Question

For the above problem, the direction of the gravitational intensity at an arbitrary point P is indicated by the arrow (i) d, (ii) e, (iii) f, (iv) g.

Answer 1

Gravitational potential is same at all point in a spherical shell. So, the intensity which is negative of gravitational potential gradient is zero. Thus, the gravitational force acting on any particle at any point inside the spherical shell is symmetrical.

In the given figure, the upper half of a spherical shell is cut out. So, the net gravitational force on a particle at any arbitrary point P will be downward.

As the gravitational force per unit mass is the intensity therefore, the direction of gravitational intensity will also be downward that is along e.

Thus, option (ii) is correct.