A particle of mass M is situated at the centre of a spherical shell of same mass and radius a. The gravitational potential at a point situated at \(\frac{a}{2}\) distance from the centre, will be :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
Gravitational potential at a point \(\frac{a}{2}\) distance from centre = gravitational potential due to spherical shell + gravitational potential due to mass M
Vg = \(-\frac{GM}{a} - \frac{GM}{a/2}\)
= \(-3\frac{GM}{a}\)