Question

If three particles of mass m are of placed at the three corners of an equilateral triangle of 1, the work done to increase the side ofthe triangle 2l

Answer 1

Answer:

make figure then find answer

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation: Potential energy of a particle = $Gm^{2} /d$

total potential energy of the masses: $Gm^{2} /d + Gm^{2} /d + Gm^{2} /d = 3Gm^{2} /d$

when the distance between the between the masses is increased to 2d,

total potential energy = Gm²/2d + Gm²/2d + Gm²/2d

                                    = 3Gm²/2d

work done = change in potential energy

                  = 3Gm²/2d - 3Gm²/d = -3Gm²/2d