Gravitation – IIT/JEE Solved Problems

Phase 1 • Page 5 • Mixed Numericals & Final Recap


Problem 21: Height Where Orbital Speed is Half

Q: At what height above Earth’s surface does the orbital speed of a satellite become half of its value near the surface?

Solution:

Orbital speed v = √(GM/r)

vh / v0 = √(R / (R + h)) = 1/2

Squaring:
R / (R + h) = 1/4
R + h = 4R
h = 3R

Key Method: Always compare ratios before substituting values.


Problem 22: Change in Time Period with Radius

Q: If radius of orbit of a satellite becomes four times, how does its time period change?

Solution:

Time period T ∝ r3/2

T2 / T1 = (4)3/2 = 8

New time period = 8 times original

IIT Favourite: This proportionality is tested repeatedly.


Problem 23: Satellite Speed vs Energy (Concept)

Q: A satellite in a lower orbit has less total energy than in a higher orbit. Yet, it moves faster. Explain.

Answer:

Total energy of satellite is negative. Lower orbit means more negative energy. However, orbital speed increases as radius decreases (v ∝ 1/√r). Hence, lower orbit → higher speed but lower total energy.

Exam Insight: Speed and energy do not vary in the same way.


Problem 24: Satellite Falling Due to Energy Loss

Q: A satellite loses a small amount of energy due to atmospheric drag. What happens to its orbit and speed?

Answer:

Loss of energy causes satellite to move to a lower orbit. Orbital radius decreases and speed increases. Eventually, it may burn in atmosphere.


Problem 25: Escape Velocity vs Orbital Velocity

Q: Find the ratio of escape velocity to orbital velocity of a satellite at the same radius.

Solution:

v = √(GM/r)
ve = √(2GM/r)

ve / v = √2

One-Line Result: Escape velocity is √2 times orbital velocity.


PHASE-1 MASTER THINKING METHOD

  • Always convert height/depth → distance from centre
  • Use proportionality first, numbers last
  • Remember three key relations:
    • v ∝ 1/√r
    • T ∝ r3/2
    • E ∝ −1/r
  • Check physical meaning of answer

PHASE-1 FINAL TAKEAWAY

If you can relate radius, speed, time period, and energy, you can solve most Gravitation problems without heavy calculation.


Phase 1 • Gravitation Completed Successfully

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