Asked in NUMS 2021 2021Moderate

If by some phenomenon the Earth contracts to one half of its present size, then the value of gravitational potential energy becomes:

Correct answer: A. Double

  • A. Double
  • B. One-half
  • C. Remains the same
  • D. Four times

Explanation

The formula for gravitational potential energy is U = -GMm/r Hence, U = 1/r. If r/2, then U = 1/(r/2). Therefore U = 2(1/r), the gravitational potential energy is doubled.

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About Law of Universal Gravitation

Every two masses attract each other with a force proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of their separation, expressed as F = Gm₁m₂/r². Questions also involve the gravitational constant, vector direction, superposition of gravitational forces, and the distinction between gravitational force and gravitational field strength.

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