Question

A solid sphere of mass m and radius r is placed inside a hollow thin spherical shell of mass M and radius R as shown in figure (11-E1). A particle of mass m' is placed on the line joining the two centres at a distance x from the point of contact of the sphere and the shell. Find the magnitude of the resultant gravitational force on this particle due to the sphere and the shell if (a) r < x < 2r, (b) 2r < x < 2R and (c) x > 2R.

Answer 1

a) m' is placed at a distance x from ‘O’.

c) if x > 2R, then Gravitational force is due to both sphere & shell, then due to shell,