Gravitation is a fundamental force that acts between all masses. Understanding this force is crucial not just for physics students but also for anyone curious about the universe’s workings. Let’s dive into some multiple-choice questions to test your knowledge of gravitation!
1. Which of the following scientists is most associated with the law of universal gravitation?
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Explanation:
Sir Isaac Newton is best known for his law of universal gravitation which describes the gravitational force between two masses.
2. What does the law of universal gravitation state about the force between two objects?
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Explanation:
The law states that the gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers.
3. If the distance between two objects is doubled, the gravitational force between them will:
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Explanation:
The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. If distance is doubled, force will become one-fourth.
4. Which planet has the strongest gravitational pull in our solar system?
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Explanation:
Jupiter, being the largest planet in our solar system, has the strongest gravitational pull.
5. An astronaut on the moon will:
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Explanation:
The moon’s gravitational force is about 1/6th of Earth’s, so an astronaut will weigh less on the moon.
6. What is the value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth’s surface?
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Explanation:
The standard value of acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².
7. If Earth’s radius were to double keeping its mass constant, the acceleration due to gravity on its surface would:
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Explanation:
The acceleration due to gravity is inversely proportional to the square of the radius. If the radius is doubled, it would become half.
8. Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at a height where:
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Explanation:
Geostationary satellites remain stationary relative to a point on Earth. At this height, gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the satellite in orbit.
9. Tidal waves in the ocean are primarily due to:
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Explanation:
Tides are mainly caused by the differential gravitational forces of the moon (and to a lesser extent, the sun) on Earth’s oceans.
10. Which of the following is not influenced by gravity?
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Explanation:
Sound is a mechanical wave that travels through a medium, and it is not influenced by gravity. However, light can be influenced by strong gravitational fields (gravitational lensing).
11. In the absence of air resistance, a feather and a hammer dropped from the same height will:
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Explanation:
In the absence of air resistance, all objects fall with the same acceleration due to gravity and will reach the ground at the same time.
12. Gravitational potential energy is highest when two objects are:
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Explanation:
Gravitational potential energy is highest when objects are far apart and decreases as they get closer.
13. The escape velocity from a celestial body depends on:
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Explanation:
Escape velocity is the speed needed to break free from a body’s gravitational pull. It depends on the mass and radius of the celestial body.
14. If the mass of the Earth were to suddenly double, the gravitational force on an object at the Earth’s surface would:
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Explanation:
Gravitational force is directly proportional to the mass. If Earth’s mass doubles, the gravitational force would also double.
15. Weightlessness experienced by astronauts in space is due to:
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Explanation:
Astronauts in orbit are in continuous free-fall around the Earth. They and their spacecraft fall at the same rate, creating an experience of weightlessness.