Lesson eLearning

Which of the following statements about the direction of gravitational field lines is correct?

hard MCQ 4 marks Class 11 · Physics · Gravitation
  1. They diverge from mass to infinity
  2. They converge towards mass from infinity
  3. They are parallel everywhere
  4. They intersect at points of equal mass
Answer
They converge towards mass from infinity.

The correct answer is They converge towards mass from infinity. — Therefore, the correct choice is option B.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Understand that a gravitational field vector points towards the source mass, indicating the direction a test mass would accelerate.
  2. Field lines are drawn in the direction of the field vector, so they must point inward towards the mass.
  3. Hence, field lines emanate from infinity and converge onto the mass, not diverge away.
  4. Option B correctly states this behaviour.
  5. Other options either describe the wrong direction, parallel lines, or impossible intersection of lines.
  6. Therefore, the correct choice is option B.
Common mistake: Confusing the direction of field lines with that of electric field lines, assuming they diverge from the mass

Concept tested: Direction of field lines

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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