Sample Questions and Solutions on Gravitation
FAQs on Gravitation Practice Paper for Students
1. What is gravitation?
Gravitation is a fundamental force that causes every object with mass to attract every other object with mass.
Key points:
- It is also called gravity.
- The force acts at a distance between two masses.
- Isaac Newton first described the law of universal gravitation.
- This force is responsible for holding planets, stars, galaxies, and even light together in the universe.
2. State Newton's law of universal gravitation.
Newton's law of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is:
- Directly proportional to the product of their masses
- Inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centers
3. What is the value of the universal gravitational constant (G)?
The universal gravitational constant (G) is 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N m²/kg².
Highlights about G:
- Symbol: G
- It is the same throughout the universe.
- G helps calculate the force of gravity between any two objects.
4. How does mass differ from weight?
Mass is the amount of matter present in an object, whereas weight is the force with which gravity pulls that object towards the center of the Earth.
Key differences:
- Mass is measured in kilograms (kg); weight is measured in newtons (N).
- Mass is constant; weight varies with location (due to gravity).
- Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity (W = m × g).
5. What is acceleration due to gravity (g)?
Acceleration due to gravity (g) is the acceleration experienced by an object freely falling towards the surface of a celestial body, mainly Earth.
Important details:
- On Earth, g = 9.8 m/s² (approximately).
- g value decreases as altitude increases or at the equator compared to the poles.
- g depends on the mass and radius of the planet.
6. Why do objects fall towards the Earth?
Objects fall towards the Earth due to its gravitational force. This force pulls all masses towards the center of the Earth.
Key points:
- Gravity acts downward, affecting all freely falling objects equally (ignoring air resistance).
- The force depends on object’s mass and Earth's mass.
7. What factors affect the gravitational force between two objects?
The gravitational force between two objects varies depending on:
- The masses of both objects (directly proportional).
- The distance between their centers (inversely proportional to the square).
- The value of G (universal constant).
8. How does gravity affect planetary orbits?
Gravity acts as the centripetal force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.
- Without gravity, planets would move in straight lines and leave their paths.
- The balance between gravity and the planet's inertia creates an elliptical orbit.
9. What are some everyday examples of gravitation?
Gravitation can be seen in many daily situations.
Examples include:
- Apples falling from trees due to Earth’s gravity.
- Water flowing downwards.
- Planets revolving around the Sun.
- Tides caused by the Moon’s gravitational pull.
- Objects resting on the ground due to Earth's gravitational pull.
10. Why do astronauts feel weightless in space?
Astronauts feel weightless because they are in a continuous state of free fall around the Earth.
Important details:
- The spacecraft and astronauts inside experience the same acceleration due to gravity.
- This creates a sensation of zero weight, also called microgravity.
- Gravity still acts on them, but their weight is not felt as a downward force.






















