Assume gravitational potential energy is zero at infinity. What is the change in potential energy (final minus initial) of mass m raised through height h above Earth’s surface of radius R?
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Assume gravitational potential energy is zero at infinity. What is the change in potential energy (final minus initial) of mass m raised through height h above Earth’s surface of radius R?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Gravitational potential is U(r)=−GMm/r. Step 2: ΔU=−GMm/(R+h)+GMm/R=GMmh/[R(R+h)], positive as the mass is lifted. Final answer: B — GMmh/[R(R+h)].