JEE Main 2021PhysicsGravitationHardNumerical

JEE Main 2021Gravitation Question with Solution

JEE Main 2021 (27 Jul Shift 1)

Question

Suppose two planets (spherical in shape) of radii R and 2R, but mass M and 9M respectively have a centre to centre separation 8R as shown in the figure. A satellite of mass m is projected from the surface of the planet of mass M directly towards the centre of the second planet. The minimum speed v required for the satellite to reach the surface of the second planet is a7GMR, then the value of  a is
[Given : The two planets are fixed in their position]

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Show full solutionCorrect answer: 4
Correct answer
4

Step-by-step explanation

Acceleration due to gravity will be zero at P therefore,
GMx2=G9M(8R-x)2
8R-x=3x
x=2R

Apply conservation of energy and consider velocity at P is zero.

12mv2-GMmR-G9Mm7R=0-GMm2R-G9Mm6R
 V=47GMR

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About this question

This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2021, covering the Gravitation chapter of Physics. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.