Frequently Tested Patterns (2015–2024)

Pattern 1: Comparing g at altitude and depth Typical question format: "At which of the following locations is g greater?" Example: g at h = R vs g at d = R/2

Approach:

• Calculate each separately
• h = R: g' = g/4 = 2.5 m/$s^{2}$
• d = R/2: g' = g/2 = 5.0 m/$s^{2}$
• Answer: depth gives higher g

Pattern 2: Escape velocity scaling Typical format: "A planet has mass kM and radius nR. Find its escape velocity."

Formula: v_e(planet) = v_e(Earth) × √(k/n)

Examples:

• M' = 4M, R' = 2R: factor = √(4/2) = √2; v_e' = √2 × 11.2 ≈ 15.8 km/s
• M' = 2M, R' = 2R: factor = √(2/2) = 1; v_e' = 11.2 km/s (same)
• M' = 8M, R' = 2R: factor = √(8/2) = 2; v_e' = 22.4 km/s

Pattern 3: Satellite energy calculation Typical format: "Find orbital velocity / period / total energy of a satellite at height h = nR"

Standard approach:

1. Find r = R + h = (n+1)R
2. Use v_{0} = √($gR^{2}$/r) = √(gR/(n+1))
3. Find T = 2πr/v_{0}
4. Find E = −$gR^{2}$m/(2r) = −gRm/(2(n+1))

NEET Distribution of Marks (estimated)

Time Management

• Easy Newton's law / g formula questions: 30 s each
• Standard variation of g: 45 s each
• Satellite energy numericals: 90 s each
• Hard multi-step: 2 min maximum; skip if stuck, return later