1
Question
Gravitational potential of an object of mass m at a height h from the surface of earth, where h is comparable to the radius R of the earth is
Gravitational potential of an object of mass m at a height h from the surface of earth, where h is comparable to the radius R of the earth is
Open in App
Solution
The correct option is A −GMmR+h
When an object is at height h which is comparable to the radius of earth, then g (acceleration due to gravity) is no more constant and goes on decreasing. Then the gravitational potential energy is taken as −GMmR+h
Here, the negative sign indicates that as h increases, the gravitational potential energy becomes less negative and finally becomes zero when it is far from the surface of earth.
When an object is at height h which is comparable to the radius of earth, then g (acceleration due to gravity) is no more constant and goes on decreasing. Then the gravitational potential energy is taken as −GMmR+h
Here, the negative sign indicates that as h increases, the gravitational potential energy becomes less negative and finally becomes zero when it is far from the surface of earth.