Two unequal point masses M₁ and M₂ ( M₁ > M₂ ) are separated by a distance d . Point P is the neutral point (where the net gravitational field is zero) on the line segment joining them. Consider the following statements regarding point P : (A) P is closer to M₂ . (B) The net gravitational potential is zero at P . (C) The magnitude of gravitational potential is minimum at P compared to other points on the line segment

Step-by-step solution

Statement (A) is correct: The neutral point occurs where the gravitational fields from both masses are equal in magnitude. Since M₁ > M₂ , the point must be closer to the lighter mass M₂ to compensate for its smaller mass. Statement (B) is incorrect: Gravitational potential due to a point mass is always negative. The net potential is the scalar sum of two negative values, so it can never be zero. Statement (C) is correct: The gravitational field is the negative gradient of the potential ( E = -dV/dx ). At the neutr