Does Gravitational Potential Energy Apply to Dual Massive Particles?

Thread starter chuy
Start date Sep 21, 2006
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Energy Potential Potential energy System

AI Thread Summary

Gravitational potential energy can be expressed as U(r) = -G(mM_E/r) for a mass m near Earth. In a system where two massive particles are comparable in size, the formula adapts to U(r) = -G(mM/r). If both masses are equal, such as in a binary Earth system, the potential energy simplifies to U(r) = -G(M^2/r). This highlights the significance of mass in gravitational interactions between dual massive particles. The discussion emphasizes the applicability of gravitational potential energy in systems with comparable mass.

Sep 21, 2006

chuy

Hi,

We know that the gravitational potential energy of a mass m over the Earth is:

-G\frac{mM_E}{r}

But the Earth is very heavy, ¿if m\approx M the gravitational potential energy of a system of two particles also is:

U(r)=-G\frac{mM}{r} ?

Bye!

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Sep 21, 2006

Astronuc

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

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If m = M_E = M, then the potential energy of a binary Earth system would be U(r)=-G\frac{M^2}{r}.

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