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Gravitation

NIOS · Class 12 · Physics

Quick revision notes for Gravitation — NIOS Class 12 Physics. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

45 questions35 flashcards5 concepts

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Key Topics to Revise

1

Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation

  • Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between
  • The gravitational force is always ATTRACTIVE – it never repels.
  • It is a central force – it acts along the line joining the two particles.
2

Acceleration Due to Gravity (g)

  • The acceleration produced in a body due to the gravitational pull of the Earth is called acceleration due to gravity (g).
  • g is directed vertically downwards towards the centre of the Earth.
  • g is INDEPENDENT of the mass of the falling body – a heavy stone and a light stone fall with the same acceleration.
3

Variation of g with Height, Depth, and Latitude

  • g decreases as we go ABOVE the Earth's surface (height increases).
  • g also decreases as we go BELOW the Earth's surface (depth increases).
  • g is MAXIMUM at the poles and MINIMUM at the equator.
4

Weight, Mass, Gravitational Potential and Potential Energy

  • MASS is an intrinsic property of a body. It remains CONSTANT everywhere – on Earth, Moon, Mars, or in space.
  • WEIGHT is the gravitational force acting on a body. W = mg. It VARIES from place to place as g varies.
  • Weight is maximum at poles, minimum at equator. Weight decreases at higher altitudes and inside Earth.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

Every particle in the universe attractsThe acceleration produced in a bodyAt a height h above Earth'sAt a depth d below Earth'sEarth rotates about its axis

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Gravitation for NIOS Class 12 Physics?
Key topics in Gravitation include Correct vs Incorrect Thinking: Key Gravitation Concepts, Gravitation — Complete Chapter Mind Map, Gravitation — Complete Concept Map. These are the concepts NIOS Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Gravitation — NIOS Class 12 Physics?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 45 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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