# Solve the following problem. What is the gravitational potential due to the Earth at a point which is at a height of 2RE above the surface of the Earth? - Physics

Sum

Solve the following problem.

What is the gravitational potential due to the Earth at a point which is at a height of 2RE above the surface of the Earth?
(Mass of the Earth is 6 × 1024 kg, radius of the Earth = 6400 km and G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 kg–2)

#### Solution

Given: M = 6 × 1024 kg, RE = 6400 km = 6.4 × 10m, G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2/kg2, h = 2RE

To find: Gravitational potential (V)

Formula: V = -"GM"/"r"

Calculation: From formula,

V = - "GM"/("R"_"E" + 2"R"_"E")

= - (6.67 xx 10^-11 xx 6 xx 10^24)/(3 xx 6.4 xx 10^6)

= -(6.67 xx 2)/6.4 xx 10^7

= - 2.08 × 107 J kg-1

Gravitational potential due to Earth will be 2.08 × 107 J kg-1 towards the centre of the Earth.

Concept: Earth Satellites
Is there an error in this question or solution?

#### APPEARS IN

Balbharati Physics 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 5 Gravitation
Exercises | Q 4. (xii) | Page 99