- #1
Mandavi
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Homework Statement
Please give an example when the following condition is true-
Gravitational Potential is zero and gravitational field intensity is non-zero.
Gravitational Potential & Field Intensity: Example When Zero & Non-Zero
- Thread starter Mandavi
- Start date
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- Tags
- Gravitation
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Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the conditions under which gravitational potential can be zero while gravitational field intensity remains non-zero. Participants are exploring examples and theoretical scenarios related to gravitational fields, particularly in the context of a spacecraft traveling between Earth and the Moon.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants suggest scenarios involving a spacecraft's position relative to Earth and the Moon, questioning how gravitational potential can be zero while the gravitational field intensity is non-zero. There is an attempt to calculate potential and force at a specific point between the two bodies.
Discussion Status
The conversation is ongoing, with some participants expressing uncertainty about the conditions described. One participant acknowledges a potential misunderstanding regarding the relationship between gravitational potential and field intensity, indicating a need for further clarification and exploration of the concepts.
Contextual Notes
Participants are discussing the theoretical implications of gravitational potential and field intensity, with specific reference to distances between celestial bodies. There is an acknowledgment that gravitational potential is typically considered zero at an infinite distance from any gravitating body.
Please give an example when the following condition is true-
Gravitational Potential is zero and gravitational field intensity is non-zero.
- #2
Andrew Mason
Science Advisor
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Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.Mandavi said:
AM
- #3
Mandavi
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Andrew Mason said:
Thank you.
- #4
Mandavi
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Andrew Mason said:
Please explain in detail about this.How will gravitational potential become zero and gravitational
field is non-zero??
- #5
Andrew Mason
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Work out the potential of an object that is in between Earth and moon at a distance of 81.25 times closer to the moon than to the earth. Work out the force on the object at that point.Mandavi said:
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- #6
Andrew Mason
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I think I may have misled you. The gravitational force can be zero where there is non-zero potential. But I don't think you can have zero gravitational potential and still have a gravitational force.
At the point which I suggested between the Earth and moon, the potential will not be zero. My error. The potential will always be less than zero. The only place where gravitational potential is zero is an infinite distance from any gravitating body.
AM
At the point which I suggested between the Earth and moon, the potential will not be zero. My error. The potential will always be less than zero. The only place where gravitational potential is zero is an infinite distance from any gravitating body.
AM
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