Two objects have masses of $3 MG$ and $15 MG$ . How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from $160 m$ to $280 m$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2018-07-26T18:37:22

See the explanation below

HINT:

Gravitational potential energy of masses $M_1$ & $M_2$ separated by a distance $D$ is given as

$U_G=-\frac{GM_1M_2}{D}$

Change of gravitational potential energy of masses $M_1$ & $M_2$ when distance changes from $D_1$ to $D_2$ such that $D_1<D_2$ , is given as

$(U_G)_2-(U_G)_1=-\frac{GM_1M_2}{D_2}-(-\frac{GM_1M_2}{D_1})$

$\Delta U_G=GM_1M_2(1/D_1-1/D_2)$

Now, substitute the corresponding values in above formula to get change in potential energy.

Two objects have masses of 3 MG3 MG and 15 MG15 MG. How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from 160 m160 m to 280 m280 m?