Two objects have masses of #36 MG# and #18 MG#. How much does the gravitational potential energy between the objects change if the distance between them changes from #81 m# to #3 m#?
1 Answer
Oct 14, 2017
The distance reduces by a factor of
Explanation:
The gravitational energy is proportional to both the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the distance between them. Only the separation changes here and, as you are asked for a relative answer, the fact that the masses do not alter means they are not relevant.
The equation is