quick GPE question (1 Viewer)

[erucibon]

For the equation U=-GMm/r
If mass is increased, does U increase or decrease (do you account for the negative sign)?

 

[Sydney Learning Hub]

Hi,

If the mass of either M or m is increased, U becomes more negative. This means that the gravitational potential energy is between the 2 object M and m is greater. Note that GPE is a scalar quantity and as such negative work done in bringing a mass m from infinity to a point in a gravitational field created by M.

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Sydney Learning Hub
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