Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Gravitation

Question:

Two particles of masses m and M are initially at rest and infinitely separated from each other. Due to gravitational attraction the particles approach each other. Their relative velocity of approach at a separation r between them is

Options:

$\left(\frac{Gr}{M+m}\right)^{\frac{1}{2}}$

$\left[\frac{2 G(M+m)}{r}\right]^{\frac{1}{2}}$

$2 G(M+m)^{\frac{1}{2}}$

$\frac{2 Gr}{M+m}$

Correct Answer:

$\left[\frac{2 G(M+m)}{r}\right]^{\frac{1}{2}}$

Explanation:

Suppose at an instant the masses m and M are at x distance apart then gravitational force of attraction between them is

F = $\frac{GMm}{x^2}$

$a_{m}=\frac{GM}{x^2} ; a_{m}=\frac{GM}{x^2}$

Net acceleration of approach is

$a=a_{m}+a_{m}=\frac{G(M+m)}{x^2}$

As v increases, when x decreases, we have

$a=\frac{-v d v}{d x}=\frac{G(M+m)}{x^2}$

$v d v=\frac{-G(M+m)}{x^2} d x$

Integrating

$\int\limits_0^v v d v=-G(M+m) \int\limits_{\infty}^h x^{1 / 2} d x$

$\frac{v^2}{v}=-G(M+m)\left[\frac{x^{-2+1}}{-2+1}\right]_{\infty}^{r}=-G(M+m)\left[\frac{-1}{r}\right]_{\infty}^{-r}$

∴  $v=\sqrt{\frac{2 G(M+m)}{r}}$