Question

A particle of mass m1 lies inside a spherical shell of mass m2 and radius r at a distance r from the centre. Find the gravitational potential energy of the system

Answer 1

Answer: The gravitational potential energy of the system will be $\dfrac{-G(M_{1}+M_{2})}{r}$

Explanation:

Given that,

Mas of particle = $m_{1}$

Mass of shell = $m_{2}$

Radius of spherical shell = r

Distance of particle = r

The gravitational potential energy of the system will be

Potential energy of the system = potential energy due to particle + potential energy at the center of the shell

$P.E = \dfrac{-GM_{1}}{r}+\dfrac{-GM_{2}}{r}$

$P.E = \dfrac{-G(M_{1}+M_{2})}{r}$

Hence, The gravitational potential energy of the system will be $\dfrac{-G(M_{1}+M_{2})}{r}$.

Answer 2

Answer:

-G m1 m2 /r

Explanation:

Potential Energy = -GMm/R

where,

G = Graviational Constant

M = m1

m = m2

R = distance between the bodies