PHYSICS

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 7: Gravitation (2 Hours)

PHYSICS Overview:

CHAPTER 8 7

Gravitation

Newtons law of gravitation

Gravitational Field strength

Gravitational potential

Satellite motion

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Learning Outcome:

CHAPTER 7

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7.1 Newtons law of gravitation

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7.1 Gravitational Force and Field Strength(1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to: State and use the Newtons law of gravitation,

Fg = G

m1m2 r2
F m M r2

7.1.1 Newtons law of gravitation States that a magnitude of an ..between two point masses is directly proportional to the product of their ... and inversely proportional to the square of the .between them. OR mathematically,

Define gravitational field strength as gravitational force per unit mass

ag =

Derive and use gravitational field strength,

where

Fg m1m2 mm Fg 1 2 2 r

and

Fg

1 r2

Fg = G

m1m2 r2

ag = G

Sketch a graph of ag against r and explain the change in ag with altitude and depth from the surface of the earth.

m1 , m2 : masses of particle 1 and 2

Fg : Gravitational force

r : distance between particle 1 and 2

G : Universal gravitational Constant = 6.67 x10 11 N m 2 kg 2
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m1

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m2

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Fg

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Fg

The statement can also be shown by using the Figure 7.1.

Figures 7.2a and 7.2b show the gravitational force, Fg varies with the distance, r.

F21
r
F21 = F12 = Fg = G
where

F12
m1m2 r2
gradient = Gm1 m2

Figure 7.1

Figure 7.2a

Figure 7.2b

1 r2

F21 : Gravitational force by particle 2 on particle 1

F12 : Gravitational force by particle 1 on particle 2

Notes: Every spherical object with constant density can be reduced to a point mass at the centre of the sphere. The gravitational forces always attractive in nature and the forces always act along the line joining the two point masses.
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Example 7.1 :

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Solution :
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mE = 6.00 10 kg; mM = 7.35 10 22 kg; ms = 9000 kg; rEM = 3.84 108 m

A spaceship of mass 9000 kg travels from the Earth to the Moon along a line that passes through the Earths centre and the Moons centre. The average distance separating Earth and the Moon is 384,000 km. Determine the distance of the spaceship from the Earth at which the gravitational force due to the Earth twice the magnitude of the gravitational force due to the Moon. (Given the mass of the Earth, mE=6.001024 kg, the mass of the Moon, mM=7.351022 kg and the universal gravitational constant,

mE
x

FEs ms FMs
rEM x
rEM

mM

Given

G=6.671011 N m2 kg2)

FEs = 2FMs GmE ms GmM ms =2 2 x (rEM x )2

x2

(rEM x )

mE 2 mM

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Example 7.2 :

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C
50 g

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Solution : a.

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6 cm
3.2 kg

m A = 3.2 kg; m B = 2 .5 kg; m C = 50 10 3 kg rBC = 6 10 2 m; rAC = 10 10 2 m C sin = 0.6 FA cos = 0.8

10 10 2 m

8 cm

2.5 kg

FB

B A

6 10 2 m

Figure 7.3 Two spheres of masses 3.2 kg and 2.5 kg respectively are fixed at points

8 10 - 2 m

A and B as shown in Figure 8.3. If a 50 g sphere is placed at point C,

determine a. the resultant force acting on it. b. the magnitude of the spheres acceleration. (Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2)
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The magnitude of the forces on mC,

FA =

GmA mC = rAC 2
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Solution : mA

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Solution :

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x y

= 3.2 kg; mB = 2.5 kg; mC = 50 10 3 kg rBC = 6 10 2 m; rAC = 10 10 2 m

FB =

GmB mC = rBC 2

F F

= =

The magnitude of the nett force is

F = ( F ) + ( F )
2 x y

Force

x-component (N)

y-component (N)

FA
and its direction is

FB
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Fy = tan 1 F x

=
12

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Exercise 7.1 :

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Solution : b. By using the Newtons second law of motion, thus

F = m a
C

Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2 1. Four identical masses of 800 kg each are placed at the corners of a square whose side length is 10.0 cm. Determine the nett gravitational force on one of the masses, due to the other three. ANS. : 8.2103 N; 45 2. Three 5.0 kg spheres are located in the xy plane as shown in Figure 7.4.Calculate the magnitude of the nett gravitational force on the sphere at the origin due to the other two spheres. ANS. : 2.1108 N

and the direction of the acceleration in the same direction of the nett force on the mC i.e. 254 from +x axis anticlockwise.

Figure 7.4
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Exercise 7.1 :
3.

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7.1.2 Gravitational Field

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is defined as a region of space surrounding a body that has the property of mass where the attractive force is experienced if a test
mass placed in the region.

Field lines are used to show gravitational field around an object with mass. For spherical objects (such as the Earth) the field is radial as shown in Figure 7.6. Figure 7.5 In Figure 7.5, four spheres form the corners of a square whose side is 2.0 cm long. Calculate the magnitude and direction of the nett gravitational force on a central sphere with mass of m5 = 250 kg. ANS. : 1.68102 N; 45

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Figure 7.6

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Gravitational field strength, ag

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The gravitational field in small region near the Earths surface are uniform and can be drawn parallel to each other as shown in Figure 7.7.

is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass of a body (test mass) placed at a point. OR

ag =

Fg m

Figure 7.7

where

The field lines indicate two things: The arrows the direction of the field The spacing the strength of the field

Fg : Gravitational force ag : Gravitational field strength m : mass of a body (test mass)

Note:
The gravitational field is a conservative field in which the work done in moving a body from one point to another is independent of the path taken.
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It is also known as gravitational acceleration (the freefree-fall acceleration). It is a The S.I. unit of the gravitational field strength is .or ...
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7.1.3 Gravitational Acceleration

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Figure 7.8 shows the direction of the gravitational field strength on a point S at distance r from the centre of the planet.

Its direction is in the ..of the gravitational force. Another formula for the gravitational field strength at a point is given by

ag =

Fg m

and

Fg =

GMm r2

ag =

1 GMm ag = 2 m r
ag =
where

GM r2

GM r2
Figure 7.8

M : mass of the point mass

r : distance between te st mass and point mass

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Example 7.3 :

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The gravitational field in the small region near the Earths surface( r R) are uniform where its strength is 9.81 m s2 and its direction can be shown by using the Figure 7.9.

Determine the Earths gravitational field strength a. on the surface. b. at an altitude of 350 km. (Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2, mass of the Earth,

ag = g =

GM R2

M = 6.00 1024 kg and radius of the Earth, R = 6.40 106 m)

Solution : a.

Figure 7.9 where

r M

r = R = 6.40 106 m; a g = g
The gravitational field strength is

g=

GM = R2

R : radius of the Earth g : gravitational acceleration = 9.81 m s 2

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Solution : b.

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ag h

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Example 7.4 :

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r = R+h

The gravitational field strength on the Earths surface is 9.81 N kg1. Calculate a. the gravitational field strength at a point C at distance 1.5R from

r
The gravitational field strength is given by

the Earths surface where R is the radius of the Earth. b. the weight of a rock of mass 2.5 kg at point C. Solution : g = 9.81 N kg 1 a. The gravitational field strength on the Earths surface is

GM ag = 2 r

g=

GM = 9.81 N kg 1 2 R

The distance of point C from the Earths centre is

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GM rC
2

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GM

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Example 7.5 :

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5 km

Solution : a. Thus the gravitational field strength at point C is given by

ag =

ag =

(2.5R )2
A
Figure 7.10

b. Given m = 2.5 kg The weight of the rock is

W = ma g

Figure 7.10 shows an object A at a distance of 5 km from the object B. The mass A is four times of the mass B. Determine the location of a point on the line joining both objects from B at which the nett gravitational field strength is zero.

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Solution :
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r = 5 10 m; M A = 4M B A

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7.1.4 Variation of gravitational field strength on the distance from the centre of the Earth

a g1 C a g 2
rx
At point C,

Outside the Earth ( r > R) Figure 7.11 shows a test mass which is outside the Earth and at a distance r from the centre.

(a )

g nett

=0
GM B x2

M
R

a g1 = a g 2
GM A

(r x )

Figure 7.11 The gravitational field strength outside the Earth is

ag =
27

GM r2

ag

1 r2
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Inside the Earth ( r < R)

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On the Earth ( r = R) Figure 7.12 shows a test mass on the Earths surface.

Figure 7.13 shows a test mass which is inside the Earth and at distance r from the centre.

M r
R
Figure 7.12 The gravitational field strength on the Earths surface is

M
M'

where

R
Figure 7.13

M ' : the mass of spherical portion of the Earth of radius, r

GM ag = 2 = g = 9.81 m s 2 R

The gravitational field strength inside the Earth is given by

ag =
29

GM ' r2
30

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M ' V ' = M V

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3 M' 4 r3 3 r = = 3 3 M 4 R 3 R r3 M '= 3 M R

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By assuming the Earth is a solid sphere and constant density, hence

( (

) )

The variation of gravitational field strength, ag as a function of distance from the centre of the Earth, r is shown in Figure 7.14.

ag
ag = GM =g R2

Therefore the gravitational field strength inside the Earth is

r3 G R3 M ag = 2 r GM ag = 3 r R

ag
ag r

1 r2
r
32

ag r
31

R
Figure 7.14

PHYSICS Learning Outcome:

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PHYSICS
7.2.1 Gravitational potential, V

CHAPTER 7

7.2 Gravitational potential (1 hour)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to: Define gravitational potential in a gravitational field. Derive and use the formulae,

at a point is defined as the work done by an external force in bringing a test mass from infinity to a point per unit the test mass. OR

V =

GM r

mathematically, V is written as: where

V=

W m

m : mass of the test mass

V : gravitational potential at a point

Sketch the variation of gravitational potential, V with distance,

r from the centre of the earth.

W : work done in bringing a test mass

from infinity to a point
It is a .
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The S.I unit for gravitational potential is m2 s2 or J kg1. Another formula for the gravitational potential at a point is given by

V=

W m

and

1 1 W = GMm r r 1 2
where

The gravitational potential difference between point A and B (VAB) in the Earths gravitational field is defined as the work done in bringing a test mass from point B to point A per unit the test mass. OR mathematically, VAB is written as:

GMm 1 1 m r1 r2 GMm 1 1 V= m r V=

r1 =

and r2

=r

VAB =
where

WBA = VA -VB m

WBA : work done in bringing the test mass

from point B to point A.

V =

GM r

where

r : distance between the point

and the point mass, M
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VA : gravitational potential at point A

VB : gravitational potential at point B

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Figure 7.15 shows two points A and B at a distance rA and rB from the centre of the Earth respectively in the Earths gravitational field.

The gravitational potential difference between point B and A in the Earths gravitational field is given by

rA rB M

The gravitational potential difference between the points A and B is given by

VBA = VB VA =

WAB m

VAB = VA VB
GM VAB = r A GM rB

The variation of gravitational potential, V when the test mass, m move away from the Earths surface is illustrated by the graph in Figure 7.16.

V
0 R

V
GM R
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Figure 7.15

1 1 VAB = GM r r B A

1 r

Figure 7.16

Note: The Gravitational potential at infinity is zero. V = 0

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Example 7.6 :

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Solution : F
g

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= 19 103 N; V = 5.45 107 J kg 1
GM r

When in orbit, a satellite attracts the Earth with a force of 19 kN and the satellites gravitational potential due to the Earth is 5.45107 J kg1. a. Calculate the satellites distance from the Earths surface. b. Determine the satellites mass. (Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2, mass of the Earth,

a. By using the formulae of gravitational potential, thus:

V =

M = 5.981024 kg and radius of the Earth , R = 6.38106 m)

Solution :

Fg = 19 103 N; V = 5.45 107 J kg 1

Fg

r
39

Therefore the satellites distance from the Earths surface is:

r =h+R

R
40

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Solution F :g
3

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= 19 10 N; V = 5.45 10 J kg
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Example 7.7 :

CHAPTER 7

b. From the Newtons law of gravitation, hence:

Fg =

GMm r2

The gravitational potential at the surface of a planet of radius R is 12.8 MJ kg1. Determine the work done in overcoming the gravitational force when a space probe of mass 1000 kg is lifted to a height of 2R from the surface of the planet. m = 1000 kg; r1 = R Solution :

R M

r1 m

h = 2R r2

On the surface of the planet, the gravitational potential is

V =
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GM r1
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Example 7.8 :

CHAPTER 7

Solution : m = 1000 kg; r1 = R r2 = R + h = 3R The final distance of the space probe from the centre of the Earth is The work done required is given by

1 1 W = GMm r r 1 2

The Moon has a mass of 7.351022 kg and a radius of 1740 km. a. Determine the gravitational potential at its surface. b. A probe of mass 100 kg is dropped from a height 1 km onto the Moons surface. Calculate its change in gravitational potential energy. c. If all the gravitational potential energy lost is converted to kinetic energy, calculate the speed at which the probe hits the surface. (Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2) Solution : M = 7.35 1022 kg; R = 1.74 106 m a. The gravitational potential on the moons surface is

V =

GM = R
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Solution : M = 7.35 10 b. Given m = 100 kg; r2 =
22

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kg; R = 1.74 10 m R = 1.74 10 6 m
h = 1.00 10 3 m
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r2

Solution : c. Given Gravitational potential energy lost = kinetic energy The speed of the probe when hit the moons surface is given by

r1
Hence the change in the gravitational potential energy is

r1 = R + h = 1.74 106 + 1.00 103 r1 = 1.741106 m

U = K 1 U = mv 2 2

U = U f U i 1 1 GMm GMm U = GMm = r r r2 r1 1 2

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PHYSICS CHAPTER 7 Learning Outcome:

7.3 Satellite motion in a circular orbit ( hour)
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to: Explain satellite motion with: velocity,

PHYSICS 7.3

CHAPTER 7

Satellite motion in a circular orbit

7.3.1 Tangential (linear/orbital) velocity, v Consider a satellite of mass, m travelling around the Earth of mass, M, radius, R, in a circular orbit of radius, r with constant tangential (orbital) speed, v as shown in Figure 8.22.

v=
period,

GM r

r3 T = 2 GM

Figure 8.22
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The centripetal force, Fc is contributed by the gravitational force of attraction, Fg exerted on the satellite by the Earth.

For a satellite close to the Earths surface, 2 and GM = gR

rR

Fg = Fc = mac

GMm mv 2 = r2 r
Hence the tangential velocity, v is given by

Therefore

v = gR

The relationship between tangential velocity and angular velocity is

v = r =
GM r where r : distance of the satellite from the centre of the Earth M : mass of the Earth G : universal gravitational constant v=

2r T
r3 T = 2 GM
50

Hence , the period, T of the satellite orbits around the Earth is given by

2r GM = T r
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7.3.2

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Exercise 7.2 :

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Synchronous (Geostationary) Satellite

Figure 7.17 shows a synchronous (geostationary) satellite which stays above the same point on the equator of the Earth.

Given G = 6.671011 N m2 kg2 1. A rocket is launched vertically from the surface of the Earth at speed 25 km s-1. Determine its speed when it escapes from the gravitational field of the Earth. (Given g on the Earth = 9.81 m s2, radius of the Earth , R = 6.38 106 m) ANS. : 2.24104 m s1 2. A satellite revolves round the Earth in a circular orbit whose radius is five times that of the radius of the Earth. The gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth is 9.81 N kg1. Determine a. the tangential speed of the satellite in the orbit, b. the angular frequency of the satellite. (Given radius of the Earth , R = 6.38 106 m) ANS. : 3538 m s1 ; 1.11104 rad s1
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Figure 7.17

The satellite have the following characteristics: It revolves in the same direction as the Earth. It rotates with the same period of rotation as that of the Earth (24 hours). It moves directly above the equator. The centre of a synchronous satellite orbit is at the centre of the Earth. It is used as a communication satellite.
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Exercise 7.2 :

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CHAPTER 8 7

3. A geostationary satellite of mass 2400 kg is placed 35.92 Mm from the Earths surface orbits the Earth along a circular path. Determine a. the angular velocity of the satellite, b. the tangential speed of the satellite, c. the acceleration of the satellite, d. the force of attraction between the Earth and the satellite, e. the mass of the Earth. (Given radius of the Earth , R = 6.38 106 m) ANS. : 7.27105 rad s1; 3.08103 m s1; 0.224 m s2; 537 N ; 6.001024 kg

THE END
Next Chapter
CHAPTER 8 : Rotational of A Rigid Body

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