Ive got a gravitational Potential Energy Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change in gravitational potential energy for a 25 kg mass placed in orbit 520 km above Earth's surface. The relevant formula for gravitational potential energy is U = -GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of Earth, m is the mass of the object, and r is the distance from the center of the Earth. The participants identified an error in the graph labeling, noting that r1 should correspond to E1 and r2 to E2, which affects the interpretation of the graph. Clarity on the graph's representation and the application of the formula is essential for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and its formula U = -GMm/r
  • Familiarity with the concept of orbital mechanics
  • Basic knowledge of graph interpretation in physics
  • Ability to perform unit conversions, particularly from kilometers to meters
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate gravitational potential energy changes for different altitudes using U = -GMm/r
  • Explore the implications of orbital mechanics on satellite placement and energy requirements
  • Learn about the gravitational constant G and its significance in physics
  • Investigate common graphing techniques used in physics to represent potential energy
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational potential energy and its applications in orbital mechanics.

clearlyjunk
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HEre is the page! http://img190.imageshack.us/i/backofgravitationalpote.jpg/

Homework Statement


http://img190.imageshack.us/i/backofgravitationalpote.jpg/
Qeustions at that pg


1.Examine the graph

2.Calculate the change in potential of a 25 kg mass which is placed into orbit 520 km above the surface of the earth.


Homework Equations



1.Please explain the graph!
2.What the fudge is going on with the eg1 and eg2

The Attempt at a Solution



My friend did the solution and passed a copy of his sheet to me. I don't understand why stuff is happening.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The formula for gravitational potential energy is U = \frac{-GMm}{r}. The graph is just U vs. r so U = \frac{-A}{r} where A = GMm and r goes from 0 to infinity (the smallest physical value of r is 0). Also, in the graph r1 should correspond to E1 and r2 should correspond to E2 so the graph is labeled wrong.
 
Last edited:

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