Understanding the Work Needed to Escape a Gravitational Pull

AI Thread Summary
Integrating Newton's law of universal gravitation incorrectly led to confusion about the work needed to escape gravitational pull. The correct integration of the force equation F = GMm/r^2 yields potential energy, not work. The work-energy theorem indicates that the work done is related to the change in potential energy, expressed as W = ΔU = GMm/r2 - GMm/r1. Participants clarified the distinction between work and potential energy in gravitational contexts. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately calculating the work required to escape a gravitational field.
Mr-R
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Hello everyone,
What does it mean if I integrate Newton's law of universal gravitation with respect to r.
F= GMm/r^2 become 3GMm/r^3 . Is this the work needed to escape a gravitational pull ?

Thank you
 
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Mr-R said:
Hello everyone,
What does it mean if I integrate Newton's law of universal gravitation with respect to r.
F= GMm/r^2 become 3GMm/r^3 . Is this the work needed to escape a gravitational pull ?

Thank you
Dear Mr-R. Welcome to Physics Forums.

You integrated incorrectly. Please try again.
 
This is the work-energy theorem.

$$\int ^b _a \vec{F} \cdot d \vec{r} = \Delta KE = W $$

If you integrate ##\frac{GMm}{r^2}## you get the potential energy.

Try integrating it again correctly.
 
Chestermiller said:
Dear Mr-R. Welcome to Physics Forums.

You integrated incorrectly. Please try again.

Oh that's quiet embarrassing. It should be = GMm/r which is the work. Thank you very much.
 
Mr-R said:
Oh that's quiet embarrassing. It should be = GMm/r which is the work. Thank you very much.

No, that's potential energy. In this case, ## W = \Delta U = \frac{GMm}{r_2}- \frac{GMm}{r_1}##
 
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