Mastering the important concepts in Class 11 Physics Chapter 7 – Gravitation is essential for scoring high marks in your exams. That’s why we’ve put together chapterwise multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers to help you revise effectively and boost your confidence. It is a part of MCQ Questions for CBSE Class 11 Physics Series.
These multiple-choice questions will help you assess your knowledge, improve accuracy, and boost confidence for your exams. Whether you are preparing for school tests, online tests or competitive exams, these Gravitation MCQs will strengthen your conceptual clarity.
| Chapter | Gravitation |
| Book | Physics for Class 11 |
| Type of Questions | MCQ Questions |
| Nature of Questions | Competency Based Questions |
| Board | CBSE |
| Class | 11 |
| Subject | Physics |
| Useful for | Class 11 Studying Students |
| Answers provided | Yes |
| Difficulty level | Mentioned |
| Important Link | Class 11 Physics Chapterwise MCQ Questions |
MCQ Questions on Gravitation Class 11 Physics (PDF Download)
MCQs
Q1. A satellite is orbiting the Earth in a circular orbit of radius R. If the orbital radius is doubled, the time period becomes:
(a) √2 times
(b) 2 times
(c) 2√2 times
(d) 4 times
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: From Kepler’s third law, T ∝ R3/2. So if R doubles, T becomes 23/2 = 2√2.
Q2. The gravitational potential energy of a system of two masses m and M separated by distance r is given by:
(a) GMm/r
(b) –GMm/r
(c) GMm/r²
(d) –GMm/r²
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The gravitational potential energy is negative and given by –GMm/r.
Q3. Which of the following is a correct expression for escape speed from Earth’s surface?
(a) √gR
(b) √2gR
(c) gR
(d) R/√g
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Escape speed = √(2gR) derived from energy conservation.
Q4. Which of the following quantities is NOT conserved in planetary motion under gravitational force?
(a) Total mechanical energy
(b) Angular momentum
(c) Linear momentum
(d) Areal velocity
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Linear momentum is not conserved due to central external force (gravity).
Q5. For a satellite in circular orbit, the total mechanical energy is:
(a) Zero
(b) Positive
(c) Negative and equal to –GMm/R
(d) Negative and equal to –½GMm/R
Show Answer
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Total energy = –½GMm/R; K.E. = ½GMm/R, P.E. = –GMm/R.
Q6. If the value of gravitational constant G were to increase, the weight of a body:
(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains the same
(d) Becomes zero
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Weight = mg = GMm/R², hence increases with G.
Q7. A comet in an elliptical orbit around the Sun moves faster when:
(a) Far from the Sun
(b) At aphelion
(c) At perihelion
(d) At the centre of ellipse
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: From conservation of angular momentum, speed is maximum at perihelion.
Q8. The value of g is maximum at:
(a) Poles
(b) Equator
(c) Centre of Earth
(d) At 45° latitude
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Due to Earth’s rotation and shape, g is maximum at the poles.
Q9. At what height above the Earth’s surface is the value of g reduced to one-fourth of its value on the surface?
(a) R
(b) √2R
(c) 3R
(d) 2R
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: g ∝ 1/(R+h)². Set g = g₀/4 → (R+h)² = 4R² → h = R(√2 – 1).
Q10. The orbital speed of a satellite very close to Earth’s surface is:
(a) √gR
(b) √2gR
(c) √(GM/R)
(d) √(2GM/R)
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: v = √(GM/R) from balancing gravitational and centripetal force.
Q11. The gravitational field intensity at a point inside a uniform spherical shell is:
(a) Maximum
(b) Zero
(c) Decreases linearly
(d) Increases linearly
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Gravitational field inside a spherical shell is zero everywhere.
Q12. The potential energy of a system of masses is least when:
(a) They are infinitely apart
(b) They are close together
(c) At maximum kinetic energy
(d) The system is in motion
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Potential energy becomes more negative as masses get closer.
Q13. Which of the following quantities is path-dependent in gravitational field?
(a) Work done
(b) Potential difference
(c) Force
(d) None
Show Answer
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Gravitational force is conservative, so all quantities are path-independent.
Q14. A planet is moving around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. Which quantity remains constant?
(a) Speed
(b) Potential energy
(c) Angular momentum
(d) Kinetic energy
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Central forces conserve angular momentum.
Q15. The escape velocity from a planet depends on:
(a) Mass of object
(b) Mass and radius of planet
(c) Radius only
(d) None of these
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Escape velocity v = √(2GM/R); depends on planet’s mass and radius.
Q16. A geostationary satellite orbits the Earth:
(a) Once every 12 hours
(b) Once every 24 hours
(c) Every 6 hours
(d) Once every 48 hours
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Geostationary satellites have a time period equal to Earth’s rotation: 24 hrs.
Q17. If mass of Earth doubles and radius remains same, the value of g:
(a) Doubles
(b) Halves
(c) Becomes four times
(d) Remains same
Show Answer
Answer: (a)
Explanation: g = GM/R² → directly proportional to mass of the Earth.
Q18. Which of these can be negative in gravitational context?
(a) Mass
(b) Potential energy
(c) Acceleration
(d) Force
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Gravitational potential energy is negative relative to infinity.
Q19. If two bodies are dropped from different heights in vacuum, they:
(a) Fall with different accelerations
(b) Fall at different rates
(c) Fall with same acceleration
(d) Cannot be determined
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: All bodies fall with same acceleration due to gravity in vacuum.
Q20. The mass of the Earth can be determined using:
(a) Newton’s second law
(b) Law of gravitation
(c) Kepler’s second law
(d) Ohm’s law
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Mass of Earth is calculated using g = GM/R² → M = gR²/G.
We hope the given mcq questions with Answers for Gravitation Class 11 helps you in your learning.
Also check
- Gravitation – Class 11 Physics Chapter 7 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- System of Particles and Rotational Motion – Class 11 Physics Chapter 6 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Work, Energy, and Power – Class 11 Physics Chapter 5 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Laws of Motion – Class 11 Physics Chapter 4 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Motion in a Plane – Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Motion in a Straight Line – Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
- Units and Measurements – Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 MCQ Questions with Answers (Updated)
🚀 Boost Your Exam Prep: Get MCQ Questions for all subjects (Class 6-12) now!
👉 Explore more resources on CBSE Class 11
Topics from which mcq questions may be asked
- Universal law of gravitation
- Kepler’s laws
- Gravitational potential energy
Gravitation governs planetary motion and everyday weight on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Gravitation MCQ Questions
Q1: What is the best way to prepare for Class 11 Physics MCQ questions?
A1: The best way is to study NCERT concepts thoroughly, practice topicwise MCQs regularly, and focus on understanding fundamental principles rather than rote learning. Solving previous year MCQs and mock tests can boost accuracy and speed.
Q2: Are NCERT questions enough for Class 11 Physics MCQ-based exams?
A2: NCERT forms the base for all CBSE Physics MCQs. However, for better preparation, students should solve additional MCQs from reference books and practice HOTS and competency-based questions to develop deeper conceptual clarity.
Q3: Where can I find chapterwise Class 11 Physics MCQ questions with answers?
A3: You can find chapterwise MCQ questions with answers and detailed explanations on trusted educational platforms like xamcontent.com and physicsgurukul.com. These cover both basic and advanced-level questions.
Q4: Do CBSE Class 11 exams include MCQs?
A4: Yes, as per the latest CBSE exam pattern, objective questions, including MCQs, are part of the final exam paper. MCQs test conceptual understanding and application skills.
Q5: How to score high in Class 11 Physics MCQs?
A5: To score high, understand the theory from NCERT, solve a variety of MCQs (basic, conceptual, numerical), and regularly revise formulas and diagrams. Avoid guesswork and focus on time management during tests.
Q6: What are competency-based MCQs in Class 11 Physics?
A6: Competency-based MCQs assess a student’s ability to apply concepts in real-life or unfamiliar scenarios. These questions go beyond textbook definitions and require logical reasoning and application of physics principles.
