Gravitational Potential: Practice Problem & Solution
A particle of mass $M$ is situated at the center of a spherical shell of same mass and radius $a$. The magnitude of the gravitational potential at a point situated at $\frac{a}{2}$ distance from the center, will be: (2011 Mains)
Short Solution (Best for NEET):
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Gravitational Potential. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Potential at distance $a/2$ is $V = V_{\text{shell}} + V_{\text{particle}} = -\frac{GM}{a} - \frac{GM}{a/2} = -\frac{3GM}{a}$. Magnitude is $\frac{3GM}{a}$.
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