- Amal Augustine
- December 27, 2025
Gravitational Potential and Orbital Motion MCQs : Master Energy Concept and Satellite Motion with Confidence
Gravitational potential energy ,gravitational potential and orbital motion mcqs are core pillars of classical mechanics and astrophysics. These gravitational potential and orbital motion mcqs concepts explain why satellites stay in orbit, how planets move in elliptical paths, and how energy is conserved in gravitational fields. Gravitational potential and orbital motion MCQs from this topic frequently test understanding of gravitational potential reference levels, energy of satellites, escape velocity, Kepler’s laws, and energy transfer under gravity. Mastering these gravitational potential and orbital motion mcqs questions not only strengthens numerical skills but also builds deep conceptual clarity essential for competitive exams like NEET, JEE, and board examinations.
Gravitational Potential and Orbital Motion MCQs form a crucial part of classical mechanics and astrophysics in senior-secondary physics. These gravitational potential and orbital motion mcqs questions test conceptual understanding of gravitational potential, potential energy, satellite motion, escape velocity, and energy conservation in conservative force fields. A strong grip on these gravitational potential and orbital motion MCQs helps aspirants confidently solve problems related to planetary motion, artificial satellites, and gravitational interactions as these topics are frequently asked in NEET, JEE, and board examinations.
Gravitational Potential and Orbital Motion MCQs
1.
Taking gravitational potential at infinity as zero, potential at point A is −5 units. If infinity is taken as +10 units, the potential at A is:
A. −5 unit
B. 5 unit
C. 10 unit
D. 15 unit
Answer: B
2.
The gravitational potential energy of a rocket of mass 200 kg at a distance 10⁶ m from Earth’s centre is 3×10⁸ J. The weight at 10⁸ m is:
A. 6×10⁻² N
B. 3×10⁻² N
C. 1.5×10⁻² N
D. 4.5×10⁻² N
Answer: B
3.
In a region where gravitational field is zero, gravitational potential:
A. Must be variable
B. Must be constant
C. Cannot be zero
D. Must be zero
Answer: B
4.
The force exerted by the Sun on Earth (given orbital data):
A. 6×10²⁹ N
B. 18×10²⁹ N
C. 36×10²⁹ N
D. 27×10²⁹ N
Answer: C
5.
If Earth suddenly shrinks to 1/64 of its volume keeping mass constant, the duration of a day becomes:
A. 24 hours
B. 1.5 hours
C. 6 hours
D. 48 hours
Answer: B
6.
Gravitational potential energy of two 1 kg masses separated by 1 cm is:
A. 2G
B. 100G
C. 1000G
D. G
Answer: B
7.
Correct energy transfer when an apple falls:
A. GPE → heat → KE → sound
B. GPE → sound → KE
C. GPE → KE → heat → sound
D. GPE → KE → sound → heat
Answer: C
8.
Gravitational potential energy is maximum at:
A. Infinity
B. Earth’s surface
C. Centre of Earth
D. Twice Earth’s radius
Answer: A
9.
For a satellite, if V = −2K, then:
A. K = V
B. K = 2V
C. V = 2K
D. K = −2V
Answer: D
10.
Total energy and kinetic energy of an Earth satellite are:
A. Positive, negative
B. Negative, positive
C. Positive, positive
D. Negative, negative
Answer: B
11.
Kinetic energy of a circular orbiting satellite is:
A. Twice KE
B. Half KE
C. Twice PE
D. Half PE
Answer: D
12.
Required kinetic energy for escape of mass m is:
A. ¼ mgR
B. ½ mgR
C. mgR
D. 2mgR
Answer: C
13.
If a satellite loses energy suddenly:
A. r↑, v↓
B. r↓, v↓
C. r↑, v↑
D. r↓, v↑
Answer: D
14.
Every planet revolves in elliptical orbit because:
A. Force ∝ 1/r²
B. Force ∝ product of masses
C. Centripetal force outward
D. T² ∝
Answer: A
15.
A satellite suddenly loses some energy while in circular orbit. Then:
A. r↑, v↓
B. r↓, v↓
C. r↑, v↑
D. r↓, v↑
Answer: D
16.
A comet moves in an elliptical orbit. Which quantity remains constant?
A. Linear velocity
B. Angular velocity
C. Angular momentum
D. Kinetic energy
Answer: C
17.
Planet speed in elliptical orbit is maximum when it is:
A. At aphelion
B. At perihelion
C. At focus
D. At centre
Answer: B
18.
The force law responsible for planetary motion is:
A. Linear law
B. Inverse cube law
C. Inverse square law
D. Direct square law
Answer: C
19.
Difference between sidereal day and solar day is approximately:
A. 1 min
B. 4 min
C. 15 min
D. 56 min
Answer: B
20.
Which quantity remains constant when Earth revolves around the Sun?
A. Angular velocity
B. Kinetic energy
C. Potential energy
D. Areal velocity
Answer: D
21.
For Earth’s motion around the Sun, gravitational force is:
A. Non-conservative
B. Dissipative
C. Conservative
D. Variable
Answer: C
22.
Gravitational field inside a hollow spherical shell is:
A. Maximum
B. Zero
C. Infinite
D. Negative
Answer: B
23.
Total mechanical energy of a satellite in circular orbit is:
A. Zero
B. Positive
C. Negative
D. Infinite
Answer: C
24.
Escape velocity depends on:
A. Mass only
B. Radius only
C. Mass and radius
D. Density only
Answer: C
25.
Gravitational potential energy is always taken as:
A. Positive
B. Zero
C. Negative
D. Variable
Answer: C
26.
The work done by gravitational force in a closed orbit is:
A. Maximum
B. Zero
C. Positive
D. Negative
Answer: B
27.
A satellite in elliptical orbit has maximum KE at:
A. Aphelion
B. Centre
C. Perihelion
D. Focus
Answer: C
28.
Which law explains equal area swept in equal time?
A. Newton’s 1st law
B. Kepler’s 1st law
C. Kepler’s 2nd law
D. Kepler’s 3rd law
Answer: C
29.
If total energy of satellite is −E, its potential energy is:
A. −E
B. −2E
C. E
D. 2E
Answer: B
30.
Gravitational potential at infinity is taken as:
A. Maximum
B. Zero
C. Negative
D. Positive
Answer: B
Conclusion
Gravitational Potential and Orbital Motion MCQs help aspirants connect mathematical expressions with physical intuition. By practicing these gravitational potentials and orbital motion mcqs questions, learners gain clarity on how energy is shared between kinetic and potential forms in satellites, why gravitational force is conservative, and how Kepler’s laws govern planetary motion. Mastery of these gravitational potential and orbital motion MCQs strengthens problem-solving skills and builds a solid conceptual base for advanced mechanics, making aspirants indispensable for competitive exams and higher studies in physics.
Amal Augustine is the founder of ExQuizMe, a dynamic learning and quiz platform built to make education engaging, competitive, and fun. A passionate learner and an academic achiever, Amal completed his schooling at Government HSS Manjapra, graduating with 92.5% in Computer Science. He later earned his degree from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious arts and science institutions.
Currently, Amal is pursuing his Master’s degree at National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, where he continues to deepen his interest in research and technology. Throughout his school and college years, he won 50+ national-level interschool and collegiate quiz competitions, was
Beyond academics, Amal Augustine is an avid reader of science journals, a dedicated research student, and a technology enthusiast who loves programming and exploring the world of Computer Science. Through ExQuizMe, he aims to make learning accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for students across the globe.