GM g1 1
 V0 = =  1: 4
r g2 4
Now for satellite very new to earth surface
rR Long Answer Type Questions
GM 17. (i)
 Ve =
R Geostationary satellites, orbiting at an altitude of
Now escape velocity at earth surface approximately 35,786 kilometers above Earth's
2GM equator, play a crucial role in various global
Ve = = 2V0 applications:
R

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 Maritime and Aeronautical Services: They assist
Communication: These satellites are widely used in maritime and aeronautical navigation,
for telecommunication purposes, including providing continuous coverage over oceans and
transmission of television signals, internet, and remote areas where ground-based systems are not
telephone communications. Their stationary available.
position relative to the Earth allows for consistent
communication links. Remote Sensing: Geostationary satellites help in
collecting data for remote sensing purposes,
Weather Forecasting: Geostationary satellites which is vital for agriculture, forestry, land use
provide continuous and real-time data crucial for planning, and resource management.
weather monitoring and forecasting. They can
observe weather patterns, track storms and These applications demonstrate the significance of
hurricanes, and assist in predicting weather geostationary satellites in various aspects of
changes. modern life, from daily communications to critical
environmental monitoring and disaster response.
Environmental Monitoring: These satellites help
in monitoring environmental changes. They can
(ii)
track deforestation, desertification, the state of
Polar satellites, also known as polar-orbiting
polar ice caps, and oceanographic changes.
satellites, orbit the Earth at a relatively low
Global Positioning System (GPS): While GPS altitude and pass over the poles on each
primarily uses Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) revolution:
satellites, geostationary satellites can also 1. Climate Research and Monitoring: Polar
contribute to the system, enhancing global
satellites are crucial for long-term climate
navigation and location services.
research. They provide data on global
Disaster Management: They play a vital role in temperature, atmospheric conditions, and
disaster management and emergency response by greenhouse gas concentrations, helping in the
providing vital information about natural disasters study of climate change.
like floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, aiding in
2. Weather Forecasting: They offer valuable data
quick response and relief efforts.
for weather prediction by monitoring atmospheric
Military Applications: Geostationary satellites are temperature and humidity, cloud formations, and
used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure storm development. This information is essential
communication in military operations. for short-term weather forecasting and tracking
severe weather events.
Space Research: These satellites can be used for
3. Environmental Monitoring: These satellites are
astronomical observations and to study space
weather, such as solar flares and cosmic radiation, used to monitor various environmental parameters
which can affect communication and navigation like sea ice levels, deforestation, desertification,
systems on Earth. and ocean currents. They provide critical data for
understanding and managing environmental
Broadcasting Services: They are essential for
changes.
direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting services,
enabling the transmission of radio and TV signals 4. Oceanography: Polar satellites contribute
directly to subscribers. significantly to the study of oceans. They measure
sea surface temperatures, ocean color, and

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phytoplankton content, which are essential for changes in ecosystems and the distribution of
understanding marine ecosystems and global various species.
climate patterns. Polar satellites' ability to cover the entire Earth's
5. Mapping and Geographical Information surface makes them invaluable for a wide range of
Systems (GIS): They are used for earth mapping, applications, from weather forecasting and
helping in the creation of detailed maps for environmental monitoring to scientific research
various purposes, including urban planning, and resource management. Their contribution is
resource management, and environmental vital in understanding and addressing global
conservation. challenges such as climate change and natural
6. Agriculture: Polar satellites assist in monitoring resource depletion.
crop conditions, soil moisture, and land use. This
information is vital for farmers in planning Case Based Study Answer Type Questions
irrigation and harvesting, and for policymakers in 18. (i)
Let the radius and mean density of the earth is Re
managing food resources.
and  respectively.
7. Disaster Management and Emergency 4
 ( Re ) 
3

Response: They provide critical information The mass of the earth, M e =

3
during natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, Then the radius of the planet, Rp = 2 Re
and forest fires, aiding in damage assessment and Density of the planet,  p = 2

( )
coordinating response efforts. 4 3
Mass of the planet M p =  R  2
8. Natural Resource Exploration: Polar satellites 3
4
( 2R)
3
help in exploring natural resources like minerals,  M =  2
3
oil, and natural gas. They can identify potential
The escape velocity from the surface of a planet
resource-rich areas and monitor environmental having mass M and radius R is given by
impacts of resource extraction. 2GM
ve =
9. Military Surveillance and Reconnaissance: R
These satellites are also used for defense and  4
2G     R 3 
intelligence purposes, providing surveillance and  3
 ve =
R
reconnaissance information.
8G 
10. Scientific Research: Polar satellites support a  ve = R
3
wide range of scientific research, including
We can say that
studying the Earth's magnetic field, radiation So, ve  R 
belts, and the atmosphere's composition. Now
11. Tracking Sea Ice and Glacial Movements: Escape velocity from surface of earth ve.earth
=
These satellites are particularly useful in Escape velocity from surface of planet ve.planet
monitoring changes in polar ice caps and glacier ve.earth Re 
 =
movements, which are critical indicators of ve.planet Rp  p
climate change. ve .earth Re 
 =
12. Biodiversity Conservation: By providing data ve .planet 2 Re 2
on habitat changes, polar satellites aid in
biodiversity conservation efforts, helping to track
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 ve.earth 1 According to the equation, the radius of the planet

ve .planet 2 2 1
contracts to of present value without any
4
change in its mass.
(ii) R
2GM R'=
ve = i.e. escape velocity depends upon the 4
R And M ' = M
mass and radius of the planet. Now, new formula for escape velocity is given as:
2GM '
(iii) v' =
R'
The acceleration of S is always directed towards
Now substituting the value of M ' and R ' in the
the centre of the earth
above formula for escape velocity, we get
The satellite revolves around the earth due to
2GM
gravitational force that acts towards the centre of v' =
R
the earth. And according to the Kepler's laws the
4
angular momentum of the satellite reamains
constant but not the linear momentum 4  2GM
 v' =
R
(iv) 2GM
But =v
The formula for escape velocity on a planet is: R
2GM  v ' = 2v
v=
R So, the escape velocity will be doubled.
Where v = escape velocity
G = universal gravitational constant whose value (v)
is The expression for orbital velocity of a satellite
R = Radius of the plane or the distance from the revolving round the earth in a closed orbit of
centre of the mass of the planet GM
radius ' r ' is given by, v =
M = mass of the body to be escaped from or the r
mass of the planet where G is the gravitational constant and M is the
mass of the earth.

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