Question

Two objects have masses of `6 MG` and `9 MG`. How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from `300 m` to `250 m`?

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy is increased by 1.2 units,

Explanation:

Gravitational potential energy `(U) = -(GMm)/r`

In both the cases GMm is same.

Hence we can say...,

`U ∝ 1/r`

`U_1/U_2 = r_2/r_1`

`U_1 /U_2 = 250/300`

`U_2 = (300U_1)/250`

`U_2 = 1.2U_1`

Gravitational potential energy is increased by 1.2 units.