The potential energy is given by the formula U(R) = - G M m/ R
where R is the distance of the object from the center of earth, M is the mass of earth and G is the universal gravitational constant.
The negative sign is shows that we have to apply a force opposite to the direction of motion of the body to increase the relative distance between M and m.
The potential energy at an infinite distance from the center of earth is zero.
When we use the formula mgh, we calculate the change in potential energy and not the absolute value and hence it is positive.
The potential energy at a distance R is - G M m/ R
And at a distance R + h is - G M m/ ( R+ h).
The difference is mgh.
Therefore the potential energy of the book on the table is negative.
2006-08-06 20:19:42
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answer #1
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answered by Pearlsawme 7
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Gravitational potential energy is =mgh
m is positive
g is negative(if the duster is moving dn)
h is positive
therefore GPE is negative
2006-08-06 19:40:40
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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the gravitational pressure at sea aspect is (9.8m/s2), despite the indisputable fact that the added you go faraway from the earths center the gravitational ability will develop into a million/d squared eg. even if it truly is 6000km from the floor of the earth to the middle, and also you shuttle 1200km from the middle (6000 from the floor), you may be two times as a techniques away because the relative 9.8m/s2, so the gravitational ability could be (a million/2squared)=a million/4 of what it changed into, close to to 2.45m/s2. for most physics questions you go away this regulation out because you in easy words take care of short distances. so the added you get faraway from a particular aspect 100km-1000km (I dont comprehend the position) the flexibility will start up to infinitly decrease, technically it really is going to in no way attain 0, (0 squared is 0, which contained in the denominator could create an asynimptote) despite the indisputable fact that it really is going to come infinately close. another "sluggish human beings" have reported that gravity do not have an result outdoors of an surroundings, THEN WHAT retains THE EARTH IN ORBIT around the sunlight DURRRRRRRRR, do not answer a question in case you dont comprehend it.
2016-11-23 13:44:16
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answer #3
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answered by parvin 4
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Potential Energy is positive.
2006-08-06 18:35:45
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answer #4
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answered by saini160179 2
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gpe=mgh, so at height h (table height) it is positive, at surface it is zero, below the surface it is negative.
2006-08-06 17:53:13
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answer #5
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answered by lky_del 1
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And the question is.....?
2006-08-06 17:51:15
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answer #6
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answered by Tygirljojo 4
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