The gravitational potential energy of two masses m1 and m2 separated by a distan

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Question: The gravitational potential energy of two masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is given by which formula?

Options:

Correct Answer: -G(m1*m2)/r

Solution:

The gravitational potential energy U = -G(m1*m2)/r.

The gravitational potential energy of two masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is given by which formula?

The gravitational potential energy of two masses m1 and m2 separated by a distance r is given by which formula?

Step 1: Understand that gravitational potential energy is the energy stored due to the position of two masses.
Step 2: Identify the two masses involved, which are m1 and m2.
Step 3: Recognize that the distance between the two masses is represented by r.
Step 4: Learn that G is a constant called the gravitational constant, which helps calculate the force of gravity.
Step 5: Combine these elements into the formula for gravitational potential energy: U = -G(m1*m2)/r.
Step 6: Note that the negative sign indicates that gravitational potential energy decreases as the masses get closer together.

Gravitational Potential Energy – The energy associated with the gravitational interaction between two masses, which is negative due to the attractive nature of gravity.
Inverse Relationship – The potential energy is inversely proportional to the distance r, meaning as the distance increases, the potential energy becomes less negative.
Universal Gravitational Constant – G is a constant that quantifies the strength of the gravitational force between two masses.