Answer to Question #163642 in Field Theory for Hadden

Question

Define gravitational potential.

 

Derive its expression at the earth's surface and show that its value here is approximate -63MJkg-1.

Answer 1

Answer

gravitational potential defined as the potential energy of a particle of unit mass at that point due to the gravitational force exerted by earth.

gravitational potential at surface of the earth is given by

$g=\frac{GM_e}{R_e}$

$g=\frac{(6.67\times10^{-11})(5.972\times10^{24})}{6378100}\\g=62.45MJkg^{-1}$

Or

$g=63MJkg^{-1}$