This chapter dwells on the incredible discovery of gravitation by Newton, which is usually associated with the story of an apple falling off a tree. In addition to the Law of Universal Gravitation by Newton, which claims that all masses are attracted to one another by a force proportional to the product, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance separating them, the chapter expounds on the behavior of gravitation on the surface and on the surface of the earth and on how all masses behave under the influence of a gravitational force.
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By using the NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 Gravitation, students are able to get a clear picture of the universal law of gravitation, and this enables them to understand how the masses attract one another. These NCERT Exemplar solutions will ensure that learning is fun and stress-free among students. Complex things that students might have found difficult to master are brought down to simple things with proper explanations, with NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Solutions Physics Chapter 8 Gravitation, and they are able to learn and grasp the concept of gravity with ease and do better in examinations and board tests.
The concept of the gravitational force makes students perceive the attraction of objects to each other in the universe. The conceptual understanding of NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 (MCQ questions) assesses the concepts of the law of gravitation, gravitational field and gravitational potential of Newton. The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 Gravitation leads the students to accurate and conceptual solutions of objective-type problems.
Question:8.1
The earth is an approximate sphere. If the interior contained matter which is not of the same density everywhere, then on the surface of the earth, the acceleration due to gravity
a) will be directed towards the centre but not the same everywhere
b) will have the same value everywhere but not directed towards the centre
c) will be same everywhere in magnitude directed towards the centre
d) cannot be zero at any point
Answer:
The answer is option (d). According to the formula of gravityQuestion:8.2
As observed from earth, the sun appears to move in an approximately circular orbit. For the motion of another planet like mercury as observed from earth, this would
a) be similarly true
b) not be true because the force between Earth and Mercury is not the inverse square law
c) not be true because the major gravitational force on Mercury is due to Sun
d) not be true because mercury is influenced by forces other than gravitational forces
Answer:
The answer is option (c). The universal law of force of attraction is inversely dependent on the distance between them. For mercury, this force due to the sun is exceptionally larger than that due to Earth. Due to the relative motion of Sun and Earth with Mercury, this would not be true.Question:8.3
Different points in the earth are at slightly different distances from the sun and hence experience different forces due to gravitation. For a rigid body, we know that if various forces act at various points in it, the resultant motion is as if a net force acts on the COM, causing translation and a net torque at the COM causing rotation around an axis through the COM. For the Earth-Sun system
a) the torque is zero
b) the torque causes the earth to spin
c) the rigid body result is not applicable since the earth is not even approximately a rigid body
d) the torque causes the earth to move around the sun
Answer:
The answer is option (a). The direction of the gravitational force F and the line joining the centre of mass of the Earth (point of application of force) both lie in the same direction. So, the angle between them is 0.Question:8.4
Satellites orbiting the earth have a finite life and sometimes debris of satellites fall to the earth. This is because
a) the solar cells and batteries in satellites run out
b) the laws of gravitation predict a trajectory spiralling inwards
c) of viscous forces causing the speed of the satellite and hence height to gradually decrease
d) of collisions with other satellites
Answer:
The answer is option (c)Question:8.5
Both earth and moon are subject to the gravitational force of the sun. as observed from the sun, the orbit of the moon
a) will be elliptical
b) will not be strictly elliptical because the total gravitational force on it is not central
c) is not elliptical but will necessarily be a closed curve
d) deviates considerably from being elliptical due to the influence of planets other than earth
Answer:
The answer is option (b) Moon is not always on the line joining the Sun and Earth. Therefore, the gravitational force of attraction due to Earth and Sun have different lines of action, or let us say the forces are not central. So, the orbit of the moon will not be strictly elliptical.Question:8.6
In our solar system, the inter-planetary region has chunks of matter called asteroids. They
a) will not move around the sun since they have very small masses compared to the sun
b) will move in an irregular way because of their small masses and will drift away outer space
c) will move around the sun in closed orbits but not obey Kepler’s laws
d) will move in orbits like planets and obey Kepler’s laws
Answer:
The answer is option (d). Central gravitational forces act upon asteroids. Hence, they will move in orbits and obey Kepler's law.Question:8.7
Choose the wrong option.
a) inertial mass is a measure of the difficulty of accelerating a body by an external force whereas the gravitational mass is relevant in determining the gravitational force on it by an external mass
b) that the gravitational mass and inertial mass are equal is an experimental result
c) that the acceleration due to gravity on earth is the same for all bodies is due to the equality of gravitational mass and inertial mass
d) gravitational mass of a particle-like proton can depend on the presence of neighbouring heavy objects, but the inertial mass cannot
Answer:
The answer is option (d). The gravitational mass of a proton is equivalent to its inertial mass & is independent of the presence of neighbouring heavy objects.Question:8.8
Particles of masses 2M, m and M are respectively at points A, B, and C with $AB=\frac{1}{2}(BC).$. M is much-much smaller than 2M and at time $t=0$, they are all at rest. At subsequent times before any collision takes place.
a) m will remain at rest
b) m will move towards M
c) m will move towards 2M
d) m will have oscillatory motion
Answer:
The answer is option (c) m will move towards 2M.Questions in the NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 8, which are formatted as MCQ II, are aimed at improving understanding of the concepts of gravitation and the numerical use of the law of gravitation by Newton. These multiple-choice questions further enhance the reasoning of the students since they are tested on their knowledge of the gravitational force, acceleration caused by gravity, as well as the movement of satellites. The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 ensures that students gain confidence to attend board and competitive exams.
Question:8.9
Which of the following options is correct?
a) acceleration due to gravity decreases with increasing altitude
b) acceleration due to gravity increases with increasing depth
c) acceleration due to gravity increases with increasing latitude
d) acceleration due to gravity is independent of the mass of the Earth
Answer:
The answers are options (a) and (c)Question:8.10
If the law of gravitation, instead of being an inverse-square law, becomes an inverse-cube law
a) planets will not have elliptic orbits
b) circular orbits of planets is not possible
c) projectile motion of a stone thrown by hand on the surface of the earth will be approximately parabolic
d) there will be no gravitational force inside a spherical shell of uniform density
Answer:
The correct answers are options (a), (b), and (c).Question:8.11
If the mass of sun were ten times smaller and gravitational constant G were ten times larger in magnitudes
a) walking on ground would become more difficult
b) the acceleration due to gravity on earth will not change
c) raindrops will fall much faster
d) aeroplanes will have to travel much faster
Answer:
The correct answers are options (a), (c), and (d).Question:8.12
If the sun and the planets carried huge amounts of opposite charges,
a) all three of Kepler’s laws would still be valid
b) only the third law will be valid
c) the second law will not change
d) the first law will still be valid
Answer:
The correct answers are options (a), (c), and (d). Due to opposite charges, large electrostatic forces of attraction will be produced in addition to the gravitational forces. Both forces, when added, will be radial in nature. Since they are central forces and obey the inverse square law, all 3 Kepler's laws will be valid.Question:8.13
There have been suggestions that the value of the gravitational constant G becomes smaller when considered over an exceptionally large time period in the future. If that happens for our earth,
a) nothing will change
b) we will become hotter after billions of years
c) we will be going around but not strictly in closed orbits
d) after a sufficiently long time we will leave the solar system
Answer:
The correct answers are options (c) and (d)Question:8.14
Supposing Newton’s law of gravitation for gravitation forces F1 and F2 between two masses m1 and m2 at positions r1 and r2 read
$\mathbf{F_{1}}=\mathbf{-F_{2}}=\frac{\mathbf{r_{12}}}{r_{12}^{3}}GM_{0}^{2}\left ( \frac{m_{1}m_{2}}{M_{1}^{2}} \right )^{n}$ where Mo is a constant of the dimension of mass, $\mathbf{r_{12}} = \mathbf{r_{1}} - \mathbf{r_{2}}$ and n is a number. In such a case,
a) the acceleration due to gravity on earth will be different for different object
b) none of the three laws of Kepler will be valid
c) only the third law will become invalid
d) for n negative, an object lighter than water will sink in water
Answer:
The correct answers are options (a) and (c)$\overrightarrow{r_{12}}$, mass of body m. So, g on eath will be different for different bodies of different mass and their
Position. Hence, a and c are correct
As the force is central in nature, Kepler's first and second laws are valid, rejecting option b.
$g= \frac{GM_{0}^{2}(m_{1}m_{2})^{-n}}{r_{12}^{2}M_{0}^{-2n}}\; \frac{1}{n}=\frac{GM_{0}^{2}M_{0}^{2n}}{(m_{1}m_{2})^{n}r_{12}^{2}}\; \frac{1}{m}=\frac{GM_{0}^{2}}{r_{12}^{2}}\left [ \frac{M_{0}^{2}}{m_{1}m_{2}} \right ]\; \frac{1}{m}$
$g>0$
So $M_{0}>m_{1}\; or \; m_{2}$
The lighter object can sink in water. Hence, d is correct
Question:8.15
Which of the following are true?
a) a polar satellite goes around the earth’s pole in a north-south direction
b) a geostationary satellite goes around the earth in an east-west direction
c) a geostationary satellite goes around the earth in a west-east direction
d) a polar satellite goes around the earth in an east-west direction
Answer:
The correct answers are options (a) and (c). A geostationary satellite appears stationary relative to the earth and revolves around the earth from west to east with the same angular velocity as the earth's rotation about its axis from west to east. A polar satellite revolves around the Earth from north to south, independent of the Earth's rotation.Question:8.16
The centre of mass of an extended body on the surface of the earth and its centre of gravity
a) are always at the same point for any size of the body
b) are always at the same point only for spherical bodies
c) can never be at the same point
d) is close to each other for objects, say of sizes less than 100 m
e) both can change if the object is taken deep inside the earth
Answer:
The correct answer is option (d). For smaller bodies, the COM (Centre of mass) and COG (Centre of gravity) usually coincide. For extended objects like mountains and lakes, they are far away. COG is the point in a body where the net torque due to gravity is 0. The COM is where the whole mass of a body is supposed to be concentrated.The Gravitation Class 11 NCERT Exemplar include the Very Short Answer questions, which will assist students to revise the basic concepts of gravitation in a short time. These questions are conceptual and involve fundamental definitions, formulae, and reasoning-based questions. NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 provides a clear understanding and confidence in the application of the universal law of gravitation suggested by Newton.
Question:8.17
Answer:
Air molecules possess thermal energy. The resultant velocity due to all the forces acting on them is not directed downwards, so they do not fall. In the case of an apple, only gravitational forces act downward; that is why it falls into the earth.Question:8.18
Give one example each of central force and non-central force.
Answer:
Gravitational force, electrostatic force and spring force are examples of central force. Magnetic forces between 2 current-carrying loops are an example of a non-central forceQuestion:8.19
Draw areal velocity versus time graph for mars.
Answer:
According to Kepler's second law, a planet sweeps an equal area in equal times. So the areal velocity is constant with respect to time.Question:8.20
What is the direction of areal velocity of the earth around the sun?
Answer:
Real velocity of the earth around the sun is given by $\frac{dA}{dt}=\frac{L}{2m}$Question:8.21
Answer:
The force of attraction varies inversely with the distance between two objects. Since the separation between two point masses is the same as the force of attraction also remains the same.Question:8.22
Is it possible for a body to have inertia but no weight?
Answer:
Everybody has some mass or inertia. The weight of a body is equal to mg. It is possible for a body to have no weight when g=0 and hence mg=0, which is possible in space where there is no gravity.Question:8.23
Answer:
The electric force depends on the nature of the medium, whereas the gravitational force is independent of the medium. So, we cannot shield a body from the gravitational force.Question:8.24
Answer:
If the space station orbiting around the Earth has a large size, then the astronaut inside can experience acceleration due to gravity at a very close proximity to the moon.Question:8.25
Answer:
The gravitational force inside the hollow spherical shell is 0, and on the surface is $F_{0}$Question:8.27
What is the angle between the equatorial plane and the orbital plane of
a) polar satellite?
b) geostationary satellite?
Answer:
(a) The orbital plane of a polar satellite makes $90^{o}$ with the equatorial plane.Question:8.26
Out of aphelion and perihelion, where is the speed of the earth more and why?
Answer:
According to Kepler's second lawThe NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Short Answer questions are effective, though in a short way, they can assist the students in grasping the concepts related to gravity. These NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Solutions make the law of universal gravitation and gravitational acceleration, along with the mass-weight relation, easier. They enhance the conceptual understanding where students find it easy to solve numerical and theoretical problems.
Question:8.28
Answer:
When the earth revolves at its own axis by $360^{o}$, it changes its angleQuestion:8.29
Answer:
$m_{1}=m_{2}=M$Question:8.30
Show the nature of the following graph for a satellite orbiting the earth.
a) KE vs orbital radius R
b) PE vs orbital radius R
c) TE vs orbital radius R
Answer:
Question:8.31
Answer:
The trajectory of a projectile under the gravitational force of Earth should be a conic section or parabolic, or elliptical with focus at the centre of the Earth. Hence, c is correct.Question:8.32
Answer:
Let $PE_{i}$ be the initial P.E when mass is at the surface of EarthQuestion:8.33
Answer:
Let us consider a small element of a ring of mass dM at point A, and the distance between dM and m is x.The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Chapter 8 Solutions give the summarised version of all the main formulas and concepts regarding the universal law of gravitation in a clear and concise manner. Such notions enable the students to learn about the forces of gravity, acceleration caused by gravity, and movement of the orbitals systematically, which makes it simpler to solve problems and simplifies the process of studying exams.
Question:8.34
Answer:
In an equilibrium condition, the gravitational pull results in a centripetal force when a body moves around a star. Let us assume that a body of mass m is revolving around a star of mass M in a circle with radius r. Let us assume that a body of mass m is revolving around a star of mass M in a circle with radius r.Question:8.35
Answer:
Force on A due to B$=f_{1}=\frac{Gmm}{l^{2}}=\frac{Gm^{2}}{l^{2}}$ along B to A
Force on A due to C$=f_{2}=\frac{Gmm}{(\sqrt{3}l)^{2}}=\frac{Gm^{2}}{3l^{2}}$ along C to A
Force on A due to D $=f_{3}=\frac{Gmm}{(2l)^{2}}=\frac{Gm^{2}}{4l^{2}}$ along D to A
Force on A due to E $=f_{4}=\frac{Gmm}{(\sqrt{3}l)^{2}}=\frac{Gm^{2}}{3l^{2}}$ along E to A
$F=F_{1}+F_{2}+F_{3}=\frac{Gm^{2}}{l^{2}}+\frac{Gm^{2}}{\sqrt{3}l^{2}}+\frac{Gm^{2}}{4l^{2}}$ along DA
Question:8.36
Answer:
$M=6\times10^{24}\; kg$Let a satellite S be at h m above the Earth's surface. Let the angle subtended by it at the centre of the earth be 2 $\theta$
$\cos\; \theta =\frac{R}{R+h}=\frac{1}{[1+\frac{h}{R}]}$
$h=3.59\times10^{7}m$ (height of geostationary satellite)
$\cos\; \theta =\frac{1}{[1+\frac{3.59\times10^{7}}{6.4\times10^{6}}]}=0.1515$
$\theta =81.28$
$2\; \theta =2\times 81.28$
Number of satellites required to cover $360^{0}=\frac{360}{2\times 81.28}=2.21$
Number of satellites required=3
Question:8.37
Answer:
Perihelion distance for an ellipse of eccentricity e and semi-major axis a,$r_{p}=a(1-e)$Question:8.38
Answer:
$r_{p}= 2R$The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 Gravitation: Important Concepts and Formulas includes a systematic coverage of all the fundamental laws and equations as far as gravitation is concerned. The concepts are essential in learning the nature of the working of gravitational forces between objects, the movement of planets and satellites, and the acceleration due to gravity, which can assist the students to improve their problem-solving abilities and prepare well to pass exams.
1. Newton’s Law of Gravitation:
Every particle attracts every other particle with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them, $F= G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}$.
2. Acceleration due to Gravity (g):
$g=\frac{G M}{R^2}$, where $M$ is mass of Earth and $R$ its radius.
3. Gravitational Potential Energy:
$U=-G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r}$, the work done in bringing a mass from infinity to a distance $r$.
4. Orbital Velocity:
$v=\sqrt{\frac{G M}{r}}$, speed required for a satellite to stay in orbit at a distance $r$ from the centre of the Earth.
5. Escape Velocity:
$v_e=\sqrt{\frac{2 G M}{R}}$, minimum velocity needed to escape Earth's gravitational pull.
6. Relation Between g and G:
$g=G \frac{M}{R^2}$, linking acceleration due to gravity with the universal gravitational constant.
7. Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion:
Explains planetary orbits, equal areas in equal times, and the relation between orbital period and radius.
8. Gravitational Field Intensity:
$E=\frac{F}{m}=\frac{G M}{r^2}$, force experienced per unit mass in a gravitational field.
The NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics Solutions Chapter 8 Gravitation can give the students a clear and organised way of grasping the basic principles of the gravitational forces. These help students to understand complex concepts in a simplified form, and get easy access to formulas, numbers, and develop sound conceptual understanding to take up boards and competitive tests, such as JEE and NEET.
NCERT Exemplar Class 11 Physics solutions have been organised into various chapters to enable learning to be easy and successful. Solutions to any chapter can be easily accessed by students, and concepts can be revised by students to help them have a clear understanding of the concepts. Such solutions have proved very useful in CBSE board examinations and competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET.
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