Gravitation in Physics (AP Physics, IIT JEE, IB Physics)

This physics course explores the fundamental principles of gravitation, the universal force responsible for everything from falling apples on Earth to the orbital motion of planets, satellites, and galaxies. Designed for students preparing for AP Physics, Class 11 Physics, and IIT JEE, the course begins with an in-depth study of Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation, covering how gravitational force depends on mass, distance, and direction.

Key topics covered in this gravitation course include:

• Understanding weight and gravitational acceleration: Learn how weight is the net gravitational force exerted by Earth and other bodies. Discover how gravitational acceleration changes with altitude and how Earth’s shape and rotation affect measured weight. Study gravitational force inside a spherical mass, including key results like zero force inside a uniform shell and a linearly increasing force inside a solid sphere.
• Gravitational potential energy: Define gravitational potential energy for a two-body system with zero energy at infinite separation. Learn how gravitational force is conservative, and use the conservation of mechanical energy to analyze the motion of particles under gravity.
• Escape velocity: Calculate escape speed, the minimum speed required to break free from a planet’s gravitational pull and reach infinity with zero kinetic energy. Apply this to space missions, planetary probes, and rocket launches.

  Throughout this course, students will engage in conceptual analysis, derivations, and numerical problem-solving, gaining a deep and intuitive understanding of gravitational physics—a force that not only shapes our everyday experience but also governs the structure and evolution of the universe.