CHAPTER 8

GRAVITATION

Q. What is gravitation?
Study of force of attraction between any two material bodies is called gravitation.

Q. What is gravity?
The force of attraction between the earth and the body is called gravity.

Q. State and explain Newton’s law of gravitation.

Every body in the universe attracts every other body with a force which is
directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between them.
→
F
•
m1 m2
r
If m1 and m2 are the masses of two bodies separated by a distance r, then the
m 1 m2
2
gravitational force F between them is F  r
m m
G 12 2
F= r where G is called gravitational constant

Q. Write Newton’s law of gravitation in vector form.

→
F
•
m1 m2
r
→ m1 m2
F =G ^r
Gravitational force exerted by m1 on m2 is r2
where r is the distance between m1 and m2. G is the gravitational constant.
¿^
r ¿ is the unit vector in the direction of the force (i.e. from m2 to m1)

Note:
1. Properties of Gravitational force:
a) It is always attractive in nature.
b) It is the weakest among basic forces in nature.
c) It is conservative force.
d) It is a long range force.
2. Gravitational force obeys Newton’s third law.
3. Newton’s law of gravitation is valid for any two bodies in the universe hence it is
called universal law of gravitation.
Fr 2
4. G = m1 m2
SI unit of gravitational constant G is Nm2kg-2
[ MLT −2 ][ L2 ]
5. Dimensional formula of G = [ M2] = [M-1L3 T-2]
6. Value of G = 6.67  10-11 Nm2kg-2
7. The gravitational constant G does not depend on the masses of objects, the
distance or medium between them. It also does not depend on any other physical
parameters like temperature, pressure, presence electric or magnetic fields etc.
Hence G is considered to be universal and one of the basic constants of nature.

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Q. Define gravitational constant (G)
m1 m2
G
In the equation F = r2
G = F, if m1 = m2 = 1 and r = 1
 Gravitational constant is equal to the force of attraction between two bodies
each of unit masses separated by unit distance.

Q. Derive the relation between acceleration due to gravity (g) and the
gravitational constant (G).
Consider a body of mass ‘m’ on the surface of the earth of radius R and mass M.
According to Newton’s II law, the gravitational force exerted on the body
F = mg ----------- (1)
where g is acceleration due to gravity nearer to the surface of the earth.
According to Newton’s law of gravitation, the gravitational force between the
Mm
G
earth and the body close to the surface of the earth is F = R 2 -------- (2)
Mm
G
From (1) and (2), mg = R2
GM
2
g= R

Note:
1. Above expression is used to find the acceleration due to gravity
very close to the surface of any planet.
2. The value of g is independent of the mass of the body but depends on the mass
and radius of the planet.
3. The value of g varies from place to place on the surface of the earth due to its
shape or radius.
4. The average value of g on the earth is about 9.8 ms-2
GM 6 .67×1011 ×5 .97×1024
2
= =
g= R (6378×103 )2 9.8 ms-2
5. The value of g on the moon is 1.622 ms-2 where as that on the sun is 274 ms-2.

Q. Obtain the relation between the acceleration due to gravity and density of
earth.
Let M be the mass of the earth and R be its radius. Let ρ be the mean density of
earth.
mass
density =
W. k. that volume

 Mass of the earth

M= density × volume = ρ ( 43 ) π R 3

GM G ρ 4 πR3 4 π ρ G R
g= = =
Acceleration due to gravity R2 3 R2 3

Q. Explain the variation of g with altitude or height.

Let M be the mass of earth and R be its radius. Let g be the acceleration due to
gravity on the surface of earth.
GM
g= .. .. . .. .. . ( 1 )
Then R2 where G is the gravitational constant
Let g’ be the acceleration due to gravity at a height h from the earth’s surface.

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 GM
g '= . . .. .. . .. ( 2 )
i.e. ( R+ h ) 2 •g 1

R+h 2
( ) ( )
2
g h h
= = 1+
Eqn (1)/ (2) gives, g ' R R g
•
g
g '= R
( )
2
h
1+ •o
Or R ……..(3) Earth

( ) h −2 M
1+
g’ = g R

If h < < R, then g = g ’ (1− 2Rh ) ----- (4) [Using binomial expansion
( 1+ x )n≈1+nx

( ) ≈(1− 2Rh )
−2
h
1+
R ]
From (3) and (4) it follows that the acceleration due to gravity decreases with
increase in altitude or height.

Q. Explain the variation of g with depth.

g
d
g'
R- d

M’

Let M be the mass and  be the density of the earth of radius R.

GM
2
The acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth is g = R ………..
(1)
where G is the gravitational constant
Let g’ be the acceleration due to gravity at a depth d below the surface of the
earth.
Then g’ is a result of mass M’ of the sphere of radius R – d.
GM '
g '= . . .. .. . .. .(2)
Acceleration due to gravity at a depth d is ( R−d )2

Eqn (2)/(1) gives g

g' M ' R 2
=
M R−d ---- (3) ( )
R−d 3
( )
3
M ' ρ ( 4 /3 ) π ( R−d )
=
But
M ρ ( 4 /3 ) π R3 = R ( mass = density × volume)

3
 ( )( )
3
g ' R−d R 2 R−d
= =
 In eqn (3) g R R−d R

( dR )
g '=g 1−
……….. (4)
 Acceleration due to gravity decreases with the depth from the
earth’s surface.

Q. What is the value of mass, acceleration due to gravity

and weight at earth’s centre?
Mass of the body at centre of earth doesn’t change it is = m

At the centre of the earth d = R,  g’ =

(
g 1−
d
R ) ( R
=g 1− =0
R )
Weight of the body at earth’s centre W = 0. ( At earth’s centre
g=0W =0).

Note:
g is maximum on the surface of the earth as the height or depth from the surface
increases acceleration due to gravity decreases.

Q. Explain the variation of g due to shape of the earth.

If g is the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth of radius R and
mass M then P
GM
2 E
g= R
1
2
Since G and M are constant g  R
Due to ellipsoidal shape of the earth the equatorial radius is
greater than polar radius. (by nearly 22km)
Thus g is maximum at the poles than at the equator.

Q. What is gravitational field?

The space around a material body in which other bodies experience gravitational
force is called gravitational field.

Q. Define gravitational intensity.

Gravitational intensity at a point in the gravitational field is defined as the force
experienced by unit mass placed at that point.

Note:
1. If F is the gravitational force experienced by a mass m then gravitational
intensity
E = F/m
2. SI unit of gravitational intensity is Nkg-1 or ms-2
3. Dimensional formula of gravitational intensity is [LT -2] which is same as that of
acceleration.
4. It is a vector quantity directed towards the centre of the earth.

Q. Define gravitational potential energy.

Gravitational potential energy of a body at a point is defined as the work done in
moving a body from infinity to that point in the gravitational field.

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Q. Derive the expression for gravitational potential energy of a body.

R x m
M   
P B  dx  A
O r

Consider a body of mass m placed at a point A, distant x from the centre of the
earth of mass M and radius R.
Mm
F=G
Gravitational force exerted by the earth on the body is x 2 …… (1)
If dW is the work done in moving m from A to B through a small distance dx
then
GMm
dW =F dx= ( dx )
x2 From (1)
 Total work done in moving the body from infinity (x = ) to the point P ( x =
r) is

[ ]
x=r x =r x =r x=r
GMm 1 1
W = ∫ dW = ∫ 2 dx=GMm ∫ 2 dx= GMm −
x =∞ x=∞ x x=∞ x x x=∞

1 1
W =−GMm −∞ =−
r [ ] GMm
r
This work done is stored in the body as gravitational potential energy
i.e. U = W
 Gravitational potential energy of a body of mass m at a distance r (>R) from
GMm
U =−
earth’s centre is r
Note:
1. Work done in moving a body from infinity to a point in gravitational field is
negative. (Work is done by the gravitational field)
Work done in moving a body from a point to infinity against gravitational field is
positive.
2. Work done in moving a body from a point in gravitational field to infinity against
GMm
W=
gravitational field is r
where r = R + h
3. Work done in moving a body from surface of the earth to infinity against
GMm
W=
gravitational field is R = mgR GM = gR2
4. Gravitational potential energy at infinity is zero.

Q. Write a note on satellite.

Satellite is an object moving round a planet in a closed and stable orbit. If it is
created by nature it is called natural satellite. e.g. Moon is the natural satellite of
earth.
A man made satellite is called artificial satellite. e.g. Aryabhata is the first Indian
satellite.
Q. What are the two types of artificial satellites?
Two types of artificial satellites are a) Geostationary satellites and b) polar
satellites.

Q. Distinguish between geo-stationary satellite and polar

satellite?

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 Geostationary satellites Polar satellites
A satellite, which appears to be stationary Satellites revolving around the earth from pole to
w.r.t earth is called a geo-stationary pole are known as polar satellites.
satellite.
Period of geo-stationary satellite is same as Their period of revolution is about 100min.
that of rotation of the earth, i.e., 24hrs.
Orbital velocity of geo-stationary satellite Orbital velocity is about 7.5kms-1. (at a height
is approximately 3.08kms-1. 1000km)
It revolves in the equatorial plane from They orbit around the earth from north pole to
west to east. south pole.
Its height from the earth’s surface is nearly Polar satellites are low altitude satellites. Their
36,000km. heights from earth’s surface is nearly 500km to
1000km.

Note:
Geostationary satellites are INSAT-1A, INSAT-1B, INSAT-2B etc.
Polar satellites are IRS-1A, IRS-1B, IRS-1C etc.

Q. Write a note on IRS (Indian remote sensing satellite) and communication

satellites.
Method of acquiring information about earth’s surface using satellite is called
remote sensing. Satellites used for this purpose are called remote sensing
satellite.
Remote sensing satellites are polar satellites.
Remote sensing satellites or polar satellites are used
1. for mapping of forests (or to study deforestation)
2. for mapping of rivers, reservoirs
3. for pollution monitoring.
4. for weather forecasting, prediction and warning of cyclones, mapping of flood
affected areas
5. to study state of sea, wind speed.
Communication satellites are basically geo-stationary satellites. They are used for
telephone and mobile communication, broadcasting of radio and television.

Q. What is orbital velocity of a satellite? Obtain the

expression for orbital velocity.
v m, Satellite

r =R+h

Earth, M

The velocity with which a satellite revolves in its closed stable orbit is called its
orbital velocity.
Consider a satellite revolving in an orbit of radius r around the earth of mass M
and radius R.
If vo is the orbital velocity of the satellite then centripetal force required for the
satellite is provided by gravitational force of attraction between the earth and
satellite.
mv 2o GMm
=
i.e. r r2 where G is gravitational constant

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 v o=
√ GM
r ………….(1)
But r = R + h, where h is height of the satellite from earth’s surface.

 Orbital velocity of a satellite around a planet is vo = √ GM

R+ h

Note:
1. Time taken by the satellite to complete one revolution in its orbit is known as
time period.
2. Distance travelled by the satellite to complete one revolution = circumference of
the orbit = 2r
distance 2πr
T= =
Period of a satellite
orbital velocity vo
2π r
T=

3.
Or √ GM
r =
2π
r3
√
GM From (1)
Orbital velocity and time period of a satellite is independent of its mass.

4.
v o=
√ GM gR 2
R+h = R+ h √  GM = gR2

√ √
3
( R+h )3 2 π ( R+h )
2π
T= GM = gR 2
5. When the satellite is very close to the planet then h << R,

vo =
GM
R√=√ gR

R3
T = 2 GM √
=2 π
R
g √
where g is the acceleration due to gravity near the surface of
the planet
6. Time period of revolution of moon around the earth is 27.3 days.
7. Above equations are applicable to find velocity and time period of planets, where
M is the mass of the sun.

Q. What is escape speed of a body? Arrive at the expression

for the escape speed of the body from the surface of the
earth.
The minimum speed with which a body must be projected so that it escapes from
the earth’s gravitational pull is called escape speed.
Work done in moving a body of mass m from earth surface to infinity against
GMm
gravitational field is W = R where M is the mass of the earth of
radius R and G is gravitational constant.
If the energy for this work is given in the form of initial kinetic energy, then body
will escape into infinity.
Let ve be the minimum speed of the body on the surface of the earth so that it
1 GM m
m v 2e =
escapes from gravitational force of earth then 2 R

or Escape speed
v e=
√
2 GM
R = 2gR √
due to gravity near the surface of the earth.
where
GM
g= 2
R is acceleration

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Note:
1. Escape speed is independent of mass of the body.
2. Escape speed is independent of angle of projection or direction of projection.

3. √
In ve = 2gR by substituting g = 9.8 ms-2 and R = 6378 km we get escape
velocity from the surface of the earth as 11.2 kms-1.
4. Escape velocity from the surface of the moon is 2.4 kms -1 and on
the surface of sun it is 617.7 kms-1.

5.
As height increases escape speed decreases.
√
2 GM 2 gR 2
Escape speed at a height h above the surface of earth is ve = R+ h = R +h √
6. Escape speed and orbital speed of a satellite revolving close to earth’s surface are
related by ve = √ o
2v
7. Thermal (rms) velocity of any gas molecule on the moon is greater than escape
velocity on its surface. Hence moon has no atmosphere.
Q. Based on whose collection of astronomical data did
Johannes Kepler extract the three laws?
Tycho Brahe

Q. State and explain Kepler’s laws of planetary motion.

I law (Law of orbits): Every planet moves in an elliptical orbit around the sun
with sun at one of the foci.

Planet

Sun
Elliptical orbit

II law (Law of areas): The line joining the planet to the sun sweeps out equal
areas in equal interval of time or areal velocity (area covered in unit time) of the
planet is constant.
This law shows that planet moves faster when it is closer to the sun and slower
when it is away from the sun such that r  v = constant
where r is the distance of the planet from the sun and v is the corresponding
velocity.
III law (Law of periods): The square of period of revolution of any planet is
directly proportional to the cube of the semi major axis of the elliptical orbit
(average distance between the sun and the planet)

Planet

a
Sun b
Elliptical orbit

According to this law T2  a3, where T is the period of revolution of the planet
and ‘a’ is semi major axis of the elliptical orbit of the planet.

Note:
2 3
1. If elliptical orbit is considered as circular orbit then T ∝ r ,
where r is the average distance of the planet from the sun.

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 [ ] [ ]
2 3
T1 r1
=
T2 r
2. If T1 and T2 be the periods of two planets then 2

where r1 and r2 are the average distances of planets from the

sun.

CHAPTER – 08: GRAVITATION

1. If two spheres of equal mass with centres 0.2m apart attract each other with a
force of 9.8 x 106N, what should be the value of their masses? (G = 6.67 x 10
– 11
SIU.)

2. Calculate the mass and density of the earth from the following data.
Gravitational constant = 6.6710-11 Nm2kg-2
Radius of the earth = 6.4  106m
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 ms-2
3. If the mass of the earth is 100 times that of the moon and its diameter 5 times
that of moon, compare the weight of a body on the surface of the moon with its
weight on the surface of the earth. [Model Paper]
4. The acceleration due to gravity on moon is 1.7 ms -2 and its radius is 0.27 times
the radius of the earth. Calculate the ratio of mass of the earth to the mass of
the moon. The acceleration due to gravity on the earth’s surface is 9.8 ms -2.
[DK-2014]
5. Find the acceleration due to gravity at a point (i) 64km above (ii) 32 km below
the surface of the earth, given that the radius of the earth is 6400 km. g on the
earth's surface is 9.8 ms-2.
6. At what height from the surface of the earth will the value of g will reduce to
64% of its value on the surface of earth? R = 6400 km
7. A body weighs 63 N on the surface of the earth. What is the gravitational force
on it due to the earth at a height equal to half the radius of the earth? Given
that the radius of the earth = 6400 km. [NCERT, Model Paper]
8. Assuming the earth to be a sphere of uniform mass density, how much would a
body weigh half way down to the centre of the earth if it weighed 250 N on the
surface? [NCERT]
9. An artificial satellite revolves in a circular orbit at a height 600 km above the
earth’s surface. What is the orbital velocity? Radius of the earth = 6400 km. g =
9.8 ms – 2
10. A satellite revolves round the earth in a circular orbit once 90 minute. If the
radius of earth is 6400 km, how high is the satellite above the earth? (g= 9.8
ms – 2)
11. A small satellite moves around a planet in a circular orbit close to its surface.
Calculate the period of revolution if the mean density of the planet is 8000 kgm
3
. G = 6.673  10–11 Nm2kg – 2
12. An earth satellite in a circular orbit at a height of 200 km above the earth’s
surface has a period of 80 minutes. Calculate the mass of the earth from this
data. Radius of the earth = 6400 km. [Model Paper]
13. You are given the following data: g = 9.81 ms–2, RE = 6.37× 106 m, the
distance to the moon R = 3.84× 108 m and the time period of the moon’s
revolution is 27.3 days. Obtain the mass of the Earth ME in two different ways. G
= 6.67  10–11 Nm2kg – 2 [NCERT EXAMPLE]
14. Escape velocity of a body from earth is 11.2 kms –1. Find the value of escape
velocity of a body on the surface of Mars. Mars has a mass 1/9 and radius 1/2
that of the earth.

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15. The escape speed of a projectile on the earth’s surface is 11.2 kms –1. A body is
projected out with thrice this speed. What is the speed of the body far away
from the earth? Ignore the presence of the sun and other planets. [NCERT]
16. Jupiter has a mass 318 times that of the earth and its radius is 11.2 times the
earth’s radius. Estimate the escape velocity of a body from Jupiter’s surface,
given that the earth’s radius is 6400 km. g = 9.8 ms –2.
17. Find the mass of the sun if the radius of the earth orbit = 1.5  108 km and the
gravitational constant = 6.67  10–11 Nm2kg–2. Period of revolution of earth is 1
year. [NCERT]
18. The planet Mars take 1.88 years to complete on revolution around the sun. If
the mean distance of the earth from the Sun is 1.5 × 108 km, then calculate
that of planet Mars. Time period of revolution of the earth is 1 year. [Model
paper]
19. The planet Mars has two moons, phobos and delmos. (i) phobos has a period 7
hours, 39 minutes and an orbital radius of 9.4 × 103 km. Calculate the mass of
mars. (ii) Assume that earth and mars move in circular orbits around the sun,
with the Martian orbit being 1.52 times the orbital radius of the earth. What is
the length of the Martian year in days?
G = 6.67  10 – 11 Nm2kg – 2 [NCERT EXAMPLE]
20. A rocket is fired from the earth towards the sun. At what distance from the
earth’s centre is the gravitational force on the rocket zero? Mass of the sun =
2× 1030 kg, mass of the earth = 6× 1024 kg. Neglect the effect of other planets
etc. (orbital radius = 1.5 × 1011 m). [NCERT]
21. A rocket is fired vertically upwards with a speed of 5 kms -1 from the earth’s
surface. How far the earth does the rocket go before returning to earth.
Mass of earth = 6 x 1024 kg
Mean radius of the earth = 6.4 x 106 m
G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm2 kg-2[NCERT, DK-2014]

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