JEE Main2015PhysicsGravitationActual
From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R , a spherical portion of radius R 2 is removed as shown in the figure. Taking gravitational potential V = 0 at r = ∞ , the potential at the centre of the cavity thus formed is ( G = gravitational constant)
Options
- A- 2 G M R
- B- G M 2 R
- C- G M R
- D- 2 G M 3 R
Correct answer
C. - G M R
Step-by-step solution
Central idea is, consider the cavity as negative a mass and apply the superposition of gravitational potential. Consider the cavity formed in a solid sphere as shown in the figure. The gravitational potential at infinite distance, V = - G M r ⇒ V ∞ = 0 According to the question, we can write potential at an internal point P due to complete solid sphere, V s = - G M 2 R 3 3 R 2 - R 2 2 = - G M 2 R 3 3 R 2 - R 2 4 = - G M 2 R 3 11 R 2 4 = - 11 G M 8 R Mass of removed part = M 4 3 × π R 3 ×