Gravitation
Gravitation
GRAVITATION
The way the law of universal gravitation was discovered is often considered the paradigm of modern
scientific technique. The major steps involved were
• The careful experimental measurements of the positions of the planets and the Sun by Tycho Brahe
(1546–1601).
• Analysis of the data and the formulation of empirical laws by Johannes Kepler (1571–1630).
According to this law "Each particle attracts every other particle. The force of attraction between them is
directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to square of the distance
between them".
m1m2 m1m2 m1 m2
F or F =G
r2 r2 r
where G = 6.67 × 10–11 Nm2 kg–2 is the universal gravitational constant.
Dimensional Formula of G :
Fr 2 MLT −2 L2 −1 3 −2
G= = = M LT
m1m2 M2
Vector Form of Newton's Law of Gravitation
m1 F21
Y
Let r12 = Displacement vector from 𝑚1 to 𝑚2 F21
r12
r12 m2
r21 = Displacement vector from 𝑚2 to 𝑚1 r1
r2
F21 = Gravitational force exerted on 𝑚2 by 𝑚1 O X
Gm1m2 Gm m
F12 = − 2
rˆ21 = − 13 2 r21
r21 r21
The gravitational force between two bodies are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.
Illustration 118:
Two particles of masses 1 kg and 2 kg are placed at a separation of 50 cm. Assuming that the only forces
acting on the particles are their mutual gravitation, find the initial acceleration of heavier particle.
Solution:
F 5.3 10−10
Acceleration of heavier particle = = = 2.65 10−10 ms −2
m2 2
This Illustration shows that gravitation is very weak but only this force keep bind our solar system and
also this universe, all galaxies and other interstellar system.
Two stationary particles of masses M1 and M2 are at a distance 'd' apart. A third particle lying on the line joining
the particles, experiences no resultant gravitational forces. What is the distance of this particle from M1.
Solution:
M1 m M2
GM1m
The force on m towards M1 is F1 =
r2 r
d
GM2m
The force on m towards M2 is F2 =
(d − r )2
d M2 M1
−1 = r = d
r M1 M1 + M2
Principle of superposition
F = F1 + F2 + F3 + .......
Illustration 120:
Three particles, each of mass m, are situated at the vertices of an equilateral triangle of side 'a'. The only
forces acting on the particles are their mutual gravitational forces. It is desired that each particle moves in
a circle while maintaining their original separation 'a'. Determine the initial velocity that should be given
to each particle and time period of circular motion.
m m
a
Illustration 121: m m
Four point masses each of mass 'm' are placed on the corner of square
of side 'a'. Calculate magnitude of gravitational force experienced by a
each particle.
Solution: m m
F
m m
45°
45°
F1
F
m m
GM
In vector form, E = − rˆ
r2
F MLT −2 0 −2
Dimensional formula of intensity of gravitational field = = = M LT
m M
Illustration 123:
Find the distance of a point from the Earth’s centre where the resultant gravitational field due to the Earth
and the moon is zero. The mass of the Earth is 6.0 × 1024 kg and that of the moon is 7.4 × 1022 kg. The
distance between the Earth and the moon is 4.0 × 105 km.
Solution:
The point must be on the line joining the centres of the Earth and the moon and in between them. If the
distance of the point from the Earth is x, the distance from the moon is (4.0 × 105 km – x). The magnitude
of the gravitational field due to the Earth is
GMe G 6 1024 kg
E1 = =
x2 x2
and magnitude of the gravitational field due to the moon is
GMm G 7.4 1022 kg
E2 = =
( 4.0 105 km − x )2 ( 4.0 105 km − x )2
These fields are in opposite directions. For the resultant field to be zero 𝐸1 = 𝐸2 .
6 1024 kg 7.4 1022 kg
or, =
x2 ( 4.0 105 km − x )2
x 6 1024
or, = =9
4.0 105 km − x 7.4 1022
or, x = 3.6 × 105 km.
Illustration 125:
Calculate gravitational field intensity at a distance x on the axis from centre of a uniform disc of mass M
and radius R.
Solution:
Consider a elemental ring of radius r and thickness dr on surface of disc as shown in figure.
Gravitational field due to elemental ring
GdMx
dE =
( x 2 + r 2 )3/2 Disc (M, R)
M 2M dr
Here dM = 2
.2rdr = 2 rdr
R R
r
G.2Mxrdr P
dE = dE
R ( x2 + r2 )
3/2
2
x
R
2GMx rdr
E = 2
0 R ( x 2 + r 2 )3/2
2GMx 1 1
E= 2
−
R x 2 2
x +R
Illustration 126:
For a given uniform spherical shell of mass M and radius R, find gravitational field at a distance r from
centre in following two cases:
(a) r R (b) r < R
2
+ r 2 − R2
cos =
2 r
R2 + r 2 − 2
cos =
2rR
Differentiating (1)
2 d = 2rR sin d
GM d 2
+ r 2 − R2 GM r 2 − R2
dE = dE = 1 + d
2 2 Rr (2 r ) 4Rr 2 2
GM r −R r −R d GM
E = dE = 2 r + R
d + ( r 2 − R2 ) 2
E = 2 ,r R
4Rr r + R r
If point is inside the shell limit changes to [(R – r) to R + r]
E = 0 when r < R.
Illustration 127:
Find the relation between the gravitational field on the surface of two planets A and B of masses mA, mB and
radius RA and RB respectively if
(i) they have equal mass (ii) they have equal (uniform) density
Solution:
Let EA and EB be the gravitational field intensities on the surface of planets A and B.
4
G R3A A
Gm 3 4G
then, E A = 2A = 2
= ARA
RA RA 3
E A RB2 E A RA
(i) For mA = mB = (ii) For A = B =
E B R2A E B RB
Gravitational Potential
The gravitational potential at a point in the gravitational field of a body is defined as the amount of work
done by an external agent in bringing a body of unit mass from infinity to that point, slowly (no change in
kinetic energy). Gravitational potential is very similar to electric potential in electrostatics.
r
Q P
M dr
GM
Thus, gravitational potential, V = − .
r
The unit of gravitational potential is J kg–1. Dimensional Formula of gravitational potential
Work ML2T −2 0 2 −2
= = = M LT
mass M
Illustration 128: m
1
Find out potential at P and Q due to the two point mass system. Find out ℓ
ℓ/2
work done by external agent in bringing unit mass from P to Q. Also find
ℓ Q P
work done by gravitational force.
ℓ/2
Solution: ℓ
2 m
Gm
(i) VP1 = potential at P due to mass ‘m’ at ‘1’ = −
Gm
VP 2 = −
2Gm
VP = VP1 + VP2 = −
2GM
(iv) work done by gravitational force = VP – VQ =
Illustration 129:
Find potential at a point ‘P’ at a distance ‘x’ on the axis away from centre of a uniform ring of mass M and
radius R.
Solution:
Illustration 130:
The gravitational field in a region is given by E = 20 ( iˆ + ˆj ) N / kg . Find the gravitational potential at the
origin (0, 0) (in J/kg)
(A) zero (B) 20 2 (C) −20 2 (D) can not be defined
Ans. (A)
Solution:
V = − E .dr = Ex .dx + Ey.dy = 20x + 20 y
At origin V = 0.
Illustration 132:
In the above problem, find the work done in shifting a particle of mass 1 kg from origin (0, 0) to a point
(5, 4): (In J)
(A) – 180 (B) 180 (C) – 90 (D) zero
Ans. (B)
Solution:
W = m (Vf – Vi) = 1 (180 – 0) = 180 J
Illustration 133:
Find gravitational field at a point (x, y, z).
v = 2x2 + 3y2 + zx,
Solution:
𝐸⃗ = −𝛻𝑉
−v
Ex = = – 4x – z ; E y = –6y ; Ez = – x
x
Field = 𝐸⃗ = – [(4x +z) 𝑖̂ + 6y𝑗̂ + x𝑘̂]
r r
E is max. when x = g is max. when x =
2 2
kQ kQ −GM −GM
(b) V= on axis, at center VG = on axis, at center
r +x2 2 r 2
r +x 2 r
𝐺𝜆
𝑘𝜆 ሺcosβ + αሻ
r sinሺα + βሻ 𝑟
𝑟 r
𝑘𝜆 𝐺𝜆
ሺcosβ − cosαሻ ሺsinα − sin 𝛽ሻ
𝑟 𝑟
r2 r2
r1 r1
A B A B
2K 2G
(a) E= g=
r r
r2 r
(b) VB – VA = – 2K ln VB – VA = 2G ln 2
r1 r1
E= g = 4G = 2G
20 2
• Notice gravitational force is always attractive and hence gravitational potential is always –ve
(for a repulsive force potential is positive). This can be explained from the sign of Wext in
moving the test charge from to the point under consideration.
• Since 𝑔 points from B towards A potential increases as we move from A to B. Just like electric
potential gravitational potential also increases opposite to field direction.
distance of field point from center r distance of field point from center r
kQ GM
E= g=
r2 r2
kQ GM
V= VG = −
r r
E=0 g=0
kQ GM
V= VG = −
r R
KQ2 GM 2
U= U=
2R 2R
3 KQ2 3 GM 2
U= U=
5 R 5 R
Solution:
𝑔 = gravitational field at any point inside sphere
GM G 4
g= 3
r = 3 R3r
R R 3
4
g= G r
3
Let the sphere with cavity is formed by superimposing it with a small sphere of density (–) as shown
P g1 P
P
+ g2
O1 O2 O1 – O2
Resultant field g = g1 + g2
4 4
= G O1 P + G PO2
3 3
4 O1O2 = OC
= GO1O2
3
It is independent of position of point inside cavity
At O, g = g1 + g2 = 0 +
GM
(CO )
( )
2
CO
4 4 2
G r 2 3 Gr
= 3 2 CO = CO
(CO ) (CO )
2
Illustration 135:
M 16M
(a) Find where is gravitational field intensity is zero.
(b) Find gravitational potential at P. D
Illustration 136:
GFI at P = ?
R/2 P
R
Solution:
4
𝜌 𝜋𝑅3 = 𝑀
3
R
4 𝑅 3
−𝜌 𝜋 ൬ ൰ = 𝑀′
3 2
GM GM '
EP = +
2
( 2R ) (3R / 2)2
Illustration 137:
x
A particle is released at a distance x from centre of Earth as shown in figure. Show
that it performs SHM and find T. Me
Solution:
F = m × GFI
M x
ma = m G e3
R
GMe x
a=
R3
2
R3
T = 2
GMe
R3
T = 2 (as x = r sin)
GMe
GMm
Gravitational potential energy, U = −
r
Illustration 139:
Mass 𝑀1 is fixed and mass, m is released from rest at infinity, M1
find its velocity, when separation between them is ′𝑟′. fix m released from rest
Solution:
WG + Wext = KE f − KEi
0 0
Ui – Uf = KEf – 0
GM1m GM1m 1 2
− −− = mv − 0
r 2
GM1m 1 2
= mv
r 2
2GM1
v=
r
3GMe
µ0 =
2R
Illustration 141:
Distance between centres of two stars is 10 a. The masses of these stars are M and 16 M and their radii are
a and 2a respectively. A body is fired straight from the surface of the larger star towards the smaller star.
What should be its minimum initial speed to reach the surface of the smaller star?
Solution:
Let P be the point on the line joining the centres of the two planets s.t. the net field at it is zero
GM G .16M
Then, 2
− =0 (10 a–r)2 = 16 r2
r (10a − r )2
M 16M
10a – r = 4r r = 2a P V
a 2a
Potential at point P,
r 10 a
−GM G.16M −GM 2GM −5GM
VP = − 2
= − =
r (10a − r ) 2a a 2a
Now if the particle projected from the larger planet has enough energy to cross this point, it will reach the
smaller planet.
For this, the K.E. imparted to the body must be just enough to raise its total mechanical energy to a value
which is equal to P.E. at point P.
1 2 G (16M ) m −GMm
i.e., mv − = mVP
2 2a 8a
3 5GM
or vmin =
2 a
Gravitational Self-Energy
The gravitational self-energy of a body (or a system of particles) is defined as the work done by an external
agent in assembling the body (or system of particles) from infinitesimal elements (or particles) that are
initially an infinite distance apart.
2 i =1 j =1 rij
j i
If consider a system of 'n' particles, each of same mass 'm' and separated from each other by the same
average distance 'r', then self energy
1 n n m2
or Us = − G
2 i =1 j =1 r ij
j i
1 m2
Thus, on the right hand side 'i' comes 'n' times while 'j' comes (n – 1) times. Thus U s = − Gn ( n − 1) .
2 r
3 0
3 5 0 5 3 R
3 GM 2
U star = −
5 R
Note:
Here the distribution of mass in the Earth is taken to be spherical symmetrical so that its entire mass can
be assumed to be concentrated at its center for the purpose of calculation of g.
Now, consider the body at a height 'h' above the surface of the Earth, then the acceleration due to
gravity at height 'h' given by
−2
GMe h 2h P
gh = = g1 + g 1 − when h << R. h
( Re + h)
2
Re Re
Re
2 gh O
The decrease in the value of 'g' with height h = g – gh = .
Re
g − gh 2h
Then percentage decrease in the value of 'g' = 100 = 100% .
g Re
d
gd = g 1 −
Re
Important Points:
R
(i) At the center of the Earth, d = Re, so gcentre = g 1 − e =0.
Re
Thus weight (mg) of the body at the centre of the Earth is zero.
Re r
Earth
gr g 1/r2
g
g'
g − gd d
(ii) Percentage decrease in the value of 'g' with the depth = 100 = 100 .
g Re
Equitorial
Polar Pole Radius
Radius
Equator
According to parallelogram law of vector addition, the resultant force acting on mass m along PQ is
F = [(mg)2 + (m2 Re cos )2 + {2mg × m2 Re cos } cos (180 – )]1/2
= [(mg)2 + (m2 Re cos )2 – (2m2 g2 Re cos ) cos ]1/2
R 2 2 R 2
= mg 1 + e cos2 − 2 e cos2
g g
R 2
At pole = 90° gpole = g, At equator = 0 gequator = g 1 − e .
g
Hence gpole > gequator
R 2
If the body is taken from pole to the equator, then g ' = g 1 − e .
g
R 2
mg − mg 1 − e
g mRe 2 R 2
Hence % change in weight = 100 = 100 = e 100
mg mg g
Key Points:
1. Apparent weight is equal to normal reaction is equal to reading of weighing machine is equal to
m × gapparent.
[Apparent weight = Normal reaction = Reading of weighing machine = m × gapparant]
2. Motion of an object is referred as free fall if its acceleration is same as acceleration due to gravity.
Illustration 142:
At some planet gapp at equator is equal to half of gapp of at poles.
Find in terms of g and R.
Solution:
1 1 g g
ge = gp g − R2 = g 2R = =
2 2 2 2R
v02 GM GM
But, a = = 2 = = gh ; Apparent weight = m(gh – gh) = 0
r r (R + h)2
Note:
The condition of weightlessness can be overcome by creating artificial gravity by rotating the satellite in
addition to its revolution.
Illustration 143:
Find ratio of gravitational field on the surface of two planets which are of uniform mass density and have
radius R1 and R2 if
(a) they are of same mass (b) they are of same density.
g1 R22 g1 R
Ans. (a) = (b) = 1
g2 R12 g2 R2
Solution:
4
G R3
GM 4GR
g= 2 = 3 2 =
R R 3
Escape Speed
The minimum speed required to send a body out of the gravity field of a planet (send it to r → ).
2GM0
v=
R
2GMe
Escape speed from Earth is surface ve =
R
If a body is thrown from Earth's surface with escape speed, it goes out of Earth's gravitational field and
never returns to the Earth's surface. But it starts revolving around the sun.
Me,R
Illustration 144:
1 GM 2
2 R
m0v + m0 − 3 3R − = 0 + 0
2
e
R/2
at r → , v → 0
2 2R 2
m0 v m0
11GMe
v= = ve at that position.
4R
Illustration 145:
Find radius of such planet on which the man escapes through jumping. The capacity of jumping of person
on Earth is 1.5 m. Density of planet is same as that of Earth.
Solution:
1 2 GMP m 1 2 GMP m
For a planet: mv − =0 mv −
2 Rp 2 Rp
4 /3Rp3 4 /3RE3
Density () is same = RP = RE h
Rp RE2
Sun Sun
m
→
r
Sun Area swept by
radius vector
A
m
vdt
→
r m
O
P B
vdt sin
Sun
Illustration 146:
x 2 y2
Suppose a planet is revolving around the Sun in an elliptical path given by + = 1 . Find time period of
a2 b2
revolution. Angular momentum of the planet about the Sun is L.
Sun
Solution:
dA L
Rate of area swept = = constant
dt 2m
A =ab t =T
L L L 2mab
dA =
2m
dt ; dA = 2m
dt ab =
2m
T T=
L
A =0 t =0
Illustration 147:
The Earth and Jupiter are two planets of the sun. The orbital radius of the Earth is 107 m and that of Jupiter
is 4 × 107 m. If the time period of revolution of Earth is T = 365 days, find time period of revolution of the
Jupiter.
Jupiter
r2=4×107m
T2 = ?
Sun
rt=107m
Earth
Tt = 365 days
Solution:
For both the planets
T2 r3
2 3 2 3
TJupiter rJupiter TJupiter 4 107
= = 7
TEarth rEarth 365days 10
Tjupiter = 8 × 365 days
Graph of T vs r : T
Graph of log T v/s log R :
Tr3/2
2 42 3 42
T = R 2log T = log + 3log R
GM s GM s
1 42 3
T = log + log R r
2 GM s 2
3
slope =
2
1 42
C = log
2 GM s
log R
• If planets are moving in elliptical orbit, then T2 a3 where a = semi major axis of the elliptical path.
GMe
v= this velocity is called orbital velocity ሺ𝑣0 ሻ
r
GMe
v0 =
r
m0v 2 GMe m0
=
r r2
GMe m0
m0v2 =
r
1 GMe m0
KE = m0v 2 =
2 2r
GMe m0
(ii) Potential energy U = −
r
GMe m0 −GMe m0
Total energy = KE + PE = +
2r r
GMe m0
TE = −
2r
Total energy is negative. It shows that the satellite is still bounded with the planet.
r m
v0
M
Geo-Stationary Satellite
We know that the Earth rotates about its axis with angular velocity Earth and time period TEarth = 24 hours.
Suppose a satellite is set in an orbit which is in the plane of the equator, whose is equal to Earth, (or its T
is equal to TEarth = 24 hours) and direction is also same as that of Earth. Then as seen from Earth, it will
appear to be stationary. This type of satellite is called geo- stationary satellite. For a geo-stationary satellite,
wsatellite = wEarth
Tsatellite = TEarth = 24 hr.
So, time period of a geo-stationery satellite must be
24 hours. To achieve T = 24 hour, the orbital radius
geo-stationary satellite:
42 3
T2 = r m
GMe
m0
Putting the values, we get orbital radius of geo stationary
satellite r = 6.6 Re (here Re = radius of the Earth)
height from the surface h = 5.6 Re.
2hRe2
• The area of Earth's surface covered by geostationary satellite is S = Re2 =
Re + h
= 2R2(1 + sin )
Binding Energy
Total mechanical energy (potential + kinetic) of a closed system is negative. The modulus of this total
mechanical energy is known as the binding energy of the system. This is the energy due to which system is
closed or different parts of the system are bound to each other.
Illustration 151:
An artificial satellite (mass m) of a planet (mass M) revolves in a circular orbit whose radius is n times the
radius R of the planet. In the process of motion, the satellite experiences a slight resistance due to cosmic
dust. Assuming the force of resistance on satellite to depend on velocity as F = av2 where 'a' is a constant,
calculate how long the satellite will stay in the space before it falls onto the planet's surface.
Solution:
GM
Air resistance F = – av2, where orbital velocity v =
r
GMa
r = the distance of the satellite from planet's centre F = –
r
(GM ) a dt
3/2
GMa GM
The work done by the resistance force dW = Fdx = Fvdt = dt = ...(i)
r r r 3/2
dE d GM m GMm GMm
The loss of energy of the satellite = dE ∴ = − = dE = dr ...(ii)
dr dr 2r 2r 2 2r 2
(GM )
3/2
GMm
Since, dE = – dW (work energy theorem) – dr = adt
2r 2
r 3/2
R m R ( n −1 )=
t=–
m
2a GM
nR
dr
r
=
a GM
( n −1 ) a mgR
Illustration 152:
Two satellites S1 and S2 revolve round a planet in coplanar circular orbits in the same sense. Their periods
of revolution are 1 h and 8h respectively. The radius of the orbit of S1 is 104 km. When S2 is closest to S1, find:
(a) the speed of S2 relative to S1 and
(b) the angular speed of S2 as observed by an astronaut in S1.
Solution:
Let the mass of the planet be M, that of S1 be m1 and S2 be m2. Let the radius of the orbit of S1 be
R1(= 104 km) and of S2 be R2.
Let v1 and v2 be the linear speeds of S1 and S2 with respect to the planet. Figure shows the situation.
As the square of the time period is proportional to the cube of the radius.
3 2 2
R2 T2 8h
= = = 64 V1
R1 T1 1h
R2 V2
R2
or, =4
R1
S1 S2
or, R2 = 4R1 = 4 × 104 m. R1
Now the time period of S1 is 1 h. So,
2R1
= 1h
v1
2Ri
or, v1 = = 2 104 km / h
1h
2R2
Similarly, v2 = = 104 km / h
8h
(a) At the closest separation, they are moving in the same direction. Hence the speed of S2 with respect
to S1 is |v2 – v1| = × 104 km/h.
(b) As seen from S1, the satellite S2 is at a distance R2 – R1 = 3 × 104 km at the closest separation. Also,
is moving at × 104 km/h in a direction perpendicular to the line joining them. Thus, the angular
speed of S2 as observed by S1 is
104 km / h
= = rad / h.
3 104 km / h 3
1 GMm 2GM
Then, mv22 = v2 =
2 R R
But, v1=
GM
R
So Additional velocity = v2 – v1=
2GM
R
–
GM
R
= ( 2 –1 ) GM
R
Illustration 154:
For a particle projected in a transverse direction from A m
a height h above Earth’s surface, find the minimum
h
initial velocity so that it just grazes the surface of Earth
path of this particle would be an ellipse with center of R Orbit of the body
Earth as the farther focus, point of projection as the Earth Just grazing earth’s surface
apogee and a diametrically opposite point on Earth’s B VB
surface as perigee.
Solution:
Suppose velocity of projection at point A is vA and at point B, the velocity of the particle is vB.
mv 2A GMe m mvB2 GMe m
then applying Newton’s 2nd law at point A and B, we get, = and =
rA ( R + h)2 rB R2
Where rA and rB are radius of curvature of the orbit at points A and B of the ellipse,
But rA = rB = r(say).
Now applying conservation of energy at points A and B
−GMe m 1 2 −GMe m 1 2
+ mv A = + mvB
R+h 2 R 2
1 1 1 1 1 1
= ( mvB − mv A ) = rGMe m 2 −
2 2
GMe m − 2
( )
R R+h 2 R ( R + h)
2
2R ( R + h) 2Rr rGMe R
or, r= = VA2 = = 2GMe
2R + h R +r ( R + h)2
r (r + R )
v
h /2
r
R
Velocity Orbit
GM 2R
1. Velocity, v < Body returns to Earth
r r + R
GM GM 2R
2. >v> Body acquires an elliptical orbit with Earth as the
r r r + R
far-focus w.r.t. the point of projection.
GMe
of the orbit, v =
r
4. Velocity is between the critical and escape Body acquires an elliptical orbit with Earth as
velocity of the orbit the near focus w.r.t. the point of projection.
2GMe GMe
>v> i.e TE < 0
r r
2GMe
5. v = vesc = i.e TE = 0 Body just escapes Earth’s gravity, along a
r
parabolic path.
2GMe
6. v > vesc = i.e TE > 0 Body escape Earth’s gravity along a
r
hyperbolic path.
r1 r1
cm cm
r2 r2
m2 m2 v2
For centre of mass to remain at rest both the stars should rotate with same ''.
Let distance of centre of mass for m1 is r1 and m2 is r2. Then
m1r1 = m2r2 ....(i)
r1 + r2 = r ....(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
m2r
r1 =
m1 + m2
m1r
r2 =
m1 + m2
T1 = T2 1 = 2 ....(iii)
Gm1m2
= F = m112r1 ...(iv)
r2
Gm1m2
= m222r2 ...(v)
r2
Gm1 (m1 + m2 )
= 22
r 2m1r
G(m1 + m2 )
= 12
r3
Angular momentum of system
L = m1v1r1 + m2v2r2
mmr v1
L = 1 2 (r )
m1 + m2
l = µr2 m
2𝑑 COM 𝑑 2m
mm 3 3
v2
where µ = 1 2 is the reduced mass of system.
m1 + m2
A pair of stars rotating about their COM (centre of mass)
GM(2m)
F=
d2
Illustration 155:
In a double star, two stars (one of mass m and the other of 2m) distant d apart rotate about their common
centre of mass. Deduce an expression of the period of revolution. Show that the ratio of their angular
momentum about the centre of mass is the same as the ratio of their kinetic energies.
Solution:
The centre of mass C will be at distances d/3 and 2d/3 from the masses 2m and m respectively. Both the
stars rotate round C in their respective orbits with the same angular velocity . The gravitational force
acting on each star due to the other supplies the necessary centripetal force.
G ( 2m ) m
The gravitational force on either star is . If we consider the rotation of the smaller star, the
d2
2d 2md2
centripetal force (m r 2) is m 2 and for bigger star i.e. same
3 3
G ( 2m) m 2d 3Gm
2
= m 2 or = 3
d 3 d
Therefore, the period of revolution is given by
2 d3
T= = 2 d/3 2d/3
m
3Gm 2m C
The ratio of the angular momentum is
2
( 2m ) d
( I)big Ibig 3 =1
= =
( I) small I small 2d
2
2
m
3
1 2
I Ibig 1
2 big
Since is same for both. The ratio of their kinetic energies is = = , which is the same as
1 2 Ismall 2
I
2 small
the ratio of their angular momentum.
= = R − r
3 2 3
Illustration 157:
A spherical body of radius R consists of a fluid of constant density and is in equilibrium under its own
gravity. If P(r) is the pressure at r(r < R), then the correct option(s) is(are) :-
P ( r = 3R / 4 ) 63 P ( r = 3R /5) 16 P ( r = R /2) 20
(A) P(r = 0) = 0 (B) = (C) = (D) =
P ( r = 2R /3) 80 P ( r = 2R /5) 21 P ( r = R /3) 27
Ans. (BC)
Solution:
dF = [P – (P + dP)]A
Gm
dm = − ( dP ) A
r2
Mr 3
P r G 3
4ar 2dr r
R
dP = − r 2 ( 4r 2 ) dr
0 R
GM r2
P= 1 −
2R R2