Gravitation
Kerala Board · Class 12 · Physics
Flashcards for Gravitation — Kerala Board Class 12 Physics. Quick Q&A cards covering key concepts, definitions, and formulas.
State Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation and write its mathematical expression.
Answer
Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation states: 'Every body in the universe attracts every other body with a force which is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportiona
What is the value and unit of the Universal Gravitational Constant G? Who first determined it experimentally?
Answer
Value of G = 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ Nm²kg⁻² Unit: Nm²kg⁻² or m³kg⁻¹s⁻² The universal gravitational constant G was first determined experimentally by Henry Cavendish in 1798 using a torsion balance. The experim
Define gravitational field strength and derive its expression for a point mass M.
Answer
Gravitational field strength (E) at a point is defined as the gravitational force per unit mass experienced by a test mass placed at that point. Derivation: If a test mass m experiences force F = GmM
Derive the expression for gravitational potential energy of a mass m at distance r from mass M.
Answer
Gravitational potential energy is the work done in bringing a mass from infinity to that point. U = -∫[∞ to r] F·dr = -∫[∞ to r] (GmM/r²)dr U = GmM∫[∞ to r] (1/r²)dr = GmM[-1/r][∞ to r] U = GmM[0 - (
Derive the expression for acceleration due to gravity (g) on Earth's surface.
Answer
Consider a body of mass m on Earth's surface experiencing gravitational force. From Newton's law: F = GmM/R² (where M = Earth's mass, R = Earth's radius) From Newton's 2nd law: F = mg Equating: mg =
How does acceleration due to gravity vary with height above Earth's surface? Derive the formula.
Answer
At height h above Earth's surface: g_h = GM/(R+h)² where R is Earth's radius For small heights (h << R): g_h = GM/R² × 1/(1+h/R)² g_h = g × (1+h/R)⁻² Using binomial approximation: g_h ≈ g(1-2h/R) Th
A body weighs 500 N on Earth's surface. Calculate its weight at a height of 3200 km above Earth's surface. (Take R = 6400 km)
Answer
Given: Weight on surface W = 500 N, h = 3200 km, R = 6400 km Using: g_h = g(R²)/(R+h)² Weight at height h: W_h = W × (R²)/(R+h)² W_h = 500 × (6400)²/(6400+3200)² W_h = 500 × (6400)²/(9600)² W_h = 50
How does acceleration due to gravity vary with depth inside Earth? Derive the expression.
Answer
At depth d below Earth's surface, only the sphere of radius (R-d) contributes to gravitational force. Mass of inner sphere: M' = (4/3)π(R-d)³ρ where ρ is Earth's density g_d = GM'/(R-d)² = G(4/3)π(R
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Gravitation covers several key topics that are frequently asked in Kerala Board Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
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Sources & Official References
- Kerala Board of Public Examinations — keralapareekshabhavan.in
- National Education Policy 2020 — education.gov.in
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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