Gravitational potential energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the work done when tripling the distance between two gravitationally attracting particles. The gravitational attraction between a 5.2 kg and a 2.4 kg particle is given as 2.3E-12 N, with a gravitational potential energy of -4.40e-11 J at a distance of 19.03 m. The user initially struggles to identify the correct equation for work done but realizes that it relates to the change in gravitational potential energy. After receiving a hint, the user confirms they have figured out the solution. The conversation highlights the connection between gravitational potential energy and work done in a gravitational system.
bearhug
Messages
78
Reaction score
0
A 5.2 kg particle and a 2.4 kg particle have a gravitational attraction of magnitude 2.3E-12 N.
Gravitational potential energy is -4.40e-11J and r=19.03m

If you were to triple the distance between these particles, how much work is done by you on the particles?

My biggest problem here is that I don't know what equation I should use to find the work done. My book doesn't explain it very well. The first part of the question I figured out fine but this is where I'm stuck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What is the definition (not the equation) of gravitaional potential energy? Hint: it has something to do with work.
 
The work done on the system is a change in gravitational potential energy.
 
Nevermind, what I just posted is what I needed to know, I figured it out. Thanks for your hint.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is potential energy defined only for internal conservative forces?
Replies
15
Views
1K
Gravitational Potential & Gravitational Potential Energy
Replies
2
Views
2K
Oscillation of bead with gravitating masses
Replies
5
Views
2K
Electric Potential Energy of Point Charge Systems
Replies
2
Views
875
Misunderstanding of Gravitational Potential Energy
Replies
7
Views
3K
Gravitational equipotential multiple choice problem
Replies
4
Views
2K
Gravitational potential energy traveling from earth to mars
Replies
7
Views
3K
Calculating Gravitational Potential
Replies
3
Views
1K
Conservation of Energy Along an Incline with Friction
Replies
3
Views
2K
Kinetic Energy / Potential Energy / Total Energy question
Replies
14
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top