Question

Gravitational potential energy associated with two point masses, each of 1 kg, separated by a distance of 1cm in Joule is (G= gravitational constant)

• A. 2G
• B. 100G
• C. 1000G
• D. G
• E. 500G

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The formula for gravitational potential energy \(U\) between two point masses \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) separated by a distance \(r\) is given by: \[ U = -\frac{G m_1 m_2}{r} \] Where:
\(G\) is the gravitational constant,
\(m_1 = m_2 = 1 \, \text{kg}\),
\(r = 1 \, \text{cm} = 0.01 \, \text{m}\).
Substituting the values: \[ U = -\frac{G \cdot 1 \cdot 1}{0.01} = -\frac{G}{0.01} = -100G \] Since the gravitational potential energy is negative (by convention), the magnitude is \(100G\).

The correct option is (B) : \(100\ G\)

Answer 2

The gravitational potential energy between two point masses is given by:  

$$ U = -\frac{G m_1 m_2}{r} $$ 
Here, \( m_1 = 1\, \text{kg} \), \( m_2 = 1\, \text{kg} \), \( r = 1\, \text{cm} = 0.01\, \text{m} \) 

Substituting the values: $$ U = -\frac{G \cdot 1 \cdot 1}{0.01} = -\frac{G}{0.01} = -100G $$ 
The magnitude of gravitational potential energy is 100G J. 

Correct answer: 100G