Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
A tunnel is excavated along a diameter of the Earth. Determine the force acting on a particle of mass m positioned in the tunnel at a distance x from the centre.
Options
- AG M_e m x^2
- BG M_e m x^2 R^4
- CG M_e m R^3 x
- DG M_e m R^2 x
Correct answer
C. G M_e m R^3 x
Step-by-step solution
The mass of the Earth enclosed within a sphere of radius x is given by M' = M_e 4 3 R^3 ( 4 3 x^3 ) = M_e x^3 R^3 . The gravitational force acting on a particle of mass m at a distance x from the centre is due only to the mass enclosed within the sphere of radius x . Using Newton's law of gravitation, the force is F = G M' m x^2 . Substituting the value of M' , we get F = G ( M_e x^3 R^3 ) m x^2 = G M_e m R^3 x .