Question
Physics Question on Centripetal forces
Suppose the gravitational force varies inversely as the nth power of distance. Then, the time period of a planet in circular orbit of radius R around the sun will be proportional to
A
R(2n+1)
B
R(2n−1)
C
Rn
D
R(2n−2)
Answer
R(2n+1)
Explanation
Solution
The necessary centripetal force required for a planet to move round the sun
= gravitational force exerted on it
i.e., Rmv2=RnGMem
v=(Rn−1GMe)1/2
Now, T=v2πR=2πR×(GMeRn−1)1/2
⇒2π(GMeR2×Rn−1)1/2
T=2π((GMe)1/2R(n+1)/2)
∴T∝R(n+1)/2