- #1
Tommy1995
- 39
- 0
Hi!
So, when we're calculating the potential energy of a mass in space we make it negative because we assign infinity as the reference point.
Now, to find the potential energy of something I understand that we find the work that is done to it to move it from the reference point to another point in space.
And I also understand that positive work is when the displacement and force are in the same direction.
Now here's the bit I don't get! When we find the potential energy of an object in space the potential energy is negative. Thus the work that is needed to move the object from a point at infinity to a point "X" in space will be negative.
But when we move an object from this infinity point to a point "X" in space wouldn't work be positive because the force and displacement of the object are in the same direction?
Please help, I'm seriously confused right now...
Btw I'm just a 12th grade high school physics student so go easy on me with the maths LOL
So, when we're calculating the potential energy of a mass in space we make it negative because we assign infinity as the reference point.
Now, to find the potential energy of something I understand that we find the work that is done to it to move it from the reference point to another point in space.
And I also understand that positive work is when the displacement and force are in the same direction.
Now here's the bit I don't get! When we find the potential energy of an object in space the potential energy is negative. Thus the work that is needed to move the object from a point at infinity to a point "X" in space will be negative.
But when we move an object from this infinity point to a point "X" in space wouldn't work be positive because the force and displacement of the object are in the same direction?
Please help, I'm seriously confused right now...
Btw I'm just a 12th grade high school physics student so go easy on me with the maths LOL