Gravitational Potential Energy deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the concept of gravitational potential energy, specifically the formula deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2). It clarifies that gravitational potential energy Eg is expressed as Eg=(-GMm/r), emphasizing that Eg approaches zero as the distance r approaches infinity. The negative value of Eg indicates that potential energy is defined relative to a reference point at infinity, where gravitational interaction ceases, thus explaining why Eg does not equal zero at finite distances.

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clearlyjunk
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Im not talking about eg=mgh.. I am talking about

deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)

My question is how is it possible to say that in General , Eg=(-GMm/r)

and why does Eg not equal 0 when r -> infinity

Thanks

please reply quickly :)
 
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clearlyjunk said:
deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)
My question is how is it possible to say that in General , Eg=(-GMm/r) and why does Eg not equal 0 when r -> infinity
Potential energy is the negative of the work done by the force generating the field, which explains why Eg is usually negative. If infinity is used as a reference point, then Eg at infinity is equal to zero, by definition, and all Eg's at finite distance from the source are negative.
 
rcgldr said:
If infinity is used as a reference point...

Also, infinity is the natural reference point because that is where the interaction drops to zero. No interaction, no ability to do work, no energy.
 

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