Gravitational Potential Energy help, quick question! (1 Viewer)

[SanjanaSenthil]

To calculate the gravitational potential energy of a satellite above the earth's surface, would I use the equation: GPE = -G x mass of earth x mass of satellite/distance between the two masses..?

If so, for the distance between the two masses, is it the distance between the centre of the satellite to the centre of the Earth or is it the distance between the surface of the satellite to the surface of the Earth?

Thank you!

 

[someth1ng]

It is between the distance between the centres of mass.

 

[AlanDo]

GPE = -G x mass of earth x mass of satellite/distance between the two masses..?

Make sure you use "g" (9.8ms-2) instead of Newton's gravitational constant

 

[nerdasdasd]

To calculate the gravitational potential energy of a satellite above the earth's surface, would I use the equation: GPE = -G x mass of earth x mass of satellite/distance between the two masses..?

If so, for the distance between the two masses, is it the distance between the centre of the satellite to the centre of the Earth or is it the distance between the surface of the satellite to the surface of the Earth?

Thank you!

THe distance is the distance between the centres of the 2 masses.

 

[someth1ng]

Make sure you use "g" (9.8ms-2) instead of Newton's gravitational constant

What are you talking about?

 

[Frostbitten]

Make sure you use "g" (9.8ms-2) instead of Newton's gravitational constant

If I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure you use the gravitational constant...

 

[RealiseNothing]

If I remember correctly, I'm pretty sure you use the gravitational constant...

Yep this.