ExamBro
ExamBro
JEE Advanced · Physics · 9. Gravitation

A large spherical mass M is fixed at one position and two identical point masses m are kept on a line passing through the centre of M (see figure). The point masses are connected by a rigid massless rod of length l and this assembly is free to move along the line connecting them. All three masses interact only through their mutual gravitational interaction. When the point mass nearer to M is at a distance r=3l from M , the tension in the rod is zero for m=kM288 . The value of k is

  1. A 2
  2. B 5
  3. C 7
  4. D 9
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) 7

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Due to gravitational interaction connected masses have some acceleration.
Let both small masses are moving with acceleration 'a' towards larger mass M

Force equation for mass nearer to larger mass
GMm3l2-Gm2l2=ma ...(i)
Force equation for mass away from larger mass
GMm4l2+Gm2l2=ma ...(ii)
From equation (i) & (ii)
GM9l2-Gml2=GM16l2+Gml2
M9-M16=m+m
7M144=2m
m=7M288=kM288
K=7
Same subject
Explore more questions on app
From JEE Advanced
Explore more questions on app