Question

3. The radius of the earth is R. If a body is taken to a height 3R from the surface of the earth, what is the
change in potential energy?​

Answer 1

Answer:

the potential energy decreases

Answer 2

The change in potential energy is 3GMm/4R.

Step by step explanation:

Radius of earth = R

Let the mass of body is m and mass of earth is M.

height = 3 R

Formula for the gravitational potential energy is

$U=\frac{-GMm}{r}$

Initial potential energy

Ui = - GMm/R

Final potential energy

Uf = - GMm/4R

Change in potential energy

U = Uf - Ui

U = - GMm/4R + GMm/R

U = 3GMm/4R

Thus, the change in potential energy is 3GMm/4R.