Gravitational Potential & Field Intensity: Example When Zero & Non-Zero

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Gravitational potential can be zero only at an infinite distance from any gravitating body, while gravitational field intensity can be non-zero in various locations. A spacecraft traveling from Earth to the Moon was suggested as a scenario, but it was clarified that at a point between the two bodies, the gravitational potential would not be zero. The potential at that point would always be negative, indicating that gravitational potential cannot be zero while still experiencing a gravitational force. The discussion emphasizes the distinction between gravitational potential and field intensity in the context of celestial mechanics. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving related physics problems.
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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.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Mandavi said:

Homework Statement



Please give an example when the following condition is true-
Gravitational Potential is zero and gravitational field intensity is non-zero.
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM
 
Andrew Mason said:
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM

Thank you.:smile:
 
Andrew Mason said:
Think of a spacecraft traveling from Earth to moon.

AM

Please explain in detail about this.How will gravitational potential become zero and gravitational
field is non-zero??
 
Mandavi said:
Please explain in detail about this.How will gravitational potential become zero and gravitational
field is non-zero??
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.

AM
 
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
 

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