Gravitational potential Definition and 389 Threads

  1. N

    Gravitational Potential Energy - Orbits

    Homework Statement A satellite is in a circular orbit 655km above Earth's surface. Determine the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration at this height. Homework Equations Eg=mgh Eg=-GMm/r The Attempt at a Solution Would I just set the aforementioned eqations equal to each...
  2. C

    Taylor series expansion for gravitational potential energy. GMm/r=mgh near the earth

    Using taylor series expansion to prove gravitational potential energy equation, GMm/r=mgh at distances close to the earth. R= radius of the Earth h= height above surface of the Earth m= mass of object M= Mass of the earth U = - GmM/(R + h) = - GmM/R(1+ h/R) = - (GmM/R)(1+ h/R)^-1 do a...
  3. D

    Gravitational potential energy near the earth

    I am a bit confused about gravitational potential energy near the earth, namely the formula given by mgh. I know that potential energy is defined as U(x) = -W(x0 to x) where x0 is our chosen reference point. Let's take the Earth's surface as the zero point and let's travel upwards to a point...
  4. R

    Gravitational potential using spherical harmonics (WGS84)

    Hi, I am looking to use the definition from WGS84 to calculate Earth's gravitational potential using spherical harmonics, however I am having some difficulty finding the definition of one of the variables. Gravitational potential is given as the following: V = \frac{GM}{r}\left [ 1 +...
  5. J

    Could dark energy be gravitational potential energy?

    I was wondering if dark energy might actually be gravitational potential energy. If one assumes that space is flat and that the Universe is approximately a sphere with mass M and the Hubble radius R then we find that we have the approximate relation: \frac{G M }{R} = c^2 A mass m...
  6. M

    Finding Escape Speed on Mars: Advanced Gravitational Potential Energy

    Homework Statement The mean diameters of Mars and Earth are 6.9 10^3 km and 1.3 10^4 km, respectively.? The mass of Mars is 0.11 times Earth's mass. (a) What is the ratio of the mean density of Mars to that of Earth? (b) What is the value of the gravitational acceleration on Mars...
  7. F

    Gravitational Potential Energy homework

    datum 1 --------- E1=K1+G1+S1 =0+8(9.81)(-3)(sin37)+0 =-141.69 datum 2 --------- E2=K2+G2+S2 =1/2(8)(v^2)+0+0 = 4v^2 Frictional Force: 0.15x9.81.8 = 11.772Newtons U1-2= -11.722x2 = -23.544J E1+U1-2=E2 -144.69-23.544=4v^2 -42.0585=v^2 Can't square root...
  8. B

    Gravitational Potential Energy and weight

    Is what I am currently reading about. The book I am reading presents it by giving an example; it proposes lifting a mass without any acceleration through a height, h, with an upward force equal and opposite to its weight. Does that mean the net work done on this mass is zero? My hand still does...
  9. P

    Gravitational Potential Energy discussion

    I have attached a discussion by R.Feynman where he derives the formula for gravitational potential energy using pure reasoning. I don't quite follow the reasoning and I have read the discussion many times yet can't get a grasp of things he says. With the discussion I have my doubts in red...
  10. T

    Time Evolution Of A 1-D Gaussian Wave Packet Under The Gravitational Potential

    Hello Colleagues, I am curious about a problem in Quantum Mechanics that incorporates the evolution of a Gaussian Wave Packet under the Gravitational Potential. What I am interested in is equation (3) in the following paper: "On the quantum analogue of Galileo's leaning tower...
  11. S

    A Question Concerning Gravitational Potential Energy

    Hey guys, I'm currently trying to get my head around the concept of gravitational potential energy; U_{r} = -\frac{Gm_{1}m_{2}}{r} My question concerns whether this relates to both bodies in the system individually, or together. That is, if I have two masses separated by a distance...
  12. M

    Gravitational potential energy of a car

    Homework Statement What is the gravitational potential energy of a car with centre of mass at a height h above the ground? On a level road the centre of mass is at a height of 0.1m above the ground. Homework Equations gravitational potential energy=mgh The Attempt at a Solution I would use...
  13. J

    Trajectory of charged particle in uniform gravitational potential

    It sounds like an easy-enough problem, but even writing down the ridiculously nonlinear equation that would need to be solved is making my face hurt. I'm talking classical/Newtonian gravitation, action-at-a-distance, constant-force. It could really be any external non-EM conserved force...
  14. I

    Gravitational Potential energy on an incline

    Hello all, I'm new to the forum here and desperately need some help in some basic physics concepts that I need to have a firm grasp on for the MCAT. My question is about PE on an inclined plane. For example, there are 3 possible scenarios (the height and mass remains the same for each...
  15. H

    Gravitational Potential Energy and Work Energy Theorem

    Just a little confused, when work is done on an object it's energy increases right? (i.e. Work done on object = Change P.E + Change K.E + Work done by object) So how come when gravitational force does work on an object(i.e. it falls) the potential energy decreases instead. So its like Work...
  16. B

    Why is gravitational potential energy relative to the height you set?

    Why is gravitational potential energy relative to the height you set? When I say relative, I don't mean anything having to do with relativity. Obviously as you go further from the earth, you have more potential energy but in the equation Ug=mgh if you set the height to 0 there is no potential...
  17. M

    Gravitational potential energy concept question

    Homework Statement A piece of fruit falls straight down. As it falls, A. the gravitational force does positive work on it and the gravitational potential energy increases. B. the gravitational force does positive work on it and the gravitational potential energy decreases. C. the...
  18. T

    Gravitational Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy

    Homework Statement An archer places a 0.15kg arrow on a boasting. Then the archer exerts an average force of 100 Newtons to draw the string back 0.45 meters. Assume that friction is negligible. A) what speed does the bow give to the arrow? (5 marks) B) If the arrow is shot vertically...
  19. P

    Gravitational Potential Energy, Elastic Potential Energy, and Kinetic Energy

    Homework Statement A 4.0 kg mass is pressed down on a vertical spring of spring constant 400 N/m, compressing it to 0.250 m. After it is released, the amount of kinetic energy this mass would have when it leaves the spring is ___. Homework Equations mgy(final) + 1/2 kx^2 (final) + 1/2...
  20. P

    Gravitational Potential Due to a Thin Rod of Varying Density.

    Homework Statement GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL AND FIELD DUE TO A “THIN” ROD A thin rod of length L lies along the +y-axis, with one end at the origin (see diagram). Assume: • The rod has length only- no thickness in other directions. • The density of the rod increases proportionally to...
  21. P

    Gravitational Potential Energy: Feynman's "3 Balls" Example

    Feynman's lecture on physics: chapter 4 derives equation for gravitational potential energy by a "lifting 3 balls" example. The book notes: "But the strange thing is that, in a certain way of speaking, we have not lifted two of them at all because, after all, there were balls on shelves 2 and...
  22. D

    Gravitational Potential of Scooped Sphere System

    1. From a solid sphere of radius R and mass M, a small sphere of radius R/4 is scooped out and placed on the surface of the original sphere on a diametrically opposite point as shown in the figure. The gravitational potential of the resulting system at a point P(as shown in the figure) is (Take...
  23. I

    Gravitational Potential Energy

    Homework Statement The gravitational self potential energy of a solid energy of a solid ball of mass density p and radius R is E. What is the gravitational self potential energy of a ball of mass density p and radius 2R? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The...
  24. J

    Gravitational potential energy storage location

    Hello, I thought of asking would someone know what is the correct thinking here... A body is thrown upwards, its kinetic energy gradually transforms into gravitational potential energy until it is entirely absorbed. At this moment, where is the potential energy? According to wikipedia (N...
  25. M

    Gravitational potential energy (roller coaster)

    Homework Statement A 1000kg roller coaster, with its passengers, starts from rest at point A( h= 9.5 m) on a friction track whose profile is shown in the diagram above at right. a) what is its maximum speed? b) with what speed does the roller coaster arrive at point e? c) What constant...
  26. M

    How to Find Δh for Gravitational Potential Energy Using Trigonometry?

    In this question 3 bi http://www.xtremepapers.com/CIE/International%20A%20And%20AS%20Level/9702%20-%20Physics/9702_w07_qp_2.pdf to find gravitaional poteintial enrgy we need to find Δh. which is the vertical difference between the two spheres shown in the diagram. How do i find that? Answer...
  27. M

    Gravitational Potential Energy (Multiple Choice Question)

    Homework Statement Question: Rank the paths according to the corresponding change in the gravitational potential energy of the rocket–moon system, greatest first. A. 1 > 3 > 5 > 2 = 4 = 6 B. 2 = 4 = 6 > 5 > 3 > 1 C. 1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 5 = 6 D. 1 > 2 = 4 = 6 > 3 > 5 The Attempt at a Solution...
  28. P

    Gravitational potential energy?

    Explain how a skier can have more than one value for gravitational potential energy at anyone time? My attempt at an answer. Consider the position of the skier is relative to the bottom of the hill. Therefore the skier has gravitational potential energy as he/she descends down the hill. At...
  29. Y

    Gravitational Potential and Kinetic Energy

    Homework Statement A rocket is propelled vertically upward from the Earth which has a radius R0. After its fuel has become exhausted, the rocket reaches its highest point at a height of 2R0 above the surface of the Earth and then falls vertically down back to the earth. With what speed...
  30. A

    Question about the gravitational Potential Energy Law Proof

    In the Proof of the Gravitational Potential Energy Law , it says : Consider two point masses , body . mass "m" and Earth mass "M" , where M remains fixed. The work done to move the mass "m" from point 1 to point 2 is given by : W(1-2) = ∫FG . dr (All in vectors) = ∫FG Cos 180° dr ( All in...
  31. M

    Work energy theorem and gravitational potential energy

    In my book it is talking about conservation forces and work energy theorem. In the book it said... "suppose gravitational potential energy alone does work (constant force) *Then Wnet = Wg ... ending statement Ef = Ei... My question... Does the work energy theorem only deal with...
  32. N

    How gravitational potential effects mass?

    How gravitational potential effects mass? Is this formula m = m0/sqrt(1-Φ/c^2) right or at least close to reality? The purpose of the question: If overage Φ decreases because of Universe is expanding, then maybe it can help to find another explanation why it expands with acceleration. Lets...
  33. M

    Find gravitational potential inside uniform ball

    Homework Statement Find the potential and force on a mass m outside and inside the Earth in terms of g, the acceleration due to gravity, assuming Earth has uniform density and radius R.Homework Equations For a mass m, the potential energy of it in the gravitational field of a spherical shell of...
  34. L

    Gravitational potential energy and rotational motion

    Homework Statement A marble is placed at the top of an inverted hemispherical bowl of radius R = 0.30 m. It starts from rest and slides down the bowl without friction. Draw a free body diagram when the marble reaches an angular position θ = 16.6°. From your FBD, sketch the approximate...
  35. K

    Why is the Gravitational Potential Energy formula negative?

    Hey guys So if I lift a book from the ground it gains potential energy. I do work on the book and when I release it the potential energy that I gave the book pulls the book back down to Earth. However I was looking at a potential energy formula for planets which was V = -GMm/r But...
  36. A

    Gravitational Potential energy problem

    Homework Statement A 400-N child is in a swing that is attached to ropes 2.00 m long. Find the gravitational potential energy of the child–Earth system relative to the child’s lowest position when (a) the ropes are horizontal, (b) the ropes make a 30.0° angle with the vertical, and (c) the...
  37. S

    How Accurate Is the Calculation of Potential Energy Change at High Altitudes?

    Homework Statement Calculate the gain of potential energy of a mountaineer of mass 80kg who travels to the top of the mountain Everest 9km above sea level. Homework Equations ΔEp=mgΔh The Attempt at a Solution ΔEp=mgΔh=80x9.81x9x10^3=7.1x10^6J. This is the correct answer but...
  38. J

    Find gravitational potential energy if at point

    Homework Statement An object is moved from A to B in the gravitational field of earth. The distance between the center of Earth and B is twice that of A. If the gravitational potential energy of the object at A is -2MJ, what is the gravitational potential energy of the object at B?Homework...
  39. F

    Non-equal Gravitational Potential and Kinetic Energy in a closed system

    While trying to get my head around Gravitational Potential Energy I devised the following simple system: Point Mass A of 1kg is 1000m away from Point Mass B of 100kg within an empty universe. The gravitational force exerted by A on B is G*10^-16; by B on A is G*10^-4. At time=0 these two...
  40. Z

    Gravitational Potential Energy

    I want to propose that Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is a renewable energy input source but I feel maybe GPE might not be accepted as part of the surroundings acting upon the energy boundary of a system. What are the rules of the energy boundary that umpire what is allowed and...
  41. C

    Relationship between Kinetic Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy.

    Hello, having had an interest in physics for a while I recently enrolled on an access to higher education course to study it. Unfortunately I seem to have fallen at the first hurdle. First off I'd like to apologise profoundly and profusely for the simple problem you are about to read, but I have...
  42. A

    Can gravitational potential energy be converted to mass

    This may have been answered elsewhere but I couldn’t find it. Is it the case that gravitational potential energy will add mass to an object the same way nuclear binding energy will? In other words, as I move an object away from Earth is it gaining mass in the form of the stored energy I put...
  43. K

    On Electric and Gravitational Potential Energy

    Homework Statement I have learned that gravitational potential energy's formula is: GPE = mgh But I saw other formulas relating to gravitational potential energy: \phi = -G(m/r) And then one formula like this: F = dU(x)/dx And then there's a formula relating to the CHANGE in...
  44. N

    Lab Questions on gravitational potential energy and Kinetic Energy

    In this investigation I had to calculate my maximum power as I run up a flight of stairs. These are a few questions that I have for my lab. I want to know if my calculations are right. Given: 1. mass: 70kg 2. h = 1.17m 3. d= 1.78m 4. t = 2.02s Use the information from 1 and 2 to...
  45. M

    Not really understanding Gravitational Potential energy or Kepler's laws?

    Hey, I have a test tommorow and I don't really understand gravitational potential energy or kepler's laws. It's not really a theory test, it's the math aspect, but I still don't understand it. I know of the formulas such as Fg=Gm1m2/r^2, Eg=Gm1m2/r, Ek=1/2 mv^2, and I think that's all. But...
  46. A

    Gravitational Potential Energy: Two Neutron Stars

    Homework Statement Deep in space, two neutron stars are separated (center-to-center) by a distance of 18 X 106 km apart. Neutron star A has a mass of 153 X 1028 kg and radius 52000 m while the neutron star B has a mass of 159 X 1028 kg and radius 72000 m. They are initially at rest with...
  47. N

    Gravitational Potential Energy of an object of mass

    Does the r in GPE=-GM/r refer to the distance an object is from the centre or surface of the object of big mass M?
  48. X

    Gravitational potential, highest point, and final velocity

    A model rocket has a mass of 3.00kg. It is fired so that when it is 220 m above the ground it is traveling vertically at 165m/s. At the point its fuel runs out so that the rest of the flight is without power. Assume that the effect of air friction is negligible and that all potential energies...
  49. I

    General gravitational potential energy question

    Homework Statement if the angle of the slope is increased, the change of gravitational potential energy between the two heights: (Select all that apply) (It may be more that one option) increases depends on the path followed. decreases. depends only on the difference between the two...
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