From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R , a spherical portion of radius R 2 is removed as shown in the…

From a solid sphere of mass M and radius R, a spherical portion of radius R2 is removed as shown in the figure. Taking gravitational potential V=0 at r=, the potential at the centre of the cavity thus formed is (G=gravitational constant)

  1. -2GMR
  2. -GM2R
  3. -GMR
  4. -2GM3R

Solution

Central idea is, consider the cavity as negative a mass and apply the superposition of gravitational potential.

Consider the cavity formed in a solid sphere as shown in the figure.

The gravitational potential at infinite distance,

V=-GMr

V=0

According to the question, we can write potential at an internal point P due to complete solid sphere,

Vs=-GM2R33R2-R22

=-GM2R33R2-R24

=-GM2R311R24=-11GM8R

Mass of removed part

=M43×πR3×43πR23=M8

The potential at a point P due to removed part

VC=-32×GM8R=-3GM8R

Thus, potential due to the remaining part at the point P,

VP=Vs-Vc=-11GM8R--3GM8R

-11+3GM8R=-GMR

Asked in: JEE Main 2015 (04 Apr)

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