Identify the correct expression for the gravitational potential energy of two point…

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Identify the correct expression for the gravitational potential energy

U

of two point masses

m_1

and

m_2

separated by a distance

r

in free space. (a)

U = - \dfrac{1}{2}\,G\dfrac{m_1 m_2}{r}

(b)

U = + G\dfrac{m_1 m_2}{r}

(c)

U = - G\dfrac{m_1 m_2}{r}

(d)

U = - 2\,G\dfrac{m_1 m_2}{r}