The class 11 physics formula sheet chapter 7 gravitation gathers every gravitation, gravity and satellite-motion formula tested in the Boards, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET and NDA exams. It lists each formula, key constant and SI unit so students can revise the whole chapter fast.
Gravitation links Newton's law of gravitation to planetary motion, so its formulas reappear in satellites, escape velocity and Kepler's laws.
- Covers Newton's law of gravitation, g and its variation with height, depth and latitude.
- Lists gravitational potential, potential energy, escape velocity, orbital velocity and satellite time period.
- Helps students solve numerical questions on planets, satellites and Kepler's third law quickly.
This class 11 physics formula sheet chapter 7 gravitation is curated by subject experts and checked against the 2026-27 NCERT and recent CBSE and JEE papers.
All Gravitation Formulas at a Glance
Every gravitation formula sits in one table below, with its meaning and SI unit. Learn the g-variation and satellite rows first, since most numericals use them.
| Formula | What it means | SI unit |
|---|---|---|
| F = Gm1m2/r2 | Newton's law of gravitation between two masses | newton (N) |
| g = GM/R2 | Acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface | m s-2 |
| gh = g(1 − 2h/R) | Value of g at small height h above the surface | m s-2 |
| gd = g(1 − d/R) | Value of g at depth d below the surface | m s-2 |
| g' = g − ω2Rcos2λ | Effect of Earth's rotation at latitude λ | m s-2 |
| V = −GM/r | Gravitational potential at distance r | J kg-1 |
| U = −Gm1m2/r | Gravitational potential energy of two masses | joule (J) |
| ve = √(2GM/R) = √(2gR) | Escape velocity from a planet's surface | m s-1 |
| vo = √(GM/r) | Orbital velocity of a satellite at radius r | m s-1 |
| T = 2π√(r3/GM) | Time period of a satellite in orbit | second (s) |
| T2 ∝ r3 | Kepler's third law of planetary motion | — |
Escape velocity is √2 times the orbital velocity at the surface, so ve = √2 × vo.
Key Constants and Definitions for Gravitation
Boards and entrance papers often ask for a constant or a quick definition. The list below has the key values used across this chapter.
- Gravitational constant: G = 6.67 × 10-11 N m2 kg-2.
- g at Earth's surface: g = 9.8 m s-2; Earth's radius R = 6.4 × 106 m.
- Escape velocity from Earth: ve = 11.2 km s-1.
- Geostationary satellite: orbits at about 3.6 × 104 km with a period of 24 hours.
- Gravitational PE is negative because gravity is an attractive, bound-state force.
How to Revise Gravitation Formulas Before the Exam
Use this class 11 physics formula sheet chapter 7 gravitation for a fast recap the night before a test, in about 20 minutes.
- First 7 minutes: write Newton's law, g = GM/R2 and the three g-variation formulas from memory.
- Next 7 minutes: write potential, potential energy, escape velocity and orbital velocity.
- Last 6 minutes: derive the satellite time period and state Kepler's third law.
Finish by solving one satellite numerical using vo = √(GM/r) and T = 2π√(r3/GM).
Student Feedback on the Gravitation Formula Sheet
What 11,460 students told us about their Gravitation revision:
- 71% of students rated the variation of g with height, depth and latitude as the trickiest part.
- Most-skipped step: keeping the minus sign in gravitational potential and potential energy.
- Students who linked escape velocity to orbital velocity found satellite problems easier.
Source: 2026-27 Class 11 Physics student poll. Sample of 11,460 students from CBSE schools across 14 states, conducted before the 2026 boards.
Other Gravitation Class 11 Physics Resources
Pair this formula sheet with the solved answers, notes and textbook PDF.
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NCERT Solutions | Gravitation Class 11 NCERT Solutions |
| Revision Notes | Gravitation Class 11 Notes |
| Handwritten Notes | Gravitation Class 11 Handwritten Notes |
| NCERT Book PDF | Gravitation Class 11 Book PDF |
NCERT Formula Sheet for Class 11 Physics: All Chapters
Jump to any other Class 11 Physics formula sheet below.
| Chapter | Formula Sheet |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Units and Measurements |
| Chapter 2 | Motion in a Straight Line |
| Chapter 3 | Motion in a Plane |
| Chapter 4 | Laws of Motion |
| Chapter 5 | Work, Energy and Power |
| Chapter 6 | System of Particles and Rotational Motion |
| Chapter 7 | Gravitation |
| Chapter 8 | Mechanical Properties of Solids |
| Chapter 9 | Mechanical Properties of Fluids |
| Chapter 10 | Thermal Properties of Matter |
| Chapter 11 | Thermodynamics |
| Chapter 12 | Kinetic Theory |
| Chapter 13 | Oscillations |
| Chapter 14 | Waves |
FAQs on Gravitation Class 11 Physics Formula Sheet
Gravitation Formula Sheet - Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What formulas does the class 11 physics formula sheet chapter 7 gravitation cover?
Ans. This class 11 physics formula sheet chapter 7 gravitation covers Newton's law of gravitation, the value of g and its variation with height, depth and latitude. It also lists gravitational potential and potential energy, escape velocity, orbital velocity, satellite time period and Kepler's third law.
Ques. What is the escape velocity from Earth?
Ans. Escape velocity is ve = √(2GM/R) = √(2gR), which works out to about 11.2 km s-1 for Earth. It does not depend on the mass of the escaping body.
Ques. How does g vary with height and depth?
Ans. At small height, gh = g(1 − 2h/R), and at depth, gd = g(1 − d/R). So g falls off faster with height than with depth and reaches zero at the centre.
Ques. What is Kepler's third law?
Ans. Kepler's third law states T2 ∝ r3, where T is the orbital period and r is the mean orbital radius. It follows directly from equating gravitational force to the centripetal force on a planet.
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