Two objects have masses of #35 MG# and #21 MG#. How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from #8 m# to #14 m#?

1 Answer
Nov 5, 2016

The Gravitational potential energy between the objects change by #2.626xx10^(-13) J.#

Explanation:

Potential Energy #(U)=-(GMm)/r.#

G #=#Universal gravitational constant.
M #=#Mass of larger object.
m #=#Mass of smaller body.
r #=#Distance of separation between the two objects.

#:.# Change in U #=DeltaU=U_f-U_i.#
#:.DeltaU=(-(Gxx35xx21)/14)-(-(Gxx35xx21)/8) J.#

#:.Delta U=(-52.5G+91.875G)J=39.975G# Joules.

Now, #G = 6.67 xx 10^-11 Nm^2/kg^2#.

#:.Delta U=# #(39.375)xx(6.67 xx 10^-11)#. Joules
#:.Delta U=262.63xx10 ^(-11)J=2.626xx10^(-13) J.# (answer).