Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
Suppose V and E represent the gravitational potential and the gravitational field at a given point. If the gravitational potential is taken to be zero at infinity, which of the following situations are possible?
Options
- AV 0 and E = 0
- BV 0 and E 0
- CV = 0 and E = 0
- DV = 0 and E 0
Correct answer
C. V = 0 and E = 0
Step-by-step solution
Inside a uniform spherical shell, the gravitational field E = 0 but the gravitational potential V is a non-zero constant. Thus, V 0 and E = 0 is a possible situation. At any finite distance from a point mass, both the gravitational field and potential are non-zero. Thus, V 0 and E 0 is a possible situation. At infinity, both the gravitational field and potential are zero. Thus, V = 0 and E = 0 is a possible situation. Since mass is always positive, the gravitational potential at any finite distance from a mass dist