Two objects have masses of 9 MG and 12 MG. How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from 50 m to 230 m?

1 Answer
Pankaj Solanki
Sep 21, 2017

1.1275*10^-22J

Explanation:

m_1=9MG=9*10^-6 kg
m_2=12 MG=12*10^-6 kg
"Potential Energy"=-(Gm_1m_2)/r
when r=50m
Potential Energy is U_1=-(Gm_1m_2)/50
when r=230m
Potential Energy is U_2=-(Gm_1m_2)/230

Change in Gravitational Potential Energy =U_2-U_1
=-(Gm_1m_2)/230-(-(Gm_1m_2)/50)
=-(Gm_1m_2)/230+(Gm_1m_2)/50
=Gm_1m_2(1/50-1/230)
=6.67*10^-11(9*10^-6)(12*10^-6)((230-50)/(50*230))
=6.67*9*12*10^-23((180)/(50*230))
=11.275*10^-23J
=1.1275*10^-22J

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