Q. A particle of mass $m$ is placed at the centre of a uniform spherical shell of mass 3 $m$ and radius $R$. The gravitational potential on the surface of the shell is
A) $- \frac{Gm}{R}$
B) $- \frac{3Gm}{R}$
C) $- \frac{4Gm}{R}$
D) $- \frac{2Gm}{R}$
Explanation
(c) Gravitational potential on the surface of the shell is
$V =$ Gravitational potential due to particle $(V_{1})$
+ Gravitational potential due to shell particle $(V_{2}$)
$= - \frac{Gm}{R} + \left( - \frac{G3m}{R} \right) = - \frac{4Gm}{R}$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.