Question 41: Gravitation

Question

Two spherical bodies of masses M and 5M and
radii R and 2R are released in free space with
initial separation between their centres equal to
12 R. If they attract each other due to
gravitational force only, then the distance
covered by the smaller body before collision is

Accepted Answer

The given situation is shown below.
Let the smaller body travels a distance x before collision due to gravitation attraction.
Hence, $$Mx = 5M(9R - x)$$
$$ \Rightarrow x = 5(9R - x)$$
$$ \Rightarrow x = 45R - 5x$$
$$ \Rightarrow 6x = 45R$$
$$ \Rightarrow x = {{45} \over 6}R = {{15} \over 2}R = 7.5R$$

Answer

2.5 R

Answer

4.5 R

Answer

7.5 R

Answer

1.5 R

Gravitation

Two spherical bodies of masses M and 5M and radii R and 2R are released in free space with initial separation between their centres equal to 12 R. If they attract each other due to gravitational force only, then the distance covered by the smaller body before collision is

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