Gravitational Potential Energy: Practice Problem & Solution
Two bodies each of mass \( 1\text{ kg}\) are placed \( 2\text{ m}\) apart. Gravitational potential energy of the system is (Assume potential energy to be zero at infinity)
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Gravitational Potential Energy. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
The gravitational potential energy of a two-body system is given by \( U = -\frac{G m_1 m_2}{r} \). Substituting \( m_1 = m_2 = 1\text{ kg} \) and \( r = 2\text{ m} \), we get \( U = -\frac{G}{2} \).
Leave a Reply