Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Physics

Chapter

Gravitation

Question:

Two identical planets each of mass m are approaching towards each other due to their mutual gravitational field. If the speed of one planet relative to the other is v, the K.E. of the system is equal to

Options:

(1/2) mv2

mv2

(1/4) mv2

none of these

Correct Answer:

(1/4) mv2

Explanation:

The K.E. of the system of two mass system moving under their mutual interaction can be given as KE = $(1 / 2) \mu v_{\text {res }}^2$

where $\mu=\frac{m_1 m_2}{m_1+m_2}$  &  $v_{\text {velocity }}=\left(v_1+v_2\right)$

$\Rightarrow \mu=\frac{m m}{m+m}=\left(\frac{m}{2}\right) v^2=\frac{m v^2}{4}$