The discussion centers on the applications of the gravitational potential energy equation U = -GMm/r, particularly in contexts where objects are not near Earth's surface. This equation is essential for calculating gravitational potential energy between two objects at significant distances, such as determining escape velocity. For objects close to Earth's surface, the simpler equation U = mgy is more applicable, but it becomes inaccurate at greater distances due to the decreasing value of "g." The reference points for these equations differ, with U = mgy using a convenient zero point and U = -GMm/r referencing infinity.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, astrophysicists, and engineers involved in aerospace or gravitational studies will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in gravitational potential energy calculations and their applications in space exploration.
Sure. Whenever you need the gravitational PE between two objects. For example, you can use this to calculate the velocity that an object needs to have so that it doesn't fall back down to Earth (so-called "escape velocity").jubaitca said:I was just wondering if there were any applications of the equations U= GMm/r.
For objects that stay near the Earth's surface, it's more convenient to use U = mgy to study changes in gravitational PE. But if the object gets too far from the surface, the value of "g" decreases, and that simple equation no longer works accurately. That's when you need to use U = -GMm/r.Which basically means we are not to involve anything on Earth's surface.
Sure there are. See the example I layed out atjubaitca said:I was just wondering if there were any applications of the equations
U= GMm/r. Which basically means we are not to involve anything on Earth's surface.
Thx