Understanding the Work of Gravity: Exploring Positive and Negative Forces

  • Thread starter Thread starter flynostrich08
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Gravity Work
AI Thread Summary
When two massive objects are moved directly away from each other, the work done by the force of gravity is negative for both objects, not positive for one and negative for the other. The reasoning behind this is that gravitational force acts to pull the objects together, so moving them apart requires work against this force. If the objects were moved closer together, the work done would indeed be positive, as gravity assists in their movement. Therefore, the statement is false because the work done is consistently negative when moving apart. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping the principles of gravitational forces.
flynostrich08
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


( True / False ) When two massive objects are moved directly away from each other the work done by the force of gravity between the objects is positive for one of the objects and negative for the other.

The Attempt at a Solution



i believe the answer to be false because both will always be negative
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your reasoning is OK, but always? What if the objects are moved closer together?
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Confusion over acceleration of gravity as positive/negative
Replies
10
Views
1K
How can "work" done by a force be negative?
Replies
19
Views
1K
Why does the logic of negative acceleration not always indicate negative work?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Work done by a force down a ramp
Replies
11
Views
2K
Integral for work done leading to potential energy sign confusion
Replies
5
Views
2K
Work done in elevator problem — is it positive or negative?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Work Pulley Problem with constant speed
Replies
2
Views
970
When is the acceleration due to gravity negative and when is it positive?
Replies
13
Views
5K
About work done through exercise (push ups)
Replies
4
Views
3K
How does a simple circuit work?
Replies
12
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top