Electric fields and gravitational fields

[normannb]

Homework Statement

for electric fields i know total flux through a closed surface is proportional to tot. charge enclosed..goes ssame for gravt. fields. total gravitational flux through a closed surface is proportional to total mass enclosed. Now there's the next equation that says if a charge moves in an electric field from a point through any route back to its point of origin change in electric potential is 0. I'm trying to get the equivalent of that for gravitational fields. Help is greatly appreciated

Homework Equations

Change in gravitational potential

The Attempt at a Solution

I thought i'd write Sum. g. dr = 0...i really don't know...help please

 

[anathema]

Thank you for your question. I understand that you are looking for the equivalent equation for gravitational fields to the statement "if a charge moves in an electric field from a point through any route back to its point of origin, the change in electric potential is 0." I would be happy to help you with this.

The equivalent equation for gravitational fields would be "if a mass moves in a gravitational field from a point through any route back to its point of origin, the change in gravitational potential is 0." This can be written as:

Sum of gravitational force x distance traveled = 0

This equation is based on the principle of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. In this case, the gravitational potential energy of the mass is being converted into kinetic energy as it moves through the gravitational field, but the total energy remains constant.

I hope this helps to clarify things for you. Please let me know if you have any further questions. Good luck with your studies!