Potential Energy Sign
Easyphysics
Why is gravitational potential energy of two attracting masses negative?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Work must be done against attraction to separate them
- Reference Choice: In physics, we arbitrarily choose gravitational potential energy to be zero at infinite separation (r=∞).
- Bound State: As masses come closer, gravity (an attractive force) does work. To bring them back to infinity, an external agent must supply energy (do positive work).
- Significance: Any state requiring positive work to reach the 'zero' state must itself have a negative energy level.
- Physics Fact: Negative energy indicates a bound system where the components are 'trapped' by each other's field.
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About This Question
- Subject
- physics
- Chapter
- gravitation
- Topic
- potential energy sign
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Work must be done against attraction to separate them
- Reference Choice: In physics, we arbitrarily choose gravitational potential energy to be zero at infinite separation (r=∞).
- Bound State: As masses come closer, gravity (an attractive force) does work. To bring them back to infinity, an external agent must supply energy (do positive work).
- Significance: Any state requiring positive work to reach the 'zero' state must itself have a negative energy level.
- Physics Fact: Negative energy indicates a bound system where the components are 'trapped' by each other's field.
This easy difficulty physics question is from the chapter gravitation, covering the topic of potential energy sign. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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