Question

A spherical shell is cut into two pieces along a chord as shown in the 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.
  no definite relation
• C.
  $I_1<I_2$
• D.
  $I_1=I_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is D

$I_1=I_2$
The Gravitational field inside a spherical shell is zero.
So, $I_1+I_2=0$
$I_1=-I_2$
Hence, magnitudes of gravitational field intensities are equal, $|I_1|=|I_2|$

$\begin{array}{c}\text{Key Concept: The gravitational field}\\ \text{inside a spherical shell is zero.}\end{array}$