n is

comparable to radius of earth and

and relation (5) is used
very small as compared to R. when
his
(ü) Variation of g with depth : Consider the earth to
homogeneous sphere of mass M, radius Rhaving be a
The acceleration due to gravity at thesurface of earth centre
0,.
will be
GM
g =
R²
If the homogeneous sphere 1s of density p, then total mass
(g)

-(R - d)
-R

Fig. 11
M =Volume x density

4.
M =R°p
4
3

3
-R°PG
TRPG
R2 3

4
TGRP
3

When the body is kept at a distance 'd' below the surface

of earth, then the
mass of sphere of radius (RR-) will be
the
effective for the grayitation pull of earth, The force on
body inside the spherical shell is always zero.
If ga be the acceleration due to gravity on the surface
shell of radius (R d), then
ga =
(R - d)'
4
M 3
(R -d' p
Gravitation
4
797

3 nG (R - d)p
(R - d)' 3 TG (R - d)p ..(4) gat earth's surface

Divide equation (4) by equation (2)

4
3
TG (R - d)p R- d Centre of earth r=R
4 R
TTGRP Fig. 12
3 Relation between height (h) and depth () for same
in 'g' change
&d
earth
Acceleration due to gravity at height 'h' above surface of
R

&h =
8d = ..5)
From equation (5), it is clear that the acceleration due to Acceleration due to gravity at depth ' below the surface
of earth
gravity decreases with depth. Because of this reason the value
of acceleration due to gravity is less in mines.
At centre of earth
8d =
(1-4
At centre of earth, d = R For same change in acceleration due to gravity (g)
8h &d
Boentre =
1
2h d 2h
&centre =0
R R R R

So, the acceleration due to gravity at centre of earth is Jd=2h

Zero. Therefore the weight of the body of mass m at the centre Thus,(the acceleration due to gravity at height h above
OTearth, mgcentre x0=0 W=XO=0 the surface of earth will be same as that at depth d= 2h below
Hence the weight of body at centre of earth is zero.
surface of earth. It holds good only when h<<R.
(ti) Variation of gwith shape : Earth is in fact not a
Variation of gwith distancer from the centre of earth perfect sphere but oblate spheroid (egg shaped) i.e., it is
() For a body at a distance 'r less than the radius of earth flattened at poles and bulges out at equator. Its equatorial radius
R) ie; r< R (Reg) is greater than polar radius (R) by 21 km.
Pole

(-)-() R,
Reg' equator
R
(R-d=)

Fig. 13
(u) For a body ata distance ' ' greater than the radius of GM
tarh i.e; r >R
R?
R2 GM and GM
8h = g
L(R + h)' Beq &p =
Reg R
R?
Since Reg > Rp &eq <8pole
-8
(R+h=r) | Thus the value ofe is mininmum at the equator and
at poles. So value maximum
of acceleration due to gravity increases as
we go from equator to pole.
Because of this reason the weight of body increases when it
is taken from the equator to the pole. The variation of'g' between
Variation of acceleration due to gravity with distance r the poles and the equator is about 0-5 %. At sea level value of g
at poles is greater than its value at equator by 1·80cm s.
 =3-37x 10- m s-2 =3"4 cm sz

14. GRAVITATIONAL FIELD

We know earth attracts every body towards
its
centre.of
According to Newton's law of gravitation, the force
gravitational attraction varies inversely as the square of
of body from centre of earth. So, it is clear that in the distance
space all
ne
around earth, its gravitational pull can be experienced by other
material bodies.
Hence, the space around a material body with in which
its gravitational pull/gravitational force of attraction is
experienced by other bodies is called gravitationalfield.
15. INTENSITY OF GRAVITATONAL FIELD
(Intensity of gravitational fieldor gravitational field strength
of a body at a point in the_ field is defined as the force
experienced by a body of unit mass placed at that pont 1
(provided that the unit mass does not disturb the original
gravitational feld) the
Intensity of gravitational field due to a body : Consider a
body of mass M. To determine the gravitational field intensity
at any point P at a distance r from the body of mass M an (
infinitesimally small mass m(m<<M) is placed at point P.
M
D
m
P

Fig. 17
Intera
If F be the gravitational force experienced by mass m gavit
then odie:
orce
E = Flm ..(1)

Direction of E is same as that of F. nthe

Gravitational foree between mass Mand m

F = GMm (Newton's law of gravitation) en
r0.
hePoterer
E= F GMm GM
m rm 2
E =
GM ..2)
p2
The
Gravitational field intensity\is a vector quantitY. the
direction of gravitational field intensity is always towards
mass M.
Gravitation
Erom equation (2, it is clear that asrincreases E decreases
o, E = 0. It means gravitational field intensityis
and when r =0,
zeroat infinite distance from mnass M.
Intensity of gravitational field of earth : Suppose earth is a
sphere of mass Mand radius R. Let a very small test mass (m)
is placed at point P at a distance r from earth. Then according
GMm
to Newton'slaw of gravitation force on mass m isF =

M Earth
R m

F P

Fig. 18
F GMm 1 GM
Gravitational field intensity, E = m X
m 2
GM
For any point on surface of earth, r=R»E = R?
GM
But
R²
So E =8
Hence the gravitational field intensity of the earth at an,
Point on surface of earth is equal to acceleraton due to gravity
at that poing.
SI. unit of gravitationalfield intensity =N kg
CGS. unit of gravitational fieldintensity= dyne g
F [MLT-] - [M°LT)
Dimensions of E= m [M]
TIAL ENERGY
i)
8.19 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
ity 32. What is meant by gravitational potential energy
at
of a body ? What is the zero level of potentialenergy ?
ds Gravitational potential energy. When two bodies
are placed close to one another, they interact through
the gravitational force. Due to this, they possess mutual
i) gravitational potential energy. When the distance
between the two bodies is changed, work is done
either by the gravitational force between the two
is bodies or against this force. In either case, the gravita
1en tional potential energy of the bodies changes.
The gravitational potential energy of a body is the energy
the Assesjated,uith it due to its position in the gravitationa ield
red of another body and is measuredby the amount ofwork done.
in bringing a body from infinity to a given point in the
gravitational field of the other.
As
and When one body lies<at infinity from another body,
Dat
the gravitational force on it is zero Consequently its
aw Potential energy is zero. This is called zero level of
nis potential energy.
33. Derive an expression for the gravitational
potential energy of a body of. m located at distance r
from the centre of the earth.
Expression for.gravitationallpotential energy. As
shown in Fig. 8.22, suppose the earth is a uniform
sphere of mass M and radius R. We wish to calculate
the potential energy of a body of mass m located at
point P such that OP =rand r> R.
th.
Suppose at any instant the body is at point A such
be that
OA=x
The gravitational force of A
e to attraction on the body at Ais B
field F=
GMm
tion

The small work done in

moving the body through
small distance AB (= dx) is
given by
-face R
dW = Fdx = GMm dx
2

onal The total work done in Earth

bringing the body from
e per infinity (x =0) to the point
&
P(x =r) willbe Fig. 8.22 Gravitational
P.E. due to earth.
 8.22 PHYSICS-XI

GMm GMmh
Hence AU=
w-fdw -• GMm dx =GMm dr R R'
GM =0= acceleration due to gravity on the
r GMm But
-GMm--GMn R?
earth's surface.

By definition, this work done is the gravitational AU = mgh

potential energy U of the body of mass mlocated at 8.20 GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
distance r from the centre of the earth.
GMm 34. Define the term gravitational potential. Is it a
U= ...) scalar or vector ? Give the units and dimensions of
gravitational potential.
Some important points : Grayitational potential. The gravitational potential at
1.The negative sign inequation () indicates that the
point is the potential energY nSSOCiated with a unit mas
potential energy is due to the gravitational attraction between a position in the gravitational field of another body.
the earth and the body. \When the body is brought from i due toTheitsgravitational potential at a point in the gravitational
ininity toa distancer,work is done by the gravitational
force of attraction. As the mutual energy of the two bodies ield of abody is defined as the amount of work done in
is expended, so their energy reduces by this amount. bringing a body of unit mass from infinity to that point.
2. As the distance rinereases, the gravitational P.E. Gravitational poterntial,
increases because it becomes zero i.e., maximum. Work done W
V=
3. If a body of mass m is moved from a point at Mass
distance r to a point at distance r,, then the change in
potential energy of the body will be The gravitational potentiallis a scalar quantity. Its
2 SI unit is Jkg and cgs units is ergg.
The dimensional formula of gravitational potential
is (M°L?T
- GMm
35. Deriveexpression for. the gravitational potential
at a point in the gravitational field of the earth. How is
gravitational P.E. related to gravitational potential ?
If r>, then AU be negative. So when a body is
brought closer to the earth, its gravitation P.E. decreases. Gravitational potential at a point due to the earth.
The work done in bringing a body of
eartn jinfinity to a point at distance r from the mass from
4. If a body is moved from the surtace of the m
(r, = R) to a point at height habove the surface of the earth is centre of the
earth (r, =R+ h), then the charnge in its gravitation P.E.
will be
W= GMm
1 GMm
AU =GMm1R R +h R
1
R
R+h Hence the gravitational potential due to the earth at
distancer from its centre is
GMm V W
1- GM
R h
1+" m

At the surface of the earth, r= R,

GMm therefore
GM
R Asurface R

Applying bìnomial theorem, we get Relation between gravitational potential ener's)

AU=
and gravitational potential, From the above equations,
+ terms containing we find that

higher powers of J GMm

r

:.
Ifh <<R,then higher powers of h /Rcan be neglected. Gravitational
= potential energy
Gravitational potential x mass
 GRAV

earth, then
8.Z P8CAPE VELOCITY Ifp is the mean density of the
36befine escape velocity. 0btain an expression for Now M=zR²
3
theescape velocity of a body from the surface ofthe earth. 8np G R2 ...(iii)
Escape velocity. If we throw a ball into air, it rises 2G 4 R°p 3
certain height and falls back. If we throw it with a 3
to a different expres
oreater velocity, it rises to a greater height. If we throw Equations (i), (ii) and (iii) give Clearly, the escape
with a sufficient velocity, it will never com back. It sions for the escape velocity of a body.
from the gravitational pull of the earth. does not depend on the mass of the body projected.
will escape velocity
This minimum velocity is called escape velocity. For our Knowledge
Escape velocity is the minimum velocity withwhich a body
must be projected vertically upwards in order that it may msand R 6.4 x10 m, so
earth A Forthe earth,g =9.8
just escape the gravitational field of the v =/2gR
=2x9.8x 6.4 x106
Expression for escape velocity. =11.2x 103 ms=l1.2 kmns
1

Consider the earth to be a sphere of

mass Mand radius R with centre
O. we have
at dx deriving the expression for escape velocity,In actual
Suppose a body of mass n lies its A In on the body.
ieglected the air resistancevelocity is slightly greater
from
point P at distance x practice, the value of escape
8.28. The value.
centre, as shown in Fig. than the above
calculated
angle of
gravitational force of attraction on escape velocity does not depend on the earth
The surface. But as
the body at Pis projection from the earth'sit becomes easier to attain
GMm A rotates about its axis, so projected in the direction
F=
body is
escape velocity if the site
R is moving.
The small work done in moving in which the launch radius
distance escape velocity depends on the mass. and
the body through small
gravitational
A As the
surface of which the body
of the planet from theescape velocity is different for
is
PQ= dx against the Earth
projected, so value of
force is given by different planets.,
GMm dx Fig. 8.28 velocities
ASome importantescape
dW = Fdx =
from the Escape velocity
total work done in moving the body Heavenly body
The region beyond the
(x = R)to, a will be Moon
2.3 kms-1
surface of the earth the earth (x =o) 4.28 kms
gravitational field of Mercury
11.2 kms
GMm dx Earth
60 kms-1
R
Jupiter
Sun 618 kms,-1

= GMm [áx =Gm R

Neutron star 2 x 10 kms-1

GMm A A planet will have atmosphere if the root mean square

velocity of its atmospheric molecules is less than the
1 1
= GMm R
escape velocity for the given planet. That iswhy moon
kinetic has no atmosphere (u, =2.3 kms) while Jupiter has
escap velocity of the body,then the of the
, is the surface a thick atmosphere (v, =60 kms). Even the lightest
E
mu imparted to the body at the
work W. hydrogen cannot escape from its surface.
energy sufficient to perform
earth wii be just 2GM
1 GMm or Examples based on
2
mu? R
R
Escape Velocity of aSatellite
2GM ..) FORMULAE USED
Escape velocity R
2GM
GM or GM =gR? 1. V,= VR
As R2
UNITS UsED
2gR? ...(i)
Velocity v, is in ms
-1
radius R in metre.
v, R
 8.22 VNATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES
37. What is a satellite ?
Satellite. A satellite is a body which continuously Fig
revolves onits own aroundamuch larger body in a stable orbit.
38. What are natural and artificial satellites ? Give eart
examples.
Natural satellite. A satellite created by nature is called
a natural satellite. Moon is a natural satellite of the earth
which, in turn, is a satellite of the sun. In fact, each
planet is a satellite of the sun. The_planets Jupiter and
Saturn have fourteen and twelve satellites respectively.
Artificial satellite. A man made satellite is called an
artificial satellite. Russians were the first to put an
artificial satellite, SPUTNIK-L]in an orbit around the
earth on October 4, 1957. Since then, mnany a sa

satellites have been put into orbits around the artificial

to study various phenomena in the outer earth
earth
the earth's atmosphere. India entered regions of
space age on air re
April 19, 1975 by putting in orbit its first satellite veloc
Aryabhatta from Russian soil. India's list includes heigl
important satellites like INSAT-IA, INSAT-IB. satell
INSAT-2B, IRS-IC, INSAT-2D etc. rocke
 8.23 LAUNCHING OFASATELLITE
39. What is the principle of launching an artificial
satellite ?
Ans.Principle of a launching a satellite. Consider
ahigh tower with its top projecting outside the earth's
atmosphere. Let us throw a body horizontally from the
top of the tower with different velocities. When the
velocity is low, the body describes a parabolic path
under the effect of gravity and hits the earth's surface
at A. With somewhat larger velocity, its path is still
parabolic but hits the surface at B covering a larger
horizontal range. As we go on increasing the velocity
e
of horizontal projection, the body willhit the ground at
e
a point farther and farther from the foot of the tower.
At a certain horizontal velocity, the body will not hit
the earth, but willalways be in a state of free fall under
gravity and attempt to fal tothe earth þut missing it all
the time, Then the body will follow a stable circular
path around the earth and will become a satellite of the
earth. This horizontal velocity is caled orbita velocty.
Satellite

Stable
R orbit

Earth

ly
 GRAVITATION 8.31

stage. At lift off, the exhaust gases build up a very large provided
In equilibrium, the centripetal force is just
upthrust so that the rocket accelerates upwards. The by the gravitational pull of the earth, so
rocket rises vertically through the denser atmosphere mv, GMm
with aminimum time. When the fuel of the first stage R+h (R+ h)²
oets exhausted, its casing is detached. Now the rocket
is ilted gradually, the second stage comes into GM
operatiorn and its velocity increases further. The second R+h
stage gets detached. The final stage of the rocket turns GM ..()
the satellite in a horizontal direction and gives it a Orbital velocity, R+h
proper speed. With this speed, the satellite moves gravity on the earth's
around the earth in a stable orbit. Ifg is the acceleration due to
surface, then
8.24 eRBITAL VELOCITY GM
. Define orbital velocity of a satellite. Derive
expressions for the orbital velocity ofa satellite. Show or
GM= gR?
that the escape velocity of a body from the earth's
surface is v2 times its velocity in a circular orbit just Hence
=R 8
R+h
above the earth's surface. R+h

Orbital velocity. Orbital velocity is the velocity When the satellite revolves close to the surface of the
around the earth.. velocity. will become
required to put the satellite into its orbit earth, h =0and the orbital
Satellite
m
then ogR
As g=9.8 ms2 and R=6.4 x 10m, so
R+h =7.92 x 10 ms-1
V =9.8 x 6.4 x 10
-1
=7.92 kms
Some important points
Earth orbital velocity of
From equation (), it is clear that the
a satellite
satellite.
is independent of the mass of the
ii decreases with the increase in the radius of the orbit
velocity. and with increase in the height of the satellite.
Fig. 8.31 Orbital of the planet
velocity. In Fig. 8.31, let depends
Aiy about on the mass and radius
Expression for orbital which the satellite revolves.
earth,
M= mass of the Relation between orbital velocity and escape
earth,
R= radius of the
satellite
velocity. The escape velocity of a body from the earth's
the surface is
m= mass of satellite
velocity of the
Vo orbital surface
height of the satelliteabove the earth's
h= satellite The orbital velocity of a satellite revolving close to
of the
R+h= orbital radius the earth's surface is
gravitation, the force of
According to the law of
is
gravity on the satellite GMm /2gR. = V2
F=
(R + h? V&R
the satellite to
The centripetal force required by
orbit is Hence the escape vetocity of a body from the earth's
keep it in its
F=
surface is V2 times its velocity in a circular orbit just above
R+h the earth's surface.
 YSIGS-XI

42. Derive expressions for time period, height and Examples based on
angular momentum of a satellite. orbital Velocity of Satelites
Time period of a satellite. It is the time taken bya
FORMULAE USED
satellite to complete one revolution around the earth. It is
given by 1. Orbital velocity at a height h,
T=
Circumference of the orbit 2n(R+ h) GM gR =R8
Orbital velocity VR+h VR+h VR+h
Asorbital velocity, 2. When asatellite revolves close to earth's Surfa
GM
R+h

T= 2T(R+ h) (R+ h)³ 3. Time period of a satellite

GM GM 2r (R + h) ((R+ hj 2 (R + h3
R+h T
GM R
But g = GM/ R r. GM= gR, therefore 3r (R+ h)³
Gp R
T=2r (R+ h) ..)
4. Height of a satellite, h - -R
If the earth is a sphere of mean dernsity p, then its 41
mass would be
UNITS UsED
4
Neu, M= Volumex density =Rp Velocities U, andv are in ms 1 Rand h in metre.

.. T =2
(R+ h 3n(R+ h)³ EXAMPLE 44. An artificial satellite revolves around t.
4
Rp GpR earth at a height of 1000 km. The radius of the earth
6.38 x 10 km Mass of the earth is 6x 10* kg ar
When the satellite revolves close to the earth, h =0 and G=6.67 x 10* N kg. ind its orbital velocity an
the time period will be period of revolution.
R R |3T Solution. Here : h=1000 km =10° m,
T =2 VGM =2n
Gp R=6.38x 10° km =6.38 x10° m
Putting g =9.8 ms 2 and R =6.4 x 10° m, we get R+h=7.38 x10m, M=6x 104 kg
6.4 x 10 Orbital velocity,
T=2ny 9.8
= 5078 s= 84.6 min.
GM 6.67 x10- x6x 102
Height of a satellite above the earth's surface. VR+h 7.38 x 10
Squaring both sides of equation (), we get
= 7364 ms 1
T'= 4n(R+h) Period of revolution,
gR²
T=: 2n (R + h) 2rx7.38 x 10 =6297 s.
or (R+ h) = R+h= 7364
4 472 EXAMPLE 45. A remote sensing satellite of the earth
q1/3 revolves in a circular orbit at a height of 250 kmn above tne
Height of satellite, h - R earth's surface. What is the (i) orbital speed and (i) period of
4r revolution of the satellite ? Radius of the earth,
R=6.38 x106 m, and acceleration due to gravity on the
Angular momentum. The angular momentum of a surface of the earth, g =9.8 ns 2
satelite of mass mmoving with velocity v, in an orbit
of radius r(=R+h) is given by Solution. () Here g =9.8 ms
L=mu,= MGM r=vGMimr R =6.38x 10° m, h=250,000 m
R+h=6.38 x106+ 250.000 =6.63 x10" m