Gravitational Potential & Field Intensity: Example When Zero & Non-Zero

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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of gravitational potential and gravitational field intensity. An example is given of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to the moon, where the potential may not be zero but the gravitational force can be. The conversation also mentions calculating the potential and force at a specific point between Earth and the moon.
  • #1
Mandavi
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Homework Statement



Please give an example when the following condition is true-
Gravitational Potential is zero and gravitational field intensity is non-zero.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Mandavi said:

Homework Statement



Please give an example when the following condition is true-
Gravitational Potential is zero and gravitational field intensity is non-zero.
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM
 
  • #3
Andrew Mason said:
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM

Thank you.:smile:
 
  • #4
Andrew Mason said:
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM

Please explain in detail about this.How will gravitational potential become zero and gravitational
field is non-zero??
 
  • #5
Mandavi said:
Please explain in detail about this.How will gravitational potential become zero and gravitational
field is non-zero??
Work out the potential of an object that is in between Earth and moon at a distance of 81.25 times closer to the moon than to the earth. Work out the force on the object at that point.

AM
 
  • #6
I think I may have misled you. The gravitational force can be zero where there is non-zero potential. But I don't think you can have zero gravitational potential and still have a gravitational force.

At the point which I suggested between the Earth and moon, the potential will not be zero. My error. The potential will always be less than zero. The only place where gravitational potential is zero is an infinite distance from any gravitating body.

AM
 

1. What is gravitational potential?

Gravitational potential is the amount of work required to move an object from a reference point to a specific location in a gravitational field. It is a measure of the energy an object has due to its position in the field.

2. How is gravitational potential calculated?

Gravitational potential is calculated using the equation V = -GM/r, where V is the potential energy, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the object creating the field, and r is the distance from the object to the location where the potential is being measured.

3. What does it mean for gravitational potential to be zero?

A gravitational potential of zero means that the object is at the same potential energy level as the reference point. This typically occurs when the object is infinitely far away from the mass creating the gravitational field.

4. How is gravitational field intensity related to potential?

Gravitational field intensity is a measure of the strength of a gravitational field at a specific location. It is equal to the negative gradient of the gravitational potential. In other words, it is the rate of change of potential with respect to distance.

5. What is the difference between zero and non-zero gravitational potential?

A zero gravitational potential means that there is no potential energy associated with an object at a specific location in a gravitational field. A non-zero gravitational potential means that there is a potential energy associated with an object at that location, and the magnitude of the potential energy depends on the distance from the object creating the field.

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