Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
Three particles, each having mass m , are positioned at the three corners of an equilateral triangle of side a . Determine the work that must be done on the system to increase the sides of the triangle to 2a .
Options
- A3Gm^2 a
- B- 3Gm^2 2a
- CGm^2 2a
- D3Gm^2 2a
Correct answer
D. 3Gm^2 2a
Step-by-step solution
The initial potential energy of the system is the sum of the gravitational potential energies of all three pairs of particles. U_i = - Gm^2 a - Gm^2 a - Gm^2 a = - 3Gm^2 a The final potential energy of the system when the side length is increased to 2a is: U_f = - Gm^2 2a - Gm^2 2a - Gm^2 2a = - 3Gm^2 2a The work done on the system by an external agent is equal to the change in the potential energy of the system. W = U = U_f - U_i W = - 3Gm^2 2a - (- 3Gm^2 a ) W = 3Gm^2 a - 3Gm^2 2a = 3Gm^2 2a