Gravitational Potential Energy deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)

In summary, the potential energy formula for a point mass at a distance r from the source is Eg=(-GMm/r). This is because potential energy is the negative of the work done by the force generating the field and infinity is used as a reference point where Eg is equal to zero. This means that all Eg's at finite distance from the source will be negative.
  • #1
clearlyjunk
3
0
Im not talking about eg=mgh.. I am talking about

deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)

My question is how is it possible to say that in General , Eg=(-GMm/r)

and why does Eg not equal 0 when r -> infinity

Thanks

please reply quickly :)
 
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  • #2
clearlyjunk said:
deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)
My question is how is it possible to say that in General , Eg=(-GMm/r) and why does Eg not equal 0 when r -> infinity
Potential energy is the negative of the work done by the force generating the field, which explains why Eg is usually negative. If infinity is used as a reference point, then Eg at infinity is equal to zero, by definition, and all Eg's at finite distance from the source are negative.
 
  • #3
rcgldr said:
If infinity is used as a reference point...

Also, infinity is the natural reference point because that is where the interaction drops to zero. No interaction, no ability to do work, no energy.
 

FAQ: Gravitational Potential Energy deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2)

What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It is the energy required to move an object from one position to another within the gravitational field.

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

The formula for gravitational potential energy is deltaEg=(GMm/r1)-(GMm/r2), where G is the gravitational constant, M and m are the masses of the two objects, and r1 and r2 are the distances between the objects at their initial and final positions, respectively.

How is gravitational potential energy related to the mass and distance between two objects?

The gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the two objects and inversely proportional to the distance between them. This means that an increase in either the mass or the distance will result in an increase in gravitational potential energy.

What are some examples of gravitational potential energy in everyday life?

Some examples of gravitational potential energy in everyday life include a pendulum swinging, a roller coaster at the top of a hill, and a book placed on a shelf.

Can gravitational potential energy be negative?

Yes, gravitational potential energy can be negative. This occurs when the final distance between the two objects is greater than the initial distance, resulting in a negative change in potential energy.

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