Chapter 07 Physics

CHAPTER 7:
Gravitation

1
 Chapter 07 Physics
Overview:

Gravitation

Newton’s law Gravitational Gravitational Satellite

of gravitation force Potential motion
and Energy
Field strength

2
 Chapter 07 Physics

Learning Outcome:
7.1 Gravitational force and field strength
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 State and use the Newton’s law of gravitation,

Mm
F =G 2
r
 Define and use gravitational field strength,
M
ag = G 2
r

3
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.1 Gravitational force and field strength
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o State and use the Newton’s law of gravitation.
7.1.1 Newton’s law of gravitation
 states that a magnitude of an attractive force between two
point masses is directly proportional to the product of their
masses and inversely proportional to the square of the
distance between them.
1
OR F  Mm and F  2
r
Mm Mm
F 2 F =G 2
r r
F : Gravitational force
M , m : masses of particle1 and 2
r : distance between particle 1 and 2
G : Universal gravitatio nal Constant = 6.67 x10 −11 N m 2 kg −2 4
 Chapter 07 Physics
 Illustration of Newton’s law of gravitation.

m1 m2
 
F21 F12
r
Figure 7.1
  m1m2
F21 = F12 = Fg = G 2
r
where

F21 : Gravitatio nal force by particle 2 on particle 1

F12 : Gravitatio nal force by particle 1 on particle 2
Simulation 7.1
5
 Chapter 07 Physics
 Gravitational force, Fg varies with the distance, r.
Fg Fg

gradient = Gm1 m2
1
0
Figure 7.2a r 0 Figure 7.2b
r2

 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.
6
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.1 :
A spaceship of mass 9000 kg travels from the Earth to the Moon
along a line that passes through the Earth’s centre and the Moon’s
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=6.001024 kg, the mass of the
Moon, mM=7.351022 kg and the universal gravitational constant,
G=6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2)

7
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : m E = 6.00  10 24 kg; m M = 7.35  10 22 kg;
ms = 900 0 kg; rEM = 3.84  10 8 m

mE  m  mM
FEs s FMs
x rEM − x
rEM
FEs = 2 FMs
GmE ms GmM ms
=2
x 2
(rEM − x )
2

x2 mE
=
(rEM − x ) 2mM
2

x2 6.00  10 24
=
(
3.84  10 − x
8
)2
( 2 ) (
7.35  10 22
)
x = 3.32  10 8 m 8
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.2 : C
50 g

6 cm

3.2 kg 2.5 kg
8 cm
A B
Figure 7.3

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

points A and B as shown in Figure 7.3. If a 50 g sphere is placed
at point C, determine
a. the resultant force acting on it.
b. the magnitude of the sphere’s acceleration.
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2) 9
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : mA = 3.2 kg; m B = 2.5 kg; mC = 50  10 −3 kg
rBC = 6  10 −2 m; rAC = 10  10 −2 m
a.
C
 θ
FA sin θ = 0.6
−2
 cos θ = 0.8
10  10 m FB
6  10 −2 m
θ
8  10 - 2 m
A B
The magnitude of the forces on mC,

FA =
GmA mC
=
(6.67  10 )(3.2 )(50  10 )
−11 −3

rAC
2
(10  10 )
−2 2

FA = 1.07  10 −9 N
10
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : mA = 3.2 kg; m B = 2.5 kg; mC = 50  10 −3 kg
rBC = 6  10 −2 m; rAC = 10  10 −2 m

FB =
GmB mC
=
(6.67  10 )(2.5)(50  10 )
−11 −3

rBC
2
(6  10 ) −2 2

FB = 2.32  10 −9 N

Force x-component (N) y-component (N)

− FA cos θ − FA sin θ

FA (
= − 1.07  10 (0.8 )
−9
) ( )
= − 1.07  10 −9 (0.6 )
= −8.56  10 −10 = −6.42  10 −10

0 − FB
FB
= −2.32  10 −9

11
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :

 Fx = −8.56  10 −10 N

F y = −6.42  10 −10 − 2.32  10 −9 = −2.96  10 −9 N

The magnitude of the nett force is

 F = ( F ) + ( F )
2 2
x y

= (− 8.5610 ) + (− 2.96 10 )

−10 2 −9 2

 F = 3.08  10 −9 N
and its direction is y
−1   y 
 F   − 2 .96  10 −9
 x
θ = tan = tan 
−1

 F  − 73.9 
 − 8.56 10 
10
 x 
θ = 73 .9

F 12
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :
b. F = m a
C

3.08  10 = (50  10 )a
−9 −3

3.08  10 −9
a=
50  10 −3
a = 6.16  10 −8 m s −2

13
 Chapter 07 Physics
Exercise 7.1 :
Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2
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. : 8.210−3 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. : 2.110−8 N

Figure 7.4
14
 Chapter 07 Physics

3.

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. : 1.6810−2 N; 45

15
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.1.2 Gravitational Field
 is 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.
 For spherical objects (such as the Earth) the field is radial.

Figure 7.6

16
 Chapter 07 Physics
 The gravitational field in small region near the Earth’s
surface are uniform and can be drawn parallel to each other.

Figure 7.7
 The field lines indicate two things:
⚫ The arrows – the direction of the field

⚫ The spacing – the strength of the field

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. 17
 Chapter
 07 Physics
7.1.3 Gravitational field strength, ag
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o Define gravitational field strength.
 is a gravitational force per unit mass of a body (test mass)
placed at a point. OR

F F : Gravitational force
ag = ag : Gravitational field strength
m
m : mass of a body (test mass)
 a vector quantity.
 S.I. unit : N kg −1 or m s−2.
 also known as gravitational acceleration (the free-fall
acceleration).
 Its direction is in the same direction of the gravitational force.
18
 Chapter 07 Physics
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o Use the equation for gravitational field strength.
 Another formula for the gravitational field strength at a point:
F GMm
ag = and F = 2
m r
1  GMm 
ag =  2 
m r 
GM
ag = 2
r
M : mass of a point mass
r : distance between test mass and point mass

19
 Chapter 07 Physics
 Direction of the gravitational field strength on a point S at
distance r from the centre of the planet.

GM
ag = 2
r
M

Figure 7.8 r

20
 Chapter 07 Physics
 The gravitational field in the small region near the Earth’s
surface( r  R) are uniform where its strength is 9.81 m s−2
and its direction can be shown by using the Figure 7.9.

GM
ag = g = 2
R

Figure 7.9
where R : radius of the Earth
g : gravitatio nal acceleration = 9.81 m s −2
21
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.3 :
Determine the Earth’s gravitational field strength
a. on the surface.
b. at an altitude of 350 km.
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2, mass of the Earth,
M = 6.00  1024 kg and radius of the Earth, R = 6.40  106 m)
Solution : r = R = 6.40  10 6 m; a g = g
a.

g
r ( )
GM 6.67 10−11 6.00 1024
g= 2 =
M R (
6.40 106 2
)
R g = 9.77 N kg −1 OR 9.77 m s −2
(Towards the centre of the Earth)
22
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :
b. 
ag h r = R+h
= 6.40  10 6 + 350  10 3
r r = 6.75  10 6 m

GM
R M ag = 2
r
=
(6.67  10 )6.00 10
−11 24

(6.75 10 )
6 2

ag = 8.78 m s −2
(Towards the centre of the Earth)

23
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.4 :
The gravitational field strength on Earth’s surface is 9.81 N kg−1.
Calculate
a. the gravitational field strength at a point C at distance 1.5R from
the Earth’s 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. C
a g h = 1.5 R
 GM −1
g r g = = 9 . 81 N kg
R2
r = R + 1 .5 R = 2 .5 R
R M
24
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :
GM GM
a. ag = ag =
rC
2
(2.5R ) 2

1  GM 
=  2 
6.25  R 
ag =
1
(9.81) = 1.57 N kg −1
6.25
b. Given m = 2.5 kg
W = ma g
= (2.5 )(1.57 )
W = 3 .93 N

25
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.5 :

5 km

B
A Figure 7.10

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.

26
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : r = 5  10 3 m; M A = 4 M B
A  
a g1 C a g 2 B

r−x x
r

At point C, (a )
g nett =0
a g1 = a g 2
GM A GM B
= 2
(r − x )2
x
4M B MB
= 2
(5  10 3 − x )
2
x
x = 1.67  10 3 m 27
 Chapter 07 Physics
Learning Outcome:

7.2 Gravitational potential energy

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Define gravitational potential energy.

 Use gravitational potential energy,

GMm
U =−
r

28
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.2 Gravitational potential energy
7.2.1 Work done by the external force

F
1 1 m
Wr1 →r2 = GMm −  
 r1 r2  Fg
r1 r
2
Wr1 →r2 : Work done from r1 to r2
M : mass of a point mass
m : mass of a test mass M
G : Universal gravitational Constant
r2 : final distance
r1 : initial distance Figure 7.11

29
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.2.2 Gravitational potential energy, U
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o Define and use gravitational potential energy.
 is defined as the work done by a gravitational force in
bringing a test mass from infinity to a point.
 From the equation of the work done by the external force,

1 1
W = GMm −  where r1 =  and r2 = r
 r1 r2 
 1 1 GMm
W = GMm −  W =−
 r r
GMm
U =−
r where
r : distance between the point and the point mass, M
30
 Chapter 07 Physics
 The change in gravitational potential energy, U is given
by
ΔU = U f − U i
 GMm   GMm 
ΔU =  −  −  − 
 r2   r1 
1 1
ΔU = GMm − 
 r1 r2 

31
 Chapter 07 Physics
 The variation of gravitational potential energy, U when the test
mass, m move away from the Earth’s surface is illustrated by
the graph in Figure 7.12.

U
0 R
r
1
U
r
GMm Figure 7.12
−
R

 Note:
⚫ The Gravitational potential energy at infinity is zero.

U = 0
32
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.6 :
When in orbit, a satellite attracts the Earth with a force of 19 kN
and the satellite’s gravitational potential energy due to the Earth is
−1.401011 J. Calculate the satellite’s mass and the satellite’s
distance from the Earth’s surface.
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2, mass of the Earth,
M = 5.981024 kg and radius of the Earth , R = 6.38106 m)

33
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : Fg = 19  103 N; U = −1.40  1011 J
m=? GMm
 U =−
Fg h = ? GMm
r
r r=− (1)
R
U
GMm
Fg = 2
r
GMm
r=
Fg
( 2)

(1) = ( 2 ) −
GMm
=
GMm
U Fg
2
 GMm  GMm
−  =
 U  Fg 34
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : Fg = 19  103 N; U = −1.40  1011 J
2
U
m=
( −1.40 10 )
2
GMFg 11

=
( 6.67  10 −11
)( 5.98  10 24
)(19  10 3
)
m = 2586 kg
Thus
r=−
GMm
=−
( )( )
6.67 10−11 5.98 1024 2586
U −1.40 1011
r = 7.37 10 m
6

Hence the satellite’s distance from the Earth’s surface is

r = R+h
7.37 106 = 6.38 106 + h
h = 9.9 105 m 35
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.7 :
The gravitational potential energy at the surface of a planet of
radius R is −12.8 GJ. 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.
Solution : m = 10 00 kg ; r1 = R

R
r1 m
M h = 2R
r2
On the surface of the planet, the gravitational potential energy is
GMm GM (1000 )
U =− −12.8 10 = −
9

r1 R
GM
= 12.8  10 6 36
R
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : m = 10 00 kg ; r1 = R
The final distance is r2 = R + h = 3 R
The work done required is
1 1
W = GMm − 
 r1 r2 
1 1 
= GMm − 
 R 3R 
2m  GM 
=  
3  R 
2(1000 )
=
3
(
12.8  10 6 )
W = 8.53  10 J
9

37
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.8 :
The Moon has a mass of 7.351022 kg and a radius of 1740 km.
a. A probe of mass 100 kg is dropped from a height 1 km onto the
Moon’s surface. Calculate its change in gravitational potential
energy.
b. If all the gravitational potential energy lost is converted to
kinetic energy, calculate the speed at which the probe hits the
surface.
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2)

38
 Chapter 07 Physics
= 7.35 1022 kg; R = 1.74 106 m
Solution : M
a. Given m = 100 kg; r2 = R = 1.74 106 m

R
r2 m
M h = 1.00 10 m
3

r1
r1 = R + h = 1.74 106 + 1.00 103
r1 = 1.74110 m6

Hence the change in the gravitational potential energy is

ΔU = U f − U i
 GMm   GMm  1 1
ΔU =  −  −  −  = GMm − 
 r2   r1   r1 r2 
ΔU = (6.67 10 )(7.35 10 )(100)
−11  1 1 
22
− 6 
 1.74110 1.74 10 
6

ΔU = −1.62 10 J 5

39
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :
b. Given
Gravitational potential energy lost = kinetic energy
The speed of the probe when hit the moon’s surface is given by

ΔU = K
1 2
ΔU = mv
2
1.62 10 = (100 )v 2
5 1
2
v = 56.9 m s −1

40
 Chapter 07 Physics
Learning Outcome:

7.3 Satellite motion in a circular orbit

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Use escape velocity:

2GM
vesc = = 2 gR
R

41
 Chapter 07 Physics
Learning Outcome:

7.3 Satellite motion in a circular orbit

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Use equation for satellite motion :
(i) velocity,
GM
v=
r
(ii) period,

r3
T = 2
GM

42
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.3 Satellite motion in a circular orbit
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o Use equation of escape velocity.
7.3.1 Escape velocity, vesc
 is defined as a minimum velocity required by a mass to
escape completely from gravitational field to infinity in
outer space.
 At infinity,
⚫ Final gravitational potential energy of the mass is given by

Uf = 0
⚫ Final kinetic energy of the mass is given by
Kf  0
⚫ By using the principle of conservation of energy,
E = E
i f
1  GMm 
Ki + U i = K f + U f mvesc +  − =0
2

 r  43
2
 Chapter 07 Physics
where
2GM vesc : escape velocity
vesc =
r r : distance between th e test mass
and the Earth' s centre
 If the test mass on the Earth’s surface (r =R) hence

2GM
vesc = and GM = gR 2
R

=
(
2 gR 2 )
R
vesc = 2 gR
where g : gravitational acceleration=9.81 m s −2
R : Earth' s radius 44
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.9 :
a. Calculate the escape speed from the Earth’s surface for a
rocket of mass 3000 kg.
b. Determine the kinetic energy of the rocket in part (a) must have
at the Earth’s surface in order to move infinitely far away from
the Earth.
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2, mass of the Earth,
M = 6.001024 kg, and radius of the Earth , R = 6.40106 m)
Solution : m = 3000 kg
a. Given r = R = 6.40 106 m
The escape speed of the rocket is given by
2GM 2GM
vesc = =
r R 45
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution :
a.
vesc =
( )(
2 6.67 10−11 6.00 1024 )
6.40 106
vesc = 1.12 104 m s −1
b. The kinetic energy of the rocket in order to move infinitely far
away from the Earth is given by
1
K = mvesc 2
2
1
2
(
K = (3000) 1.12 10 4
)2

K = 1.88 10 J 11

46
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.10 :
A rocket is launched vertically from the Earth’s surface at an initial
speed of 10 km s−1. Neglecting the air resistance, how far above
the Earth’s surface will it go?
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2, mass of the Earth,
M = 6.001024 kg, and radius of the Earth , R = 6.40106 m)
Solution : B
v=0 The total energy at point A is

E
h
r2 u = 10  103 m s −1 A = KA +U A
A
r1 M and the total energy at point B is

R
E B = KB + U B
but KB = 0 47
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : r1 = R = 6.40 10 m; r2 = R + h
6

By applying the principle of conservation of energy, thus

E = E
A B

1 2  GMm   GMm 
mu +  −  =  − 
2  r1   r2 

r2 =
GM
=
(
6.67 10 −11 6.00 1024 )
 −   (
 GM u   6.67 10 −11 6.00 10 24
2

−
10  ) (
10 3
)
2


 r1 2  6.40 10 6
2 
 
r2 = 3.19 10 m7
3.19 107 = 6.40 106 + h
h = 2.55 10 m
7

48
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.3.2 Tangential (linear/orbital) velocity, v
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
o Use equation of velocity and period for satellite motion.

 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.

Figure 7.13 49
 Chapter 07 Physics
 The centripetal force, Fc is contributed by the gravitational force
of attraction, F exerted on the satellite by the Earth.
F = Fc = mac
2
GMm mv
2
=
r r
GM
v=
r
v: velocity of a satellite
r : distance of the satellite from
the centre of the Earth
M : mass of the Earth
G: universal gravitational constant
50
 Chapter 07 Physics
 For a satellite close to the Earth’s surface,
rR and GM = gR 2

Therefore
v = gR
2r
 since v = r =
T
the period, T of the satellite orbits around the Earth is
2r GM
=
T r
r3
T = 2
GM
51
 Chapter 07 Physics
7.3.3 Synchronous (Geostationary) Satellite
 Figure 7.14 shows a synchronous (geostationary) satellite
which stays above the same point on the equator of the Earth.

Figure 7.14
 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 the centre of
the Earth.
 It is used as a communication satellite. 52
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.11 :
The weight of a satellite in a circular orbit round the Earth is half
of its weight on the surface of the Earth. If the mass of the
satellite is 800 kg, determine
a. the altitude of the satellite,
b. the speed of the satellite in the orbit,
(Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2, mass of the Earth,
M = 6.001024 kg, and radius of the Earth , R = 6.40106 m)

53
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : m = 800 kg
a. 1
2 v =? W2 = W1
2
h=? 1
r2 mag = mg
1 2
r1 = R GM 1
2
= g
r2 2
(6.67 10 )(6.00 10 ) = 1 (9.81)
R
M −11 24

2
r2 2
r2 = 9.03  10 6 m
h = r2 − r1
= 9.03  10 − 6.40  10
6 6

h = 2.63  10 6 m 54
 Chapter 07 Physics
Solution : m = 800 kg
b. GM
v=
r2

=
( 6.67  10 −11
)( 6.00  10 24
)
9.03  10 6
−1
v = 6.66  10 m s
3

55
 Chapter 07 Physics
Example 7.12 :
The radius of the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is r and the period
of the orbit is 27.3 days. The masses of the Earth and Moon are
6.0  1024 kg and 7.4  1022 kg respectively. Calculate the radius
of the Moon orbit.
Solution : M = 6.0  10 24 kg; m = 7.4  10 22 kg;
The period of the moon is
T = (27.3)(24 )(60 )(60 ) =  6
2 . 36 10 s
r3
T = 2
GM
r3
2.36  10 = 2
6

(6.67 10 )(6.0 10 )

−11 24

r = 3.84  10 m
8
56
 Chapter 07 Physics
Exercise 7.2 :
Given G = 6.6710−11 N m2 kg−2
1. 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 kg−1. 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 s−1 ; 1.1110−4 rad s−1

57
 Chapter 07 Physics

2. A geostationary satellite of mass 2400 kg is placed

35.92 Mm from the Earth’s 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. : 7.2710−5 rad s−1; 3.08103 m s−1; 0.224 m s−2;
537 N ; 6.001024 kg

58
 Chapter 07 Physics

THE END.

59