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Gravitation — Revision Notes

NIOS · Class 12 · Physics

Gravitation revision notes for NIOS Class 12 Physics: 4 topics in quick points. Part of the NIOS Class 12 Physics syllabus.

45 questions35 flashcards17 formulas & key relations5 concepts

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A diagram showing the Earth as a sphere and multiple objects at different points on its surface, all experiencing acceleration due to gravity (g) directed towards the Earth's center. Illustrates the c
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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 Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation, Acceleration Due to Gravity (g), Variation of g with Height, Depth, and Latitude, Weight, Mass, Gravitational Potential and Potential Energy. Study these first, then practise questions on each for the NIOS Class 12 board exam.
How should I revise Gravitation for the NIOS Class 12 board exam?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 45 practice questions on Gravitation. Revise 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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