First slide

Gravitational potential and potential energy

Question

The gravitational potential due to earth at infinite distance from it is zero. Let the gravitational potential at a point P be $- 5 J {kg}^{- 1}$ . Suppose, we arbitrarily assume the gravitational potential at infinity to be $+ 10 J {kg}^{- 1}$ , then the gravitational potential at P will be

Moderate

A

$- 5 J {kg}^{- 1}$
B

$+ 5 J {kg}^{- 1}$
C

$- 15 J {kg}^{- 1}$
D

$+ 15 J {kg}^{- 1}$

Solution

According to the problem, as the potential at $\infty$ increases by $+ 10 J {kg}^{- 1}$ , hence potential will increase by the same amount everywhere (potential gradient will remain constant). Hence, potential at point P $P = 10 - 5 = + 5 J {kg}^{- 1}$

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