Question

A spherical shell is cut into two pieces along a chord as shown in figure. P is a point on the plane of the chord. The gravitational field at P due to the upper part is $I_1$ and that due to the lower part is $I_2$. What is the relation between them.

• A. $I_1>I_2$
• B. $I_1<I_2$
• C. $I_1=I_2$
• D. No definite relation

Answer 1

The correct option is C $I_1=I_2$

The net gravitational field inside a spherical shell is always zero.

So as P is a point inside the shell the net gravitational field on $p$ should be zero.

So both the part will apply equal gravitational field on $P$

hence

$I_1=I_2$