Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 13 - Newton's Theory of Gravity - Exercises and Problems - Page 353: 7

Answer

The two masses will gain kinetic energy as they approach each other.

Work Step by Step

The gravitational potential energy is negative because we choose to place the zero point of potential energy at infinity at U at ∞ = 0 . With this choice, the gravitational potential energy is negative because the conservative force of gravity is attractive. So the two masses will gain kinetic energy as they approach each other.
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