Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
A particle of mass 100 g is placed on the surface of a uniform sphere having a mass of 10 kg and a radius of 10 cm . Determine the work that must be done against their mutual gravitational force to move the particle far away from the sphere.
Options
- A6.67 10⁻⁷ J
- B6.67 10⁻¹¹ J
- C6.67 10⁻¹⁰ J
- D6.67 10⁻¹² J
Correct answer
C. 6.67 10⁻¹⁰ J
Step-by-step solution
The work done against the mutual gravitational force to move the particle to infinity is equal to the change in gravitational potential energy of the system. W = U_ - U_ surface W = 0 - ( - GMm R ) = GMm R Given: M = 10 kg m = 100 g = 0.1 kg R = 10 cm = 0.1 m G = 6.67 10⁻¹¹ N m ²/ kg ² Substituting the values: W = 6.67 10⁻¹¹ 10 0.1 0.1 W = 6.67 10⁻¹⁰ J