Gravitational potential energy is zero at infinite distance from earth explain the given statement
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When you use the more general form of the gravitational potential energy, including the fact that it drops off with distance from the earth:
U=-GMm/r
then the logic of the choice of zero potential is different. In this case we generally choose the zero of gravitational potential energy at infinity, since the gravitational force approaches zero at infinity. This is a logical way to define the zero since the potential energy with respect to a point at infinity tells us the energy with which an object is bound to the earth. This is the perspective used in calculating things like the escape velocity from the earth or other planets.
U=-GMm/r
then the logic of the choice of zero potential is different. In this case we generally choose the zero of gravitational potential energy at infinity, since the gravitational force approaches zero at infinity. This is a logical way to define the zero since the potential energy with respect to a point at infinity tells us the energy with which an object is bound to the earth. This is the perspective used in calculating things like the escape velocity from the earth or other planets.
sarthak17728:
thanks
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