Solution Found!
As defined in Chapter 7, gravitational potential energy is
Chapter 13, Problem 10DQ(choose chapter or problem)
As defined in Chapter 7, gravitational potential energy is ?U = ?mgy and is positive for a body of mass m above the earth’s surface (which is at y ? = 0). But in this chapter, gravitational potential energy is ?U = ??Gm?E?m?/?r?. which is negative for a body of mass m above the earth’s surface (which is at r ? = ? ?E). How can you reconcile these seemingly incompatible descriptions of gravitational potential energy?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
As defined in Chapter 7, gravitational potential energy is ?U = ?mgy and is positive for a body of mass m above the earth’s surface (which is at y ? = 0). But in this chapter, gravitational potential energy is ?U = ??Gm?E?m?/?r?. which is negative for a body of mass m above the earth’s surface (which is at r ? = ? ?E). How can you reconcile these seemingly incompatible descriptions of gravitational potential energy?
ANSWER:Solution 10DQ Introduction We have to discuss why there is this apparent anomaly in the sign of gravitational potential. Step 1 The gravitational energy is given by GmEm U = r Now at the surface of the earth the= R E, the potential energy is given by Gm E U s RE And the