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CBSE Class 9 Physics Chapter 9 Gravitation Worksheet with Answers

Gravitation is a foundational chapter in CBSE Class 9 Physics that explains the invisible force holding the universe together—from apples falling in your garden to planets orbiting the Sun. This worksheet provides structured practice across multiple question formats: MCQs for quick concept checks, fill-in-the-blanks for terminology mastery, short-answer questions for formula application, and HOTS long-answer problems for deep understanding. A case study tests your ability to apply gravitation concepts to real-world scenarios. Print this worksheet, attempt it in 90 minutes under exam conditions, then check your answers against the detailed answer key provided at the end.

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Key takeaways

  • Newton's law of universal gravitation states that every object attracts every other object with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
  • Weight (measured in Newtons) is the gravitational force on an object and varies with location, while mass (measured in kilograms) remains constant everywhere in the universe.
  • Acceleration due to gravity (g) on Earth's surface is approximately 9.8 m/s² and decreases with altitude and varies slightly with latitude due to Earth's shape and rotation.
  • All objects in free fall near Earth's surface accelerate at the same rate regardless of their mass, assuming negligible air resistance—a feather and a hammer fall together in vacuum.
  • The universal gravitational constant G is approximately 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg² and is one of the fundamental constants of nature used in calculating gravitational force between any two masses.
  • Weight and mass are related by the formula W = mg, where W is weight in Newtons, m is mass in kilograms, and g is acceleration due to gravity in m/s².

Quick Chapter Recap: Gravitation

Chapter 9 of NCERT Class 9 Physics introduces universal gravitation—the phenomenon that every object in the universe attracts every other object. Newton's law of universal gravitation quantifies this force as F = G(m₁m₂)/r², where G is the universal gravitational constant (6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²), m₁ and m₂ are the masses, and r is the distance between their centres. This single elegant law explains why objects fall to Earth, why the Moon orbits our planet, and why planets circle the Sun. The chapter distinguishes between mass (intrinsic property, constant everywhere) and weight (gravitational force, varies with location). On Earth's surface, weight W = mg, where g is acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s². Free fall is motion under gravity alone, and all objects in free fall accelerate at the same rate regardless of mass. The value of g decreases with altitude and depth, and varies slightly across Earth's surface due to the planet's oblate shape and rotation. Understanding these concepts is essential for solving numerical problems and grasping how gravity shapes our universe.
  • Universal law of gravitation: F = G(m₁m₂)/r² applies to any two masses in the universe
  • Weight W = mg is a force (measured in Newtons), while mass m is constant (measured in kilograms)
  • Acceleration due to gravity g ≈ 9.8 m/s² on Earth's surface, decreases with height and depth
  • Free fall: all objects accelerate equally under gravity alone, independent of their mass
  • Gravitational constant G = 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg² is a universal constant

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

This section tests your conceptual clarity and ability to recall definitions, formulae, and principles from CBSE Class 9 Physics Chapter 9. Each question has four options, and only one is correct. These MCQs mirror the pattern seen in CBSE term exams and school unit tests. Read each question carefully, eliminate obviously wrong options, and select the best answer. Remember that gravitational force acts between any two masses, weight depends on location while mass does not, and the inverse-square law means doubling the distance reduces force to one-fourth. Pay attention to units: weight is always in Newtons, mass in kilograms, and acceleration in m/s². Time management tip: aim to complete all six MCQs in about 10 minutes, giving you roughly 90 seconds per question to read, think, and mark your answer confidently.
  • Q1. The universal law of gravitation was formulated by: (a) Galileo (b) Newton (c) Kepler (d) Einstein
  • Q2. The SI unit of gravitational constant G is: (a) N·m²/kg² (b) N/kg (c) m/s² (d) kg·m/s
  • Q3. Two objects of masses 10 kg and 20 kg are separated by 10 m. If the distance is doubled, the gravitational force becomes: (a) Half (b) One-fourth (c) Double (d) Four times
  • Q4. An object weighs 60 N on Earth. Its mass is approximately (use g = 10 m/s²): (a) 60 kg (b) 600 kg (c) 6 kg (d) 0.6 kg
  • Q5. Acceleration due to gravity on the Moon is about 1/6th that on Earth. A 12 kg object on the Moon has mass: (a) 2 kg (b) 12 kg (c) 72 kg (d) 60 kg
  • Q6. Which of these is a vector quantity? (a) Mass (b) Weight (c) Speed (d) Distance

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

Fill-in-the-blank questions assess your recall of key terminology, numerical values, and relationships from Class 9 Physics Chapter 9 Gravitation. Write the precise term or value that completes each sentence correctly. Pay close attention to spelling, especially for scientific terms like 'gravitation,' 'acceleration,' and 'universal.' When a numerical value is required (such as the value of G or g), include the correct units and order of magnitude. These questions often appear in CBSE board exams and school assessments as direct one-mark or half-mark items. The terms tested here are drawn directly from NCERT Class 9 Physics textbook definitions and formulae. Take care not to confuse similar-sounding concepts: for instance, gravitational constant G is different from acceleration due to gravity g, and weight is measured in Newtons while mass is measured in kilograms. Allocate about 8-10 minutes for this section, ensuring you read each sentence fully before filling in your answer to avoid careless errors that cost easy marks.
  • Q7. The force of attraction between any two objects in the universe is called __________.
  • Q8. The value of acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface is approximately __________ m/s².
  • Q9. The SI unit of weight is __________.
  • Q10. The universal gravitational constant G has the approximate value __________ N·m²/kg².
  • Q11. When an object falls freely under gravity alone, it is said to be in __________ fall.
  • Q12. Weight of an object is the __________ force acting on it due to gravity.

Section C: True or False Statements

Evaluate each statement carefully and mark it as True or False based on concepts from NCERT Class 9 Physics Chapter 9. This section tests your ability to distinguish correct scientific statements from common misconceptions. Many students confuse mass with weight, or think gravity only acts downward on Earth—these are the kinds of traps to watch for. Remember that gravitational force is mutual (both objects attract each other equally), weight varies with location but mass does not, and free fall means acceleration under gravity alone with no air resistance. If a statement seems obviously true, double-check for subtle wording that might make it false; conversely, if it seems false, confirm that no part of it is actually correct. In CBSE exams, such questions typically carry half a mark or one mark each and can be answered quickly, but incorrect answers lose marks, so think before you write. Spend about 5-6 minutes on this section, reading each statement at least twice to catch any nuances that might change the answer from what you initially thought.
  • Q13. Gravitational force is a contact force. (True / False)
  • Q14. The mass of an object on the Moon is less than its mass on Earth. (True / False)
  • Q15. The value of G is same everywhere in the universe. (True / False)
  • Q16. A freely falling object experiences an acceleration of 9.8 m/s² downward near Earth's surface. (True / False)
  • Q17. Weight is measured in kilograms. (True / False)
  • Q18. Two objects of different masses dropped from the same height in vacuum will reach the ground at the same time. (True / False)

Section D: Short Answer Questions (2-3 marks each)

Short-answer questions require you to explain concepts, state laws, derive simple relationships, or perform straightforward numerical calculations. Each answer should be concise but complete—typically two to four sentences or a brief numerical solution with steps. In CBSE Class 9 Physics exams, short-answer questions carry 2 or 3 marks and are scored on correctness, clarity, and whether you have included necessary units and significant figures. When defining a term, use the precise NCERT wording where possible. When stating a law or formula, write it in both words and mathematical symbols. For numerical problems, always list given values, write the formula, substitute, and calculate with units. These five questions cover core topics from Chapter 9 Gravitation: definitions of mass and weight, statement of Newton's law, explanation of why g varies, the concept of free fall, and a numerical application of W = mg. Aim to complete this section in about 15-20 minutes, giving each question 3-4 minutes. Write neatly and underline key terms for emphasis, which helps examiners quickly locate your main points and award full marks.
  • Q19. Define mass and weight. State one point of difference between them.
  • Q20. State Newton's law of universal gravitation in words and express it as a formula.
  • Q21. Why does the value of acceleration due to gravity (g) vary with altitude?
  • Q22. What is meant by free fall? Give one example.
  • Q23. An object has a mass of 15 kg. Calculate its weight on Earth's surface. (Use g = 10 m/s²)

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 marks each)

Long-answer questions test your depth of understanding, ability to explain concepts in detail, and skill in solving multi-step numerical problems. Each question in this section is worth 5 marks and requires a structured, well-organised response. For derivation or explanation questions, start with a clear statement of the principle, explain the reasoning step-by-step, and conclude with the result. For numerical problems, write down all given data, list assumptions (such as negligible air resistance), state the formulae you will use, substitute values with units, and solve systematically. HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions ask you to apply gravitation concepts to unfamiliar situations, compare scenarios, or reason through thought experiments. These are the questions that separate students who have merely memorised from those who truly understand. In CBSE exams, long-answer questions often combine conceptual explanation with numerical work, so practice writing clear, logical answers that demonstrate mastery. Allocate about 25-30 minutes for these three questions, roughly 8-10 minutes each, and ensure your handwriting is legible because these carry the most marks and examiners appreciate well-structured answers that are easy to follow and assess.
  • Q24. Derive the relation between acceleration due to gravity (g) at Earth's surface and the universal gravitational constant G, given Earth's mass M and radius R.
  • Q25. Two spheres of masses 50 kg and 100 kg are placed 5 meters apart. Calculate the gravitational force of attraction between them. (Use G = 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²)
  • Q26. Explain why astronauts feel weightless in a spacecraft orbiting Earth, even though Earth's gravitational force still acts on them.

Section F: Case Study Question

Case study questions present a real-world scenario or experimental context and ask you to apply gravitation concepts to analyse, interpret, or solve problems based on the passage. This format has become increasingly common in CBSE Class 9 and Class 10 assessments because it tests not just rote knowledge but the ability to read, comprehend, and apply physics principles in practical situations. The case study below describes a situation involving gravitational variation with altitude and asks you to answer three sub-questions. Read the passage carefully, identify the key data (such as numerical values, conditions, or relationships mentioned), and then answer each sub-question in the context of that passage. Even if one sub-question seems difficult, attempt the others—they are often independent and you can still score marks. Case studies typically carry 4-5 marks in total, split across the sub-questions, and are an excellent way to demonstrate integrated understanding. Spend about 10-12 minutes on this section: 3-4 minutes reading and understanding the passage, then 2-3 minutes per sub-question. Write concise, direct answers and reference the passage where appropriate to show you have understood the context provided.

Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers and brief explanations for every question in the worksheet, helping you understand not just what the right answer is but why it is correct. Use this section for self-assessment after you have attempted the worksheet on your own—resist the temptation to look at answers before trying the questions, as that defeats the purpose of practice. For MCQs, the correct option is given along with reasoning that eliminates wrong choices. For fill-in-the-blanks and true/false, the precise term or correct judgment is stated with a short explanation. For short-answer and long-answer questions, model answers are provided showing the level of detail and structure expected for full marks in CBSE exams. Numerical problems include step-by-step solutions with units at every stage, demonstrating best practices for writing solutions that earn maximum marks. When you check your answers, do not just tick right or wrong—read the explanations to deepen your understanding, especially for questions you got wrong or guessed. If you score below 60 percent on this worksheet, revise the chapter thoroughly and re-attempt after a few days. If you score above 80 percent, you are well-prepared for exams but still review any mistakes to ensure conceptual clarity.
  • A1. (b) Newton — Sir Isaac Newton formulated the universal law of gravitation in 1687.
  • A2. (a) N·m²/kg² — The SI unit of G follows from the formula F = G(m₁m₂)/r², rearranged as G = Fr²/(m₁m₂).
  • A3. (b) One-fourth — Gravitational force F ∝ 1/r². If r is doubled, F becomes F/(2²) = F/4.
  • A4. (c) 6 kg — Using W = mg: 60 = m × 10, so m = 60/10 = 6 kg.
  • A5. (b) 12 kg — Mass is an intrinsic property and does not change with location; weight changes, not mass.
  • A6. (b) Weight — Weight is a force with magnitude and direction (downward toward Earth's centre), hence a vector. Mass, speed, and distance are scalars.
  • A7. gravitation (or gravitational force) — This is the definition from NCERT.
  • A8. 9.8 (or 10) — Standard value of g on Earth's surface.
  • A9. Newton (or N) — Weight is a force, and the SI unit of force is the Newton.
  • A10. 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ — The universal gravitational constant G, one of nature's fundamental constants.
  • A11. free — Free fall is motion under gravity alone, with no other forces.
  • A12. gravitational — Weight is specifically the gravitational force on an object.
  • A13. False — Gravitational force is a non-contact (or field) force; it acts at a distance without physical contact.
  • A14. False — Mass is constant everywhere in the universe; weight changes with location, not mass.
  • A15. True — G is a universal constant with the same value throughout the universe.
  • A16. True — Near Earth's surface, g ≈ 9.8 m/s² downward, and all freely falling objects accelerate at this rate.
  • A17. False — Weight is measured in Newtons (N). Mass is measured in kilograms (kg).
  • A18. True — In the absence of air resistance (vacuum), all objects fall with the same acceleration g, so they reach the ground simultaneously.
  • A19. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms, and is constant everywhere. Weight is the gravitational force on an object, measured in Newtons, and varies with location. Difference: mass is a scalar and constant; weight is a vector and location-dependent.
  • A20. Newton's law of universal gravitation: Every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres. Formula: F = G(m₁m₂)/r², where G is the universal gravitational constant.
  • A21. The value of g varies with altitude because gravitational force decreases with distance from Earth's centre. At higher altitudes, the distance r increases, and since F ∝ 1/r², the force and hence g decrease. Formula: g_h = g(1 - 2h/R) for small heights h above Earth's radius R.
  • A22. Free fall is the motion of an object under the influence of gravity alone, with no other forces acting (such as air resistance). Example: A stone dropped from a height in vacuum, or an astronaut floating in an orbiting spacecraft.
  • A23. Given: m = 15 kg, g = 10 m/s². Weight W = mg = 15 × 10 = 150 N. The object weighs 150 Newtons on Earth's surface.
  • A24. Consider an object of mass m on Earth's surface (mass M, radius R). Gravitational force: F = GMm/R². Weight: W = mg. Equating: mg = GMm/R². Cancel m: g = GM/R². Hence, acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface g = GM/R², which depends on Earth's mass and radius but not on the object's mass.
  • A25. Given: m₁ = 50 kg, m₂ = 100 kg, r = 5 m, G = 6.67×10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg². Formula: F = G(m₁m₂)/r². Substitute: F = (6.67×10⁻¹¹ × 50 × 100)/5² = (6.67×10⁻¹¹ × 5000)/25 = (6.67×10⁻¹¹ × 200) = 1.334×10⁻⁸ N. The gravitational force is approximately 1.33×10⁻⁸ Newtons.
  • A26. Astronauts feel weightless in orbit because they and their spacecraft are both in free fall toward Earth, accelerating at the same rate. There is no normal force pushing up on the astronaut (the floor does not push against their feet), so they experience apparent weightlessness. Earth's gravity is still acting (providing centripetal force for the orbit), but since everything falls together, there is no sensation of weight.
  • A27(a). The value of g decreases with increasing altitude because the gravitational force F = GMm/r² is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from Earth's centre. As altitude increases, r increases, causing g to decrease.
  • A27(b). Percentage decrease = [(9.8 - 9.65)/9.8] × 100 = (0.15/9.8) × 100 ≈ 1.53%. The decrease is approximately 1.5% from sea level to 5000 m.
  • A27(c). Given: m = 10 kg, g at 5000 m = 9.65 m/s². Weight W = mg = 10 × 9.65 = 96.5 N. The object's weight at 5000 m altitude is 96.5 Newtons.

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Tips for Scoring Full Marks in Gravitation Questions

Gravitation is a high-scoring chapter if you master the core formulae and practice diverse problem types. Start by writing down the three essential formulae on top of your answer sheet during exams: F = G(m₁m₂)/r², W = mg, and g = GM/R². This saves time and reduces errors when solving numerical problems under pressure. Always write the given data clearly, state the formula you are using, substitute values with units, and box your final answer with the correct unit—this structured approach earns you method marks even if the final answer has a small calculation error. For definition-based questions, use the exact NCERT wording where possible; examiners appreciate precision. When explaining concepts like free fall or weightlessness, include a real-world example to demonstrate understanding—this often fetches you an extra mark. In numerical problems, double-check your powers of ten (such as 10⁻¹¹ for G) because a single zero error changes your answer drastically. Practice past years' CBSE question papers and sample papers to familiarise yourself with question patterns and mark distribution. Finally, revise this worksheet multiple times, attempting it without looking at answers until you can score above 90 percent consistently. Gravitation may seem abstract, but with systematic practice and conceptual clarity, it becomes one of the easiest chapters to ace in your Class 9 Physics exam.
  • Memorise and write F = G(m₁m₂)/r², W = mg, g = GM/R² at the start of your exam to avoid mid-problem confusion
  • Always include units in every step of numerical solutions—marks are often deducted for missing or incorrect units
  • Use NCERT definitions verbatim for terms like gravitation, weight, mass, and free fall to match marking scheme expectations
  • Draw neat diagrams where relevant (e.g., Earth and object, forces acting) to illustrate your answer and earn presentation marks
  • Practice previous years' CBSE board papers and sample papers to understand question patterns and time management

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between mass and weight in Class 9 Physics Chapter 9 Gravitation?+
Mass is the amount of matter in an object, measured in kilograms, and remains constant everywhere in the universe. Weight is the gravitational force acting on that object, measured in Newtons, and varies depending on the local value of g. For example, a 10 kg object has the same mass on Earth and the Moon, but its weight on Earth is 98 N (using g = 9.8 m/s²) and on the Moon is about 16 N (g ≈ 1.6 m/s²).
Why do all objects fall at the same rate in free fall, regardless of their mass?+
In free fall, gravitational force F = mg causes acceleration a = F/m = g, which cancels out the mass. Hence, acceleration depends only on g, not on the object's mass. A feather and a hammer dropped in a vacuum (no air resistance) reach the ground simultaneously because both accelerate at 9.8 m/s² downward. Air resistance in everyday conditions makes lighter objects fall slower, but in vacuum, mass does not matter.
How is the universal gravitational constant G different from acceleration due to gravity g?+
G is a universal constant with value 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg², the same everywhere in the universe, and appears in Newton's law of gravitation. In contrast, g is the acceleration due to gravity at a specific location (9.8 m/s² on Earth's surface) and varies with altitude, depth, and celestial body. G is a fundamental constant; g is a derived quantity depending on the mass and radius of the attracting body.
Why does the value of g decrease with altitude?+
Gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from Earth's centre. As altitude increases, the distance r increases, so the force F = GMm/r² decreases. Since g = GM/r², a larger r results in a smaller g. For example, at the peak of Mount Everest (about 8800 m above sea level), g is slightly less than 9.8 m/s² because r is larger than at sea level.
What does Newton's law of universal gravitation state, and what is its formula?+
Newton's law of universal gravitation states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between their centres. The formula is F = G(m₁m₂)/r², where F is the gravitational force, G is the universal gravitational constant, m₁ and m₂ are the masses, and r is the distance between their centres.
Why do astronauts appear weightless in a spacecraft orbiting Earth?+
Astronauts and their spacecraft are both in free fall toward Earth, accelerating at the same rate due to gravity. Because there is no normal force (the spacecraft floor does not push up on the astronaut), they experience apparent weightlessness. Earth's gravity still acts on them—it provides the centripetal force needed for the orbit—but since everything falls together, the sensation of weight (which comes from normal force) disappears.
How do I prepare effectively for numerical problems in Chapter 9 Gravitation?+
Master the three core formulae: F = G(m₁m₂)/r², W = mg, and g = GM/R². Practice writing given data, stating the formula, substituting values with units, and solving step-by-step. Work through NCERT exercises, exemplar problems, and previous years' CBSE questions. Check your powers of ten carefully (e.g., 10⁻¹¹ for G). Time yourself to build speed and accuracy, and review mistakes to avoid repeating them in exams.
What is the value of the universal gravitational constant G, and what are its units?+
The value of G is approximately 6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg². It is a universal constant, meaning it has the same value throughout the universe. The units are derived from Newton's law F = G(m₁m₂)/r², rearranged as G = Fr²/(m₁m₂), giving (N·m²)/kg² or N·m²/kg². This constant is extremely small, which is why gravitational forces between everyday objects are negligible.
Can I use this worksheet for last-minute revision before my CBSE Class 9 Physics exam?+
Yes, this worksheet is ideal for focused last-minute revision. It covers all question types (MCQs, short-answer, long-answer, case study) and includes a complete answer key. Attempt the worksheet under timed conditions (90 minutes), then check your answers and review explanations for any mistakes. Focus especially on numerical problems and derivations, as these carry the most marks in CBSE exams.
How can CBSETUTOR.ai help if I am stuck on a gravitation problem late at night?+
CBSETUTOR.ai provides 24×7 AI-powered doubt resolution. Simply take a photo of the problem from this worksheet or any other source, upload it to the platform, and receive a detailed step-by-step solution within seconds. The AI tutor explains concepts in simple language aligned with CBSE Class 9 standards, and you can ask follow-up questions if needed. A 3-day free trial is available, and the full service costs just ₹999/month for all subjects across Classes 6-12.

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