Question

If one wants to remove all the mass of the earth to infinity in order to break it up completely. The amount of energy that needs to be supplied will be `x/5 (GM^2)/R` where x is ______.

(Round off to the Nearest Integer)

(M is the mass of the earth, R is the radius of the earth, and G is the gravitational constant).

Options

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer 1

If one wants to remove all the mass of the earth to infinity in order to break it up completely. The amount of energy that needs to be supplied will be `x/5 (GM^2)/R` where x is 3.

Explanation:

Binding energy of uniform sphere = `3/5 (GM^2)/R`

Energy given,

E = U_f - U_i = `0 - (3/5 (GM^2)/R) - 3/5(GM^2)/R`

∴ x = 3