Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
A uniform spherical shell shrinks gradually while maintaining its shape. The gravitational potential at its centre
Options
- Aincreases
- Boscillates
- Cremains constant
- Ddecreases
Correct answer
D. decreases
Step-by-step solution
The gravitational potential V at the centre of a uniform spherical shell of mass M and radius R is given by: V = - GM R As the spherical shell shrinks, its mass M remains constant while its radius R decreases. Since R is in the denominator, the magnitude of the potential GM R increases. Due to the negative sign, the overall value of the gravitational potential becomes more negative, meaning it decreases.