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Suppose universal gravitational constant...

Suppose universal gravitational constant starts to decrease, then

A

length of the year will increase

B

earth will follow a spiral path of decreasing radius

C

kinetic energy of earth will decrease

D

all of the above

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To solve the problem regarding the effects of a decreasing universal gravitational constant (G), we will analyze the implications on various factors, particularly focusing on the length of the year and the kinetic energy of the Earth. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Time Period of Earth's Orbit**: - The time period (T) of Earth's orbit around the Sun can be expressed using Kepler's third law, which states: \[ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r^3}{GM}} \] - Here, \(r\) is the radius of the orbit, \(G\) is the gravitational constant, and \(M\) is the mass of the Sun. 2. **Effect of Decreasing G on the Time Period**: - If the gravitational constant \(G\) decreases, we can analyze how \(T\) is affected: \[ T \propto \sqrt{\frac{1}{G}} \] - Therefore, if \(G\) decreases, \(T\) (the time period) will increase. This means that the length of the year will also increase. 3. **Conclusion for Option A**: - Since the time period of revolution increases with a decrease in \(G\), we conclude that **the length of the year will increase**. Thus, Option A is correct. 4. **Analyzing the Radius of Orbit**: - As \(G\) decreases, the gravitational force between the Earth and the Sun also decreases. Consequently, the Earth will move to a larger orbit (larger radius) to maintain balance in the gravitational pull. - Therefore, the radius of the Earth's orbit will increase, making Option B (the radius of the orbit decreases) incorrect. 5. **Kinetic Energy of the Earth**: - The kinetic energy (K) of the Earth in its orbit can be expressed as: \[ K = \frac{1}{2} mv^2 \] - The orbital velocity \(v\) can be derived from the gravitational force: \[ v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}} \] - Substituting this into the kinetic energy equation gives: \[ K \propto G \] - If \(G\) decreases, the kinetic energy \(K\) will also decrease. 6. **Conclusion for Option C**: - Since the kinetic energy decreases with a decrease in \(G\), Option C is also correct. ### Final Answers: - **Option A**: The length of the year will increase (Correct). - **Option B**: The radius of the orbit decreases (Incorrect). - **Option C**: The kinetic energy of the Earth will decrease (Correct).
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