Gravitation - Result Question 28

29. Infinite number of bodies, each of mass $2 kg$ are situated on $x$-axis at distances $1 m, 2 m, 4 m$, $8 m, \ldots .$. respectively, from the origin. The resulting gravitational potential due to this system at the origin will be

[2013]

(a) $-\frac{8}{3} G$

(b) $-\frac{4}{3} G$

(c) $-4 G$

(d) - G

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 29. (c)

Solution:

  1. (c)

Gravitational potential $V=\frac{-Gm}{r}$

$V_0=-\frac{G \times 2}{1}-\frac{G \times 2}{2}-\frac{G \times 2}{4}-\frac{G \times 2}{8}–\infty$

$V_0=-2 G[1+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{4}+\frac{1}{8}+\ldots \infty]$

$V_0=-2 G \times \frac{1}{(1-\frac{1}{2})}=-2 G \times \frac{1}{\frac{1}{2}}=-4 G$.