Question

A uniform spherical shell gradually shrinks maintaining its shape.The gravitational potential at the centre

• A. Increases
• B. Decreases
• C. Remains constant
• D. Oscillates

Answer 1

The correct option is B Decreases

Gravitational potential of a spherical shell at a point inside is given by
$$V_p=-\frac{GM}{R}$$As, the shell is shrinking, we can say that $R$ decreases and $\frac{GM}{R}$ increases.

But, the term $[-\frac{GM}{R}]$ decreases due to negative sign. Hence, the gravitational potential decreases.

Thus, option (b) is the correct answer.