Gravitation - Result Question 31

32. A particle of mass $M$ is situated at the centre of a spherical shell of same mass and radius $a$. The gravitational potential at a point situated at $\frac{a}{2}$ distance from the centre, will be:

[2010]

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

(b) $-\frac{2 G M}{a}$

(c) $-\frac{G M}{a}$

(d) $-\frac{4 G M}{a}$

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 32. (a)

Solution:

  1. (a) Potential at the given point $=$ Potential at the point due to the shell + Potential due to the particle

$=-\frac{G M}{a}-\frac{2 G M}{a}=-\frac{3 G M}{a}$