Image for increase in gravitational potential energy in radial field

In summary, the conversation is about finding a real world scenario or image that would accurately represent the increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field, specifically represented by the equation GMm*[1/r_1 - 1/r_2]. Suggestions such as a rocket going into space or a person carrying a heavy weight up stairs were mentioned, but the image should be relevant to the equation.
  • #1

hexcalibur

4
2
TL;DR Summary
Suitable image for increase in gravitational potential energy in radial field
A question to physicists: What sort of real world scenario / image would *best* depict the increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field?

Would a rocket traveling through the Earth's atmosphere suffice or are there better alternatives?

This image would have to be relevant to the equation: GMm*[1/r_1 - 1/r_2]

I have rockets, planets and space in mind but other suggestions are welcome too. Nothing boring please, hehe. 🙃
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What do you mean by real world scenario? The function looks like ##-\frac 1 r##, which is easy to see on a graph.
 
  • Like
Likes hexcalibur
  • #3
What I'm looking for is an image to depict the increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field. No mathematics is required. No graphs are required. No explanations required. What sort of image would look good beside the equation GMm*[1/r_1 - 1/r_2]? :-) Suggestions all welcome :-)
 
  • #4
hexcalibur said:
What I'm looking for is an image to depict the increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field.
Maybe a sweaty guy carrying a sack of concrete up a flight of stairs?
 
  • Haha
Likes hutchphd
  • #5
berkeman said:
Maybe a sweaty guy carrying a sack of concrete up a flight of stairs?
With the equation for GPE emblazoned on the sack?
 
  • #6
Well, I was thinking of something more planet, space related. Like maybe a rocket going up into space (leaving Earth), but would it match the equation? I wouldn't want an image that isn't relevant to that specific equation. :-)
 
  • #7
I have left the equation in the summary [Edited].
 

1. What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field. It is the potential for an object to do work as a result of being located in a gravitational field.

2. How does an object gain gravitational potential energy in a radial field?

In a radial field, an object gains gravitational potential energy as it moves away from the source of the field. This is because the object is moving against the force of gravity, and the work done to overcome this force is stored as potential energy.

3. What factors affect the amount of gravitational potential energy in a radial field?

The amount of gravitational potential energy in a radial field is affected by the mass of the object, the distance from the source of the field, and the strength of the gravitational force.

4. How is the increase in gravitational potential energy calculated in a radial field?

The increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field can be calculated using the formula E = mgh, where E is the potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height or distance from the source of the field.

5. What are some real-world examples of an increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field?

Some examples of an increase in gravitational potential energy in a radial field include lifting an object above the ground, climbing a mountain, or launching a satellite into orbit around Earth.

Suggested for: Image for increase in gravitational potential energy in radial field

I Potential energy of spin anti-alignment
Replies
14
Views
2K
I Gravitational field modulation of a moving mass
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Exploring Energy in Astronomy: Kinetic, Potential & Mass?
Replies
13
Views
2K
I Gravitational analog of electromagnetic force
Replies
9
Views
2K
A Plotting Potential in Plasma Sheath
Replies
2
Views
2K
I Looking for a unified expression for energy in rotating systems
Replies
1
Views
401
B Why are gravitons needed to explain gravitational attraction?
Replies
8
Views
2K
B Why exactly do we need the gravitational constant?
Replies
11
Views
2K
I Chemical potential and Fermi level
Replies
1
Views
956
I Tomography image resolution
Replies
3
Views
466

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top