What is the gravitational potential due to a molecule of mass, m and at a distance, r from it? (G = gravitational constant).
Answer Details
The gravitational potential due to a molecule of mass, m and at a distance, r from it is given by the formula: Gm/r. The gravitational potential is a measure of the work done per unit mass in moving an object from infinity to a point in the gravitational field. Gravitational potential energy is the energy associated with an object due to its position in a gravitational field. The higher the gravitational potential energy, the more work is required to move the object against the force of gravity. The formula for gravitational potential due to a point mass is a simple expression of the strength of the gravitational field created by a mass at a distance r. This formula is widely used in physics to calculate the gravitational potential at a point due to a body of mass m.