1. The escape velocity vₑ of a body depends on the gravitational pull of the celestial body it is escaping from. For Earth, the escape velocity is derived based on its mass M and radius R using the formula: vₑ ∝ √((2 GM)/R) On a different planet, if its mass is 10 times that of Earth and its radius isRead more

    The escape velocity vₑ of a body depends on the gravitational pull of the celestial body it is escaping from. For Earth, the escape velocity is derived based on its mass M and radius R using the formula:

    vₑ ∝ √((2 GM)/R)

    On a different planet, if its mass is 10 times that of Earth and its radius is 1/10th of Earth’s, the escape velocity will increase significantly. Substituting the planet’s properties into the formula reveals that the escape velocity is proportional to:

    vₑ ∝ 10 x √((2 GM)/R)

    This results in an escape velocity that is 10 times that of Earth, making it approximately 110 km/s.

    vₑ(earth) = √((2 GM)/R) = 11 km s⁻¹
    vₑ(planet) = √((2 G x 10 M)/R/10) = 10√((2 GM)/R)
    = 10 x 11 = 110 km s⁻¹

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  2. The gravitational force between two spheres depends on their masses and the distance between their centers. The smaller sphere experiences a force due to the gravitational attraction of the larger sphere, which results in acceleration. The acceleration of the smaller sphere is calculated by dividingRead more

    The gravitational force between two spheres depends on their masses and the distance between their centers. The smaller sphere experiences a force due to the gravitational attraction of the larger sphere, which results in acceleration. The acceleration of the smaller sphere is calculated by dividing the gravitational force by its mass.
    Similarly, the larger sphere also experiences acceleration due to the gravitational force exerted by the smaller sphere. However, since the larger sphere has a greater mass, its acceleration is proportionally smaller. The relationship between the force, mass, and acceleration illustrates the mutual interaction governed by Newton’s law of gravitation.

    Gravitational force between the two spheres,
    F = (GM x 5 M)/(12 R – x)²
    Acceleration of smaller body,
    a₁ = F/M = (G x 5 M)/(12 R – x)²
    Acceleration of larger body,
    a₂ = F/5 M = GM/(12 R – x)²

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  3. If the gravitational force varies inversely with the n-th power of the distance, the relationship between the gravitational force and the orbital radius changes accordingly. For a planet in a circular orbit, the centripetal force required for circular motion is provided by this gravitational force.Read more

    If the gravitational force varies inversely with the n-th power of the distance, the relationship between the gravitational force and the orbital radius changes accordingly. For a planet in a circular orbit, the centripetal force required for circular motion is provided by this gravitational force. The balance of these forces determines the planet’s orbital velocity.

    The time period of the orbit depends on the radius of the orbit and the orbital velocity. By analyzing this relationship under the modified gravitational law, it can be shown that the time period of the planet’s orbit is proportional to R⁽ⁿ ⁺ ¹⁾/². This reflects the dependence of orbital dynamics on the nature of the gravitational force.

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  4. When analyzing the change in gravitational acceleration g at a height h above or a depth d below the Earth's surface, the variations depend on their relationship to the Earth's radius R. For both h and d much smaller than R, the following approximations hold: 1. At a height h above the surface, g deRead more

    When analyzing the change in gravitational acceleration g at a height h above or a depth d below the Earth’s surface, the variations depend on their relationship to the Earth’s radius R. For both h and d much smaller than R, the following approximations hold:

    1. At a height h above the surface, g decreases proportionally to 1 – 2h/R, due to the inverse square law of gravitation.
    2. At a depth d below the surface, g decreases proportionally to 1 – d/R, because the effective mass contributing to gravity reduces linearly with depth.

    If d = 2h, the proportional reduction in g at height h and depth d would be equivalent, demonstrating a symmetry in the changes under these conditions.

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  5. The time period T of a satellite in orbit depends on the radius of its orbit and the mass of the central body, such as the Earth. It is derived from the balance between gravitational force and the centripetal force required for circular motion. The time period can be expressed in terms of the orbitaRead more

    The time period T of a satellite in orbit depends on the radius of its orbit and the mass of the central body, such as the Earth. It is derived from the balance between gravitational force and the centripetal force required for circular motion.

    The time period can be expressed in terms of the orbital radius R + h and the gravitational constant G as:

    T proportional to √((R + h)³/(GM))

    This relationship shows that the time period is determined solely by the orbital radius and the mass of the central body. Importantly, the satellite’s mass does not appear in the formula, indicating that the time period is independent of the satellite’s mass.

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