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Grade 12Mechanics

the zero of gravitational potential energy is: 1)always at ground level 2)arbitary 3)at sea level 4)at the centre of the earth which option is correct explain

Profile image of sunny shah
15 Years agoGrade 12
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1 Answer

Profile image of AKASH GOYAL AskiitiansExpert-IITD
15 Years ago

Dear Sunny

Potential energy is not absolute it depends on reference. we can take any arbitrary reference where Potential energy is zero. it is arbitrary.

suppose we take reference at H height from ground then it means that P. E at ground is mgH less than the reference.

just difference of PE matters 

 

All the best.                                                           

AKASH GOYAL

AskiitiansExpert-IIT Delhi

 

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