GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

GRAVITATION

2- MARKS-LEVEL-I
1. An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit around the earth has a total (kinetic + potential)
energy is E0. Find its potential Energy. [2]
GMm
1 Total energy = - = E0
2r
GMm
P.E. = - = 2E 0
r

2. From a sphere of mass ‘M’ and radius ‘R’ a

small sphere of radius 2R/3 is removed from
M
an edge as shown in the figure. Then 2R/3
m
calculate the ratio of work done to bring a P
Q O
mass m from ‘P’ to ‘Q’ through POQ and
through PLQ ? (Neglect friction if any)
L

2. Work done is independent of path traversed (by conservative force)

 WPOQ : WPLQ = 1 : 1

3. What is the value of acceleration due to gravity at a height equal to the radius of earth from
its surface? [2]
3. g/4

4. A particle is projected from the surface of earth with an initial speed of 4.0 km/s. Find the
maximum height attained by the particle. Radius of earth = 6400 km and g = 9.8 m/s2 [2]
4. The maximum height attained by the particle is
v2
h=
v2
2g −
R
( 4.0  10 3 ) 2
h= = 935 km.
( 4.0  10 3 ) 2
2  9 .8 −
6.4  10 6
5. A particle is released from one end of a smooth tunnel made along a diameter of a spherical
body of mass M and radius R. Find the speed of the particle when it reaches at the centre of
the sphere. [2]
5. from COE.
GMm 1 3 GMm
- + 0 = mv 2 −
R 2 2 R
1 GMm
 mv 2 =
2 2R
GM
v= .
R

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2 Marks – II
1. The masses and radii of two fixed bodies are 2M, R and M, 2R . Their centre are at a
distance 10 R apart. What is the minimum speed with which a particle of mass M/10 should
be projected from a point, midway between the two so as to escape to infinite. [2]

1. Potential energy midway between 2M and M.

2GMM ( −GM ) M
=- +
5R(10 ) 5R 10
Potential energy at infinity = 0
For minimum speed K.E. at infinity should be zero.
3GM 2 1  M  2
By COE, - +  v = 0
50R 2  10 
6GM
v= .
5R

2. Two satellites A and B revolve around a planet in coplanar circular orbit in the same direction
with period of revolutions 1 hour and 8 hours respectively. The radius of satellite A is 104 km
then find the angular speed of ‘B’ with respect to A ? [3]
2 3
T  R 
2. A/c to kepler’s III law  1  =  1 
 T2   R2 
2/3
8
 RB =   (10 4 ) = 4  10 4 km
 1
2R A 2  10 4
vA = = = 2  10 4 km / h
TA 1
2RB 2  4  10 4
vB = = =   10 4 km / h
TB 8
 relative velocity of ‘B’ w.r.t. A is [vB – vA ] = -   104 km/h.
v − vA
 relative angular speed of ‘B’ w.r.t. A is = B
RB − R A
  10 4 
= = rad/hour
4  10 − 1 10
4 4
3

3. What is the magnitude of the gravitational force on the particle of M m

mass m due to the rod as shown in the figure? L d
[2]

3. As ‘m’ is a point mass, consider an element on the rod at distance r from m,

M
G(m)   dr dm
r
G(m). (dm ) L m
dF = 2
=
r r2 dr

L +d
GMm 1
or, F=  L
. 2 dr
r
d

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

GMm L +d 1 GMm
F= .  2 dr =
L d r d(L + d)

4. A missile is launched at an angle of 600 to the vertical with a velocity 0.75 gR from the
surface of the earth (R is the radius of the earth). Find its maximum height from the surface
of earth. (Neglect air resistance and rotation of earth.) [6]
4. From conservation of mechanical energy
1 GMm 1 GMm
mv 02 − = mv 12 − . . . (i) 60
0

2 R 2 R+h
h
Also from conservation of angular momentum v1
mv0R sin 600 = mv1 (R + h) . . . (ii)
R
3GM
Solving (i) and (ii) and putting v0 = ,
4R
we get
h  0.25 R (Approx.)

5. 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 earth. If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its
orbit and allowed to fall freely onto the earth, find the speed with which it hits the surface of
the earth. (RE = 6400 km).

5. By conservation of ME
 GMm  1  GMm 
0 + −  = mv 2 +  − 
 r  2  R 
1 1 
or v2 = 2GM  −  [as r = R + h = R + R = 2R]
 R 2R 
GM
or v= = gR = 10  64  10 5 = 8 km / s
R

6. Five masses each of magnitude m are kept at the corners of B C

regular hexagon of side a. Find the gravitational field at the
centre O of the hexagon. D
A
O

E
[2]
 
6. E OB = −E OE
 
FOA = −FOD
 GM
FOC = 2
a
7. Find the potential energy of interaction between R m
a solid sphere of mass M and radius R and a
rod of mass m and length  placed as shown in 

the figure.

[2]

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

GM
7. vr = -
r
GM  m 
 du = -  dr
r 
R +
GMm dr
u=-
 
R
r
GMm  
u=- ln1 + 
  R

8. Two binary stars of mass M and M/2 respectively are moving in a circular path about
common centre of mass, due to their mutual gravitational attraction force. If P is the
magnitude of linear momentum of mass M, find the time period of revolution of these stars in
terms of P, M & G, where G is gravitational constant. [2]

8. Let r0 is the distance between centres of two stars.

Consider star of mass M, v2
for this star M
2 F C F
GM(M / 2) Mv1 Mr0 r M/2
= where r1 = = 0
2
r0 r1 2(M + M/ 2) 3 r1

2 v1
GM v GM GM3
 2
= 1 P=M  r0 =
2r0 r0 / 3 6r0 6P2
v1
Since  =
r1
2r1 2 GM3 / 6P2 GM4
T= = T=
v1 3 P/M 9P3

m1m 2
9. If gravitational attraction between two point masses be given by F = G , then find the
rn
period of a satellite in a circular orbit. [2]

GM GM
9. 2r =  =
rn r n +1
 n +1 
2 r n+1  
T= = 2  T  r 2 

 GM

10. Three masses of mass M each are placed on the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side a.
Find the value of mass m that can be placed on the centre of the triangle so that mass m will
be in equilibrium. Assume that the entire system is located in a gravity free space. [8]

GMm M
10. F=
r2 F
all the forces will cancel each other. So it will be in
equilibrium for any value of it. m
r
F F
M
M

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

2 Marks – III

1. A particle of mass m is projected from the bottom of tunnel of R/2

depth R/2. Tunnel is inside the earth of radius R and mass
R/2
M. Find the minimum velocity with which particle should be
projected, so that it can escape the earth’s gravitational field.

[2]

1. Let v be the escapes velocity of particle then v

GMm  2  R  
2
1
Total energy E = mv 2 -  3R − 2  0
2 2R3     C
11GM
 v2 
4R
11GM
 vmin = .
4R

2. Two starts of mass M and 5M, which are at a L

distance L apart rotate about their centre of mass
due to gravitational attraction. Find time of one
rotation. M
5M

2. Let point C is centre of mass r

 Mr = 5M (L - r)
5L C
 r= M
6
5M
 2   5L 
2
5GM
now M=    M
L2  T   6 
L3 / 2
 T = 2 .
6GM

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

4 Marks – I
1. A pendulum clock which keeps correct time at the bottom of mountain looses 30 sec. per
day when it is taken to the top of mountain. Find the height of mountain ? (Re = 6400 km.)
T1 g2 GM
1. = but g=
T2 g1 (R + h)2
2
g1  R + h  T
=   2 = 1+ h / R
g2  R  T1
T − T1 30  6400
h= 2 R = = 2.2 km.
T1 24  3600

2. Two masses 4m and m are separated by a distance ‘d’ from their centres are revolving
about their centre of mass due to mutual force of attraction. Then determine
(a) ratio of their time periods?
(b) ratio of their kinetic energies ?
(c) ratio of their velocities ?

4m(0 ) + m( d) d
2. xcm = =
5m 5
 R1 = d/5 4n
R2 = 4d/5 B
Gm AmB 1
(a) mr2 = A 2
d2 d
(d, 0)
Gm A mB 1 (m0r )2 (0, 0)
 = = =
m0rd2 2 (m0r )1
1 m( 4d / 5)
 = =1:1
2 ( 4m)d / 5
 T1 : T2 = 2 : 1 = 1 : 1

KE1 1/ 2(I112 ) (1/ 2)( 4m)( d / 5)2 ( T2 )2 4(1)2

(b) = = = =1:4
KE 2 1/ 2(I222 ) (1/ 2)(m)( 4d / 5)2 ( T1 )2 16(1)

v1 r11 r1T2 (d / 5)(1)

(c) = = = = 1:4
v 2 r22 r1T1 ( 4d / 5)1

3. Find the ratio of the gravitational field potential at the centre to that at the surface of a
uniform solid sphere? What is the ratio of the gravitational field intensities at the two points
mentioned in above case? [4]
 3R − r 
2 2
3. V(r) = -GM  3
 for 0  r  R

 2 R 
− 3GM
Thus V(0) =
2R
GM
V(R) = -
R

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

−3
Thus ratio =
2
GMr
I(r) = for 0  r  R
R3
I(0 )
 =0
I(R )

4. Two concentric shells of masses M1 and M1

M2 are situated as shown in figure. Find b M2
the gravitational field on a particle of a
mass m when the particle is located at
(a) r = a (b) r = b (c) r = c c

[2]

4. (a) at r = a
GM 1 GM 2 G
|E|r = a = Edue to M1 + Edue to M2) = 2
+ 2
= (M1 + M2 )
a a a2
(b) at r = b
GM GM
|E| = 0 + = 2
b2 b
(c) at r = c ; E=0

5. On to a sphere of radius R/2 and density 2 with centre P m

at C2 a second sphere is moulded with density 1 radius y

R and centre C1. Find the force experienced by a point
mass m at point P at a distance y from the combination
as shown. 1 R
C1
2 C
2
R/2
[6]

5. If we consider that a sphere of radius R is placed with centre at C1 of density 1 the force on
the mass at P is
( 4 / 3)R 31m
F1 = G towards the sphere.
(R + y )2
If we consider that a sphere of radius R/2 is placed with centre at C2 of density 1 the force
on the mass at P is
( 4 / 3)(R / 2)3 1m
F2 = G towards the sphere.If we consider that a sphere of radius
(R / 2 + R + y )2
R/2 is placed with centre at C2 of density 2 the force on the mass in at P
G( 4 / 3)(R / 2)3 2m
F3 =
(R / 2 + R + y )2
By the principle of superposition
4  1 (2 _ 1 ) / 8 
F = F1 - F2 + F3 = R3 Gm  + .
 (R + y ) ((3R / 2) + y )2 
2
3

6. Distance between the centers of two stars is 10 a. The mass of these stars are M and 16M
and their radii a and 2a respectively. A body of mass m is fired straight from the surface of

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

the larger star towards the smaller star. What should be the minimum initial speed to reach
the surface of the smaller star.

6. The distance X, where gravitational

pull of each stars becomes equal and O
opposite can be obtained P
Mm (16M)m x
G =G
X 2
(10a − x )2
 x = 2a
so the body will reach the smaller star due to stars gravitational pull is body just crosses
point P by using COE, energy at O = Energy at P
G.16M, m GMm 1 G(16M)m GMm
- - + mv min
2
=- -
2a 8a 2 8a 2a
3 5GM
 vmin = .
2 a

7. A satellite is put in an orbit just above the earth's atmosphere with a velocity 1.5 time the
velocity for a circular orbit at that height. The initial velocity imported is horizontal. What
would be the maximum distance of the satellite from the surface of the earth when it is in the
orbit.

7. At nearest point P and farthest point v1

Q. velocities are perpendicular to
their r1 and r2 P
Q
conservation of angular r2 s r1
momentum, gives
v2
mv1r1 = mv2r2  = . . . (1)

Conservation of energy
1 GMm 1 GMm
mv12 − = mv 22 − . . . (2)
2 r1 2 r2
solving (1) and (2)
we get
r2 = 3r1
so maximum distance of satellite from the centre of earth is 3R
(since r1 R)
 Maximum distance of satellite from surface of earth will be 3R - R = 2R.

dr
8. A spherical heavenly body is decreasing its radius, given by equation = -a (constant) but
dt
keeps its mass constant. Body is spinning about one of its diameters. If at time t = 0 its
spinning angular velocity be 0 and radius r0, find the angular velocity at time t = T.
[6]
r T
8.  dr = −a  dt  r = r0 – aT
ro o
2 2
At any moment I = mr  = cons tan t
5
 r2 = constant
at t = 0, r = ro ,  = o
at t = T, r = r0 - at

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

 (ro - aT)2 = or2

ro2
  = o
(ro − aT )2

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

4 Marks – II
1. A point mass m is placed at the centre of a thin spherical shell of mass M and radius r1. Find
the amount of work done by external agent in expanding the spherical shell into a shell of
radius r2. [10]

GMm M
1. P.E. of the system = -
r r
M m
Gm
self energy of the shell = -
0
r
dm

GM 2
=-
2r
GmM GM 2
Now total initial energy (Ui) = - −
r1 2r1
GMm GM 2
Total final energy (Uf) = - −
r2 2r2
 Work done by external agent = Uf – Ui
1 1 GM 2  1 1 
= GMm  −  +  − 
 r1 r2  2  r1 r2 
 1 1  M
= GM  −  m + 
 r1 r2   2

2. The masses and radii of the earth and moon are M1, R1 and M2, R2 respectively. Their
centres are at a distance d apart. What is the minimum speed with which a particle of mass
M should be projected from a point midway between the two so as to escape to infinity? [6]
2. Potential energy midway between M1 and M2
=–
GM1 GM 2
− =−
2G
(M1 + M2 )
d2 d2 d
Potential energy at infinity = 0
For minimum speed K.E. at infinity should be zero.
Conserving energy
–2
GM
(M1 + M2 ) + 1 MV 2 = 0
d 2
 v = 2 G(M1 + M2 ) d

3. In a double star system stars are (One of mass 'm' and the other '2m') distance 'd' apart and
rotate about their common centre of mass with same angular velocity . Find the ratio of
their individual angular momenta and their individual kinetic energies.
[6]

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3. The centre of mass C will be at a distance d/3 and

2d/3 from the masses 2m and m respectively.

Both the stars rotate with same angular velocity '' C

around C in their individual orbits.
m( 2d / 3 )2  2 d/3 2d/3
Ratio of angular momentum = =
2m( d / 3 )2  1
1
m(2d / 3)2 2 2
Ratio of kinetic energies = 2 =
1 1
2m(d / 3)2 2
2

4. Three stars each of mass M and radius R are initially at rest and the distance between
centres of any two stars is d and they form an equilateral triangle. They start moving
towards the centroid due to mutual force of attraction. What are the velocities of the stars
just before the collision? Radius of each star is R. [5]
3GMM
4. Ei = -
d
GMM 1  d
Ef = - 3 + 3 Mv 2 
2R 2 
initial energy = final energy
 1 1 1 2
GM  − = v
 2R d  2
 d − 2R 
v= 2GM  .
 2dR 

5. A spherical cavity of radius R/2 is created A

inside a large uniform sphere of radius R. B
The sphere removed from large sphere is R/2
R/2 C
placed in front of new sphere as shown.
A particle of mass m is projected from
point C on the larger sphere with velocity
v0. Find the minimum velocity such that 5R
particle escapes.
[4]

5. Potential at C = Potential due to whole sphere – potential due to cutt off sphere + potential
due cutt off sphere at B
− GM  − GM  GM
vc = − −
R  R / 2  4R
GM GM GM GM  1 1
vc = - + − =  − 1+ − 
R 4R 32R R  4 32 
GM  − 32 + 8 − 1 GM  − 25 
vc =
R   = R  32 
32   
25 GM
vc = -
32R
1 25 GMm 1 25 GM
for escape velocity mv 2e = = mv 2e = m
2 32R 2 32R

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5 GM
ve = .
4 R

6. A cosmic body A coming from infinity with a

velocity v0 is approaching the Sun of mass M, Sun
with its line of motion at a distance  from the P
M
sun, as shown in the figure. When it gets 
closest to the Sun i.e. at P, what will be its v0
distance from the sun ? A
[4]
6. Applying energy conservation principle at
A and at P. Sun
P
1 GMm 1 M
0+ mv 02 = − + mv 2 …(1) l
2 r 2
v0

Where M = mass of the sun A

m = mass of the body
and r = distance of closest approach.
v = velocity at P
Since the angular momentum of the body about the sun will remain conserved, therefore
(mv0) = (mv)r
 v0 = vr …(2)
2
1 GMm 1  v 0l 
 mv 02 = − + m   v02r 2 + 2GMr − v02l 2 = 0
2 r 2  r 
 2
− 2GM + 4G2M2 + 4v 04l 2 GM   v 02l  
 r= = + 2 − 1 + 1 +   .
2v 02 v0   GM  
 

7. What is the value of acceleration (gravitational field) due to gravity.

(a) at a height equal to half of radius of earth from its surface?
(b) in depth equal to half of radius of earth from its surface?

GM GM GM 4 4
7. (a) g(h) = = 2 = 2 = g
(R + R / 2)2
R (3 / 2) 2
R 9 9
GM  R  1 GM g
(b) g(d) = 3   = 2
=
R 2 2 R 2
g(h) 4 8
(c) Required ratio = = x2 = .
g(d) 9 9
(acceleration in part (a) will be more)

8. A solid sphere of uniform density and radius 4m is located with its y

centre at the origin O of coordinates. Two spheres of equal

radius 1m with their centres A(-2, 0, 0) and B(2, 0, 0) are taken
out leaving behind spherical cavities as shown in the figure the O B
x
A
mass of each sphere taken is M. Calculate
(a) The gravitational field at B
(b) The gravitational potential at any point on the circle y2+z2=36. z [6]

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

(c) The gravitational potential at any point on the circle y2+z2 = 4.

8 (a) Gravitational field at B is due to larger sphere and sphere A

GM 0 GM
IB = +
32 16
G  64M GM 31
= − = GM
32 16 16

(b) The point y2 + z2 = 36 lies at6 m from the centre. 40 m from the smaller sphere.
 Gravitational potential at the point is
GM 0 GM − G(64M) GM
v=- + 2 = + 2
6 40 6 40
= - 10.98 GM.
(c) Similarly at y2 + z2 = 4
GM 0 GM GM
v=- 3
(3R 2 − r 2 ) −  2 = -22 GM + = - 21.29 GM
2R 2 2 2

9 A planet P moves in an elliptical orbit with the sun S at P v0


one focus. Find the maximum and minimum distances
of the planet P from the sun S if at a certain moment of r→
0
time it was at the distance r0 and travelled with the S
velocity v0 with the angle between the radius vector
 
r0 and the velocity vector v 0 being equal to  (see the
figure).

9. • From conservation of angular momentum

mv0r0 sin = mvr sin 900
(when the planet is at the maximum or minimum distance from planet,  = 900 )
 v0r0 sin  = vr . . . (i)
• From conservation of mechanical energy,
1 GMm 1 GMm
m v 02 - = mv2 -
2 r0 2 r
• Solving the equations (i) and (ii)
r=
r0
2−
 
1  1 − (2 −  ) sin2 

r v2
where  = 0 0
GM
therefore rmax =
2−

r0

1 + 1 − ( 2 −  ) sin2 

rmin =
r0
2−
 
1 − 1 − (2 −  ) sin2 
10. Two small dense stars rotate about their common centre of mass as a binary system with
the period of 1 year for each. One star is of double the mass of the other and the mass of the
lighter one is of (1/3) the mass of the sun. Given the distance between the earth and the sun
is R. If the distance between the two stars is r, then obtain the relation between r and R.

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

10. M = mass of the sun r

r = distance between the two stars
r1 r2
m2 2
r1 = .r = r
m1 + m2 3 C.M
m1 r
r2 = r= m1=M/3 m2=2M/3
m1 + m2 3
Centripetal force on m2
Gm1m2 G(2 / 9 )M2
= =
r2 r2
2 GM2  2  r 
Now 2
= m2r22 =  M 2
9 r  3  3 
GM
 2 = 3 T = Time period of revolutions.
r
2
 2  GM 42r 3
or   = 3 ; T2 =
 T  r GM
Since time period of earth around sun
42R3
T2 =  comparing r = R
GM

11. There is a fixed solid sphere of mass density

 and radius R having spherical cavity of A
m
radius R/2 inside it. C is the centre of cavity
as shown in figure. A point object of mass m R/2 300
is released from point A inside the cavity. C
Find
(a) time which it will again hit the cavity O
surface. 
(b) position at which it will hit the sphere.
R

11. (a) Particle will travel in straight line AP parallel to

CO with constant acceleration A
 4 GR
g= mg 300
32 0
30 C
AP = 2R cos 30 P 0
30
2  AP 4R cos 30 O
t= =
g g

(b) It will heat at point P and distance is AP which parallel to OC and AP = 2R cos 300.

12. 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 earth.
(i) Determine the height of the satellite above the earth’s surface.
(ii) If the satellite is stopped suddenly in its orbit and allowed to fall freely onto the earth, find
the speed with which it hits the surface of the earth. (g = 9.8 m/s2 and RE = 6400 km).

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

12. (i) We know that for satellite motion

GM g GM
vo = =R [as g= and r = R + h]
r (R + h) R2
1 1
In this problem vo = v e = 2gR
2 2
R 2g 1
So = gR , i.e. 2R = h + R or h = R = 6400 km
R+h 2
(ii) By conservation of ME
 GMm  1  GMm 
0 + −  = mv 2 +  − 
 r  2  R 
1 1 
or v2 = 2GM  −  [as r = R + h = R + R = 2R]
 R 2R 
GM
or v= = gR = 10  6.4  10 5 = 88km / s
R

13. A uniform ring of mass ‘m’ and radius 'a' is placed directly above a uniform sphere of mass
M and of equal radius. The centre of the ring is at a distance 3 a from the centre of the
sphere. Find the gravitational force exerted by the sphere on the ring. [4]

13. The force on the ring by the sphere will be equal to the force on the sphere due to ring. The
mass of the sphere can be assumed to be concentrated at the centre of the sphere.
a
a

3 a
a

Gmd 3Gm
Edue to ring = =
(a + d )
2 2 3/2
8a2
3GMm
Therefore force on the ring will be equal to F = ME =
8a2

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

4 Marks – III
1. A comet is moving in an elliptical orbit around
the sun. It is observed at a point P and has a
speed 1.2 times the speed required for a Sun
P
circular orbit at that position, (figure). Find
the greatest distance of the comet from the
sun in terms of R1. R1

[4]

1. The comet is moving along an elliptical 1.2 vc

path with the sun situated at one of the
foci of ellipse. Q is the farthest position
of the comet. P Q
mv c2 Mm
=G 2
R1 R1 R1 R2
M
v c2 = G . . . (1)
R1
Energy and angular momentum at P
1 Mm
EP = mv P2 − G
2 R1
1 GMm 1 GM GMm
EP = m(1.2v c )2 − = m(1.2)2 −
2 R1 2 R1 R1
GM.m
EP = - 0.28 . . . .(2)
R1
and LP = mvPR1 . . . (3)

At Q,
1 GM.m
EQ = mv Q2 − . . . (4)
2 R2
LQ = mvQR2 . . . (5)

Energy and momentum should be conserved

L1 = L 2
mvPR1 = mvQR2
R
 vQ = vP 1
R2
2 2
GMm 1 R  GMm 1 GMm  R1  GMm
-0.28 = mv P2  1  - =  (1.2) 2     −
R1 2  R2  R2 2 R1  R2  R2
2
R  R
-0.28 = 0.72  1  − 1
 R2  R2
0.72 X – X + 0.28 = 0
2 Where R1/R2 = X
1  0.44 R1
X= =
1.44 R2
Taking −ve sign, we get
1.44
R2 = = 2.57 R1
0.56

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 GRAVITATION QUESTION BANK (BOARD LEVEL)

2. A projectile is fired vertically up from the bottom of a crater on the moon. The depth of the crater is
R/100, where R is the radius of the moon. If the initial velocity of the projectile is the same as the
escape velocity from the lunar surface, determine in terms of R, the maximum height attained by the
projectile above the lunar surface.

2. The potential energy of the mass at the bottom of the crater is

GMm  2  
2
R 
V=− 3R −  R − 
3
2R   100  
where M and m are masses of the moon and the projectile respectively. If the maximum height above
the lunar surface reached, is h, then from energy conservation,
GMm   99   1
2
GMm
− 3 −    + mv e = −
2

2R   100   2 R+h
2GM
where v e is the escape velocity from the lunar surface. Thus v e =
2
. This gives
R
GMm  
2
 99  GMm
− 3 −   − 2 =−  h = 99.5R
2R   100   R+h

3. A satellite of m (m < <Me) is revolving around the earth of mass Me in the orbit of radius 3Re,
GM
where Re is the radius of earth. An impulse of magnitude I = m is given to the
12Re
satellite in the direction opposite to velocity. Find the minimum distance of satellite from
earth’s centre during the subsequent motion of satellite. [4]

3. Let v0 is the orbital velocity of satellite then v0 m

mv 02 GMe m GM
= 2
 v0 =
3Re (3Re ) 3Re
Final momentum of satellite after the impulse I is given, is
Me
GMe GMe
mv1 = mv0 – I = m −m
3Re 12Re
1 GMe
 v1 = . . . (i)
2 3Re
Let r be the minimum distance of satellite from centre of earth. If v2 is the velocity of satellite
at this distance then by conservation of angular momentum
mv2 r = mv1 (3Re) . . . (ii)
By energy conservation
1 GMe m 1 GMe m
mv12 − = mv 22 -
2 3Re 2 r
using equation (ii) and (i)
3
r = Re is the minimum distance of satellite from earth’s centre.
7

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