The chapter Gravitation explains the universal force of gravity discovered by Isaac Newton, which acts between any two bodies in the universe. It covers the Universal Law of Gravitation, free fall, acceleration due to gravity, mass and weight, and Thrust and Pressure. It also explores the buoyant force, Archimedes’ Principle, and relative density, helping students understand why objects float or sink in fluids. This chapter connects the laws of physics to real-world experiences such as falling objects, floating ships, and atmospheric pressure.
II. Key Concepts Covered:
Concept
Description
Gravity
A force of attraction between two masses.
Universal Law of Gravitation
F=Gm1m2r2F = G frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}F=Gr2m1m2; explains force between any two masses.
Free Fall
When an object falls only under the influence of gravity.
Acceleration due to Gravity (g)
g=9.8 m/s2g = 9.8 , text{m/s}^2g=9.8m/s2 on Earth; varies slightly with location.
Mass vs. Weight
Mass is constant, weight is W=mgW = mgW=mg; depends on gravity.
Thrust and Pressure
Thrust = force applied normally; Pressure = ThrustAreafrac{text{Thrust}}{text{Area}}AreaThrust.
Buoyancy
Upward force experienced by a body immersed in fluid.
Archimedes’ Principle
Buoyant force = weight of liquid displaced.
Relative Density
RD=Density of substanceDensity of watertext{RD} = frac{text{Density of substance}}{text{Density of water}}RD=Density of waterDensity of substance.
III. Important Questions:
(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):
The SI unit of pressure is: a) Pascal ✅ b) Newton c) Bar d) kg/m³
The value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth is: a) 10 m/s² b) 8.9 m/s² c) 9.8 m/s² ✅ d) 9 m/s
The force of gravity acting on a body is called: a) Mass b) Weight ✅ c) Density d) Thrust
When an object is fully immersed in water, the buoyant force is equal to: a) Weight of object b) Volume of water c) Weight of water displaced ✅ d) Density of object
(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):
Define buoyancy. Why does a body float or sink in a liquid?
Differentiate between mass and weight.
Why does a sharp knife cut better than a blunt one?
State Archimedes’ Principle and one of its applications. – PYQ 2020
(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):
Derive the formula for the Universal Law of Gravitation.
A stone is thrown vertically upward with a velocity of 10 m/s. Calculate: a) Maximum height reached b) Total time taken to return to ground – PYQ 2021
Explain why objects appear lighter in water. Derive relation using Archimedes’ Principle.
A body weighs 10 N in air and 8 N when fully immersed in water. Find the buoyant force and the weight of water displaced. – PYQ 2022
(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills):
Why does a rubber ball thrown into water come back to the surface? Explain using density and buoyancy.
If the radius of Earth were doubled keeping mass constant, what would be the effect on acceleration due to gravity?
IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:
Formula
Explanation
F=Gm1m2r2F = G frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}F=Gr2m1m2
Universal law of gravitation
g=GMR2g = frac{GM}{R^2}g=R2GM
Acceleration due to gravity
W=mgW = mgW=mg
Weight of a body
P=FAP = frac{F}{A}P=AF
Pressure on a surface
Buoyant force=Weight of fluid displacedtext{Buoyant force} = text{Weight of fluid displaced}Buoyant force=Weight of fluid displaced
Archimedes’ Principle
Relative Density=Density of objectDensity of watertext{Relative Density} = frac{text{Density of object}}{text{Density of water}}Relative Density=Density of waterDensity of object
Determines floatation
V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):
No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):