Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Discuss the variation of g with height and depth.

2ℎ
Ans. (a) Effect of Altitude: when ℎ is comparable with R and h < < R. 𝑔′ = 𝑔 (1 − 𝑅
)

From these relations, we conclude that acceleration due to gravity decreases with increases in
height from the surface of earth.
𝑔−𝑔 ′ 2ℎ
(i) Fractional decrease in the value of g with height = =
𝑔 𝑅

𝑔−𝑔 ′ 2ℎ
(ii) % decrease in the value of g =( 𝑔
) × 100 =
𝑅
× 100%

(b) Effect of depth:

(i) The acceleration due to gravity decreases with increase in depth d and becomes zero at the
center of the earth.
(ii) Decrease in the value of g with depth, ∆𝑔 = 𝑔 − 𝑔′
𝑔𝑑
= 𝑅

𝑔−𝑔 ′ 𝑑
∴ Fractional decrease in the value of g with depth = 𝑔
=𝑅

𝑔−𝑔 ′ 𝑑
(iii) % decrease in the value of g with depth × 100 = × 100%
𝑔 𝑅

Q.2. What are the main features of gravitational force?

Ans. Following are the main features of gravitational force:
(i) It is always an attractive force.
(ii) It is independent of the medium between the particles.
(iii) It holds good over a wide range of distances (i.e., from interplanetary distances to
interatomic distances.)
(iv) It is an action-reaction pair, i.e., the force of attraction exerted by body A on body B is equal
to the force of attraction exerted by body B on body A. However, the acceleration of the two
bodies will not be equal.
(v) The gravitational force between two particles is independent of presence or absence of other
particles.
(vi) The total gravitational force on one particle due to number of particles is the resultant of
forces of attraction exerted on the given particle due to individual particles, i.e.,
F = F1 + F2 + F3 + …..
It proves that the principle of superposition is valid.
(vii) It expresses, the force between point masses.
(viii) It is a conservative force, i.e., the work done in moving a particle once around a closed
path under the action of gravitational force is zero.
Q.3. (i) Derive escape velocity.
(ii) Derive expression for the escape velocity of an object from the surface of planet.
(iii) Does it depend on location from where it is projected?
Ans. (i) Escape velocity on earth (or any other planet) is defined as the minimum velocity with
which the body has to be projected vertically upwards from the surface of earth (or any other
planet) so that it just crosses the gravitational field of earth (or of that planet) and never returns
on its own.
(ii) Let earth be perfect sphere of mass M, radius R with centre at O. Let a body of mass m to be
projected from a point A on the surface of earth (planet). Join OA and produce it further. Take
two points P and Q at a distance 𝑥 and (𝑥 + 𝑑𝑥) from the centre of the earth.

Gravitational force of attraction on the body at P is F = GM𝑚/𝑥 2

This much force has to be applied on the body in the upward direction.
Work done in taking the body against gravitational attraction from P to Q is.
𝐺𝑀𝑚
𝑑𝑊 = 𝐹𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥2
𝑑𝑥
Total work done in taking the body against gravitational attraction from surface of earth (i.e., 𝑥 =
𝑅) to a region beyond the gravitational field of earth (i.e., 𝑥 = ∞) can be calculated by
integrating the above expression with the limit, 𝑥 = 𝑅 to 𝑥 = ∞
Thus total work done is
∞ 𝐺𝑀𝑚
W = ∫𝑅 𝑥2
𝑑𝑥
∞
= 𝐺𝑀𝑚 ∫𝑅 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
∞
𝑥 −2+1
= 𝐺𝑚𝑚 [ −2+1 ]
𝑅

1 ∞
= −𝐺𝑀𝑚 [𝑥 ]
𝑅

1 1
= −𝐺𝑀𝑚 [∞ − 𝑅]
𝐺𝑀𝑚
=
𝑅

This work is done at the cost of kinetic energy given to the body at the surface of the earth. If 𝑣1
is the escape velocity of the body projected from the surface of earth, then
Kinetic energy of the body,
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
2
𝑚𝑣𝑒2 = 𝑅
2𝐺𝑀
𝑣𝑒2 = 𝑅

2𝐺𝑀
𝑣𝑒 = √ 𝑅
…(i)

𝐺𝑀
But, 𝑔= 𝑅2

or, GM = 𝑔R2
Putting this value in (1),

2𝑔𝑅 2
𝑣𝑒 = √ 𝑅
…(2)

= √2𝑔𝑅

(iii) The value of escape velocity depends upon the mass and radius of the planet of the surface
from which the body is to be projected. Clearly, the value of escape velocity of a body will be
different for different planets.
Q.4. A star like the sun has several bodies moving around it at different distances.
Consider that all of them are moving in circular orbits. Let r be the distance of the body
from the centre of the star and let its linear velocity be v, angular velocity w, kinetic
energy K, gravitational potential energy U, total energy E and angular momentum 1. As
the radius r of the orbit increases, determine which of the above quantities increases and
which ones decreases.

Ans. Consider a body of mass m is rotating around the star s in circular path of radius r.
(i) Orbital velocity –

𝐺𝑀 1
𝑣𝑜 = √ 𝑟
or 𝑣 ∝
√𝑟

Orbital Velocity decreases

2𝜋
(ii) Angular velocity
𝑇

By Kepler’s III law

T2 ∝ 𝑟3 or T2 = K𝑟3
2𝜋 1
ω= 3 or ω ∝
√𝑟3
𝐾𝑟 2

Hence, angular velocity decreases.

1 𝐺𝑀 1
(iii) Kinetic Energy K = 𝑚 or K ∝
2 𝑟 𝑟

Hence K, decreases on increasing the radius.

(iv) Gravitational Potential Energy,
−𝐺𝑀𝑚
U= 𝑟
−1
or U∝ 𝑟

So, on increasing radius of circular orbit the U increases.

(v) Total energy,
𝐺𝑀𝑚 𝐺𝑚𝑚
E=K+U= 2𝑟
+ (− 𝑟
)
𝐺𝑀𝑚
E=− 2𝑟

So, increasing the radius, E will also be increased.

𝐺𝑀
(vi) Angular momentum L = mvr = 𝑚𝑟√ 𝑟

L = 𝑚√𝐺𝑀𝑟 or L ∝ √𝑟, increases

Q.5. Six point masses of mass m each are at the vertices of a regular hexagon of side L.
Calculate the force on any of the masses.

Ans. Let us consider the following diagram in which size point masses are placed at six sides.
A, B, C, D, E, F.
AC = AG + GC + = 2AG
= 2I cos 30o

= 2I√3/2 = √3 I = AE

AD = AH + HJ + JD
= I sin 30o + I + I sin 30o

=2I
𝐺𝑀𝑚
Force on A due to B, 𝑓1 = I2
along A to B

𝐺𝑚 2
= I2

𝐺𝑚.𝑚
Force on A due to C, F 2 =
(√3I)2

𝐺𝑚 2
= along A to C [∵ AC = √3 I]
3I2

𝐺𝑚.𝑚
Force on A due to D, F3 = (2I)3

𝐺𝑚 2
= 4I2
along A to D [∵ AD = 2I]
𝐺𝑚.𝑚
Force on A due to E,, F4 = (√3I)2

𝐺𝑚 2
= 3I2
along A to E
𝐺𝑚.𝑚
Force on A due to F, F5 = (I)2
along A to F

𝐺𝑚 2
= along A to F
I2
Resultant force due to F1 and F5,

F1 = √𝐹12 + 𝐹52 + 2𝐹2 𝐹5 cos 120o

𝐺𝑚 2
= along A to D [Angle b/w 𝐹1 and 𝐹5 = 120o]
I2

Resultant force due to 𝐹2 and 𝐹4 ,

𝐹1 = √𝐹22 + 𝐹42 + 2𝐹2 𝐹4 cos 600

√3𝐺𝑚 2 𝐺𝑚 2
= 3I2
= along A to D
√3I2

∵ Net force along A to D = F1 + F2 + F3

𝐺𝑚 2 𝐺𝑚 2 𝐺𝑚 2
= I2
+ +
√3I2 4I2

𝐺𝑚 2 1 1
= (1 + + 4)
I2 √3

Q.6. A satellite is to be placed in equatorial geostationary orbit around earth for

communication.
(a) Calculate height of such a satellite.
(b) Find out the minimum number of satellites that are needed to cover entire earth so
that at least one satellite is visible from any point on the equator..

[M = 6 × 1024 kg, R = 6400 km. T = 24 H, G = 6.67 × 10-11 SI units]

Ans. Mass of earth, M = 6 ∓ 1024 kg
Radius of earth, R = 6400 km
= 6.4 × 106 m
Time, T = 24 × 3600s = 24 × 36 × 100s
G = 6.67 × 10-11 N.m2kg2
Orbital Radius = R + h

GM GM
(a) Orbital velocity, v𝑜 = √R+h or vo2 = R+h

2𝜋(R+h) (2𝜋)2 (R+h)2

∴T= v𝑜
or T2 = v2𝑜

4𝜋 2(R+h)2(R+h) 4𝜋 2(R+h)3
T2 = v𝑜
= GM

T2 GM
Or (R+h)3 = 4𝜋 2
1
T2 GM 3
Or h = ( 4𝜋 2
) −R
 1/3
(24×3600)2×(6.67×10−11)×(6×1024 )
h=( ) − 6.4 × 106
4×(3.15)2

= 4.23 × 107 – 6.4 × 106

= (42.3 – 6.3) × 106
= 3.59 × 107 m
(b) Let satellite S is at h metre above earth surface. Let angle subtended by satellite at center of
earth 2θ. Then,
In ∆CAO
𝑅 1
cos θ = 𝑅+ℎ = ℎ
(1+ )
𝑅

ℎ = 3.59 × 107 m

R = 6.4 × 106 m
1
cos θ = ℎ
(1+ )
𝑅

1
cos θ = 3.59×107
1+
6.40×106

1 1
cos θ = =
1+5.6 6.6

cos θ = 0.1515 or θ = 81.28o

2θ = 81.28 × 2

360𝑜
∴ Number of satellite to cover 360 o = 81.28×2

= 2.21
∴ Minimum number of satellites = 3
Q.7. Earth’s orbit is an ellipse with eccentricity 0.0167. Thus, earth’s distance from the
sun and speed as it moves around the sun varies from day to day. This means that the
length of the solar day is not constant through the year. Assume that earth’s spin axis is
normal to its orbital plane and find out the length of the shortest and the longest day. A
day should be taken from moon to noon. Does this explain variation of length of the day
during the year?
Ans. Let us consider the following diagram.

Let the mass of earth be 𝑚, 𝑣𝑝 , 𝑣𝑎 be velocity of earth at perigee and apogee respectively.

𝑤𝑝 and 𝑤𝑒 are angular velocities.

Angular momentum and areal velocity are constant as the earth orbits the sun.
At perigee 𝑟𝑝2 𝜔2 = 𝑟𝑝2 𝜔𝑎 at apogee.

If ‘a’ is the semi-major axis of earth’s orbit, then

𝑟𝑝 = 𝑎 (1 − 𝑒) and 𝑟𝑎 = 𝑎(1 + 𝑒).
𝜔𝑝 1+𝑒 2
∴ 𝜔 = (1−𝑒 ) , e = 0.0167
𝑎

𝜔
∴ 𝜔𝑝 = 1.0691
𝑎

Let ω be angular speed which is geometric mean of 𝜔𝑝 and 𝜔𝑎 and corresponds to mean solar
day.
𝜔 𝜔
∴ (𝜔𝑝 ) (𝜔 ) = 1.0691
𝑎 𝑎

𝜔𝑝 𝜔
∴ = = 1.034
𝜔𝑎 𝜔𝑎

If ω corresponds to 1o per day (mean angular speed), then 𝜔𝑝 = 1.034o per day and 𝜔𝑎 = 0.967 o
per day. Since 361o = 24 hrs: mean solar day, we get 361.034 o which corresponds to 24 hrs
8.14’’ (8.1’’ longer) and 360.967 corresponds to 23 hrs 59 min 52’’ (7.9’’ smaller).
This does not explain the actual variation of the length of the day during the year.
Q.8. A satellite is in elliptic orbit around the earth with aphelion of 6R and perihelion of 2
R where R = 6400 km is the radius of the earth. Find eccentricity of the orbit. Find the
velocity of the satellite at apogee and perigee. What should be done if this satellite has to
be transferred to a circular orbit of radius 6R?
[G = 6.67 × 10-11 SI unit and M = 6 × 1024 kg.]
Ans. Given
Radius or perihelion, 𝑟𝑝 = 6R

Radius of aphelion, 𝑟𝑎 = 2 R
Hence,
𝑟𝑎 = 𝑎 (1 + 𝑒) = 6R …(1)
𝑟𝑝 = 𝑎 (1 − 𝑒) = 2R …(2)

From (I) & (II)

1
eccentricity, e = 2

From law of conservation of angular momentum, angular momentum oat perigee = angular
momentum at apogee

∴ 𝑚𝑣𝑝 𝑟𝑝 = 𝑚𝑣𝑎 𝑟𝑎
𝑣𝑎 1
∴ = .
𝑣𝑝 3

Applying low of Conservation of Energy :

Energy at perigee = Energy at apogee
(Where M is mass of earth)
1 𝐺𝑀𝑚 1 𝐺𝑀𝑚
2
𝑚𝑣𝑝2 − 𝑟𝑎
= 2 𝑚𝑣𝑎2 − 𝑟𝑎

(where M is the mass of a earth)

1 1 1 1 1
∴ 𝑣𝑝2 (1 − 9) = −2𝐺𝑀 [𝑟 − 𝑟 ] = 2𝐺𝑀 [𝑟 − 𝑟 ]
𝑎 𝑝 𝑎 𝑝

v𝑝
Putting v𝑎 =
3
1/2
1 1 2𝐺𝑀 1 1 1/2
2𝐺𝑀[ − ] [ − ]
𝑟𝑝 𝑟𝑎 𝑅 2 6
𝑣𝑝 = 2 1/2
=[ 1 ]
𝑣 (1− )
[1−( 𝑎) ] 9
𝑣𝑝

1
2 2
3 𝐺𝑀
=( 8
𝑅
)
9

3 𝐺𝑀 𝑘𝑚
= √4 𝑅
= 6.85 𝑠

𝑣𝑝 = 6.85 𝑘𝑚/𝑠
𝑣𝑝
𝑣𝑎 = 3

𝑣𝑒 = 2.28 𝑘𝑚/𝑠.
For circular orbit of radius 𝑟,

𝐺𝑀
For 𝑟 =6R, 𝑣𝑒 = √ 6𝑅 = 3.23 𝑘𝑚/𝑠.
Hence to transfer to a circular orbit at apogee, we have to boost the velocity by ∆ = (3.23 – 2.28)
= 0.95 km/s. this can be done by suitably firing rockets from the satellite.