Gravitation – IIT/JEE Tough Problems

Phase 2 • Page 6 • Advanced Reasoning & Multi-Concept Questions


Tough Problem 1: Zero Gravity Point

Q: Two planets of masses M and 9M are separated by distance d. Find the point where net gravitational force on a body becomes zero.

Solution:

Let x be distance from mass M.

Force due to M = GMm / x²
Force due to 9M = G(9M)m / (d − x)²

At neutral point:
GM / x² = 9GM / (d − x)²

(d − x)² = 9x²
d − x = 3x
x = d/4

IIT Insight: Neutral point lies closer to smaller mass.


Tough Problem 2: Energy Needed to Shift Orbit

Q: A satellite is moved from orbit of radius R to 3R. Find the energy supplied.

Solution:

Total energy:
E = −GMm / (2r)

Initial energy:
E₁ = −GMm / (2R)

Final energy:
E₂ = −GMm / (6R)

Energy supplied:
ΔE = E₂ − E₁ = GMm / (3R)

Concept: Higher orbit → energy becomes less negative.


Tough Problem 3: Satellite Speed Change

Q: A satellite loses 10% of its kinetic energy due to drag. What happens to its orbital radius?

Solution:

Kinetic energy:
K = GMm / (2r)

Loss of K ⇒ total energy decreases ⇒ r decreases.

So satellite shifts to a lower orbit with higher speed.

IIT Trap: Energy ↓ does NOT mean speed ↓.


Tough Problem 4: Escape Velocity from Height

Q: A particle is projected upward from height h with escape velocity corresponding to that height. What is its speed at infinity?

Answer:

Speed at infinity = zero

Definition Reminder: Escape velocity is minimum velocity to just reach infinity.


Tough Problem 5: Satellite Inside Earth (Conceptual)

Q: Can a satellite orbit inside Earth assuming Earth has a tunnel?

Answer:

Inside Earth, gravitational force decreases linearly with distance. A satellite cannot maintain circular orbit inside Earth. Instead, it executes oscillatory motion.

Advanced Insight: Force inside Earth ∝ r, not 1/r².


Phase-2 Thinking Rule

In tough problems, do NOT jump to formulas. First ask: What happens to energy, radius, speed?


Phase 2 • Page 6 Completed Successfully

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