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#gravitational field

2 public questions tagged with this topic.

Why is the value of g maximum at Earth’s surface?

At the surface. Above, g decreases with 1/(RE+h)2; below, only inner mass contributes, reducing g linearly as g(d) = g(1−d/RE). Thus, g peaks at r = RE. As per NCERT, applying relevant law/formula with correct units and sign convention leads to All mass contributes at the surface. This satisfies dimensional consistency and physical conditions given, so option A is scientifically correct.

Ref: NCERT Class 11 Physics, Thermal Properties and Gravitation.

What is the gravitational force on a 2kg mass inside a hollow spherical shell of mass 1000kg and radius 1m?

Inside a hollow spherical shell, the gravitational force is zero due to symmetry (as per the shell theorem). F = 0N. As per NCERT, applying relevant law/formula with correct units and sign convention leads to 0 N. This satisfies dimensional consistency and physical conditions given, so option A is scientifically correct.

Ref: Halliday & Resnick, Fundamentals of Physics, 11th ed., Chapter 13: Gravitation.