Gravitational force due to a mass The gravitational force on a point mass m due to a point mass M is a gradient field with potential U(r) = GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant %3D and r = Vx? + y? + z² is the distance between the masses. a. Find the components of the gravitational force in the x-, y-, and z-directions, where F(x, y, z) = –VU(x, y, z). b. Show that the gravitational force points in the radial direction (outward from point mass M) and the radial component is F(r) = GMm/r². c. Show that the vector field is orthogonal to the equipotential surfaces at all points in the domain of U.

icon
Related questions
Question
Gravitational force due to a mass The gravitational force on a
point mass m due to a point mass M is a gradient field with
potential U(r) = GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant
%3D
and r = Vx? + y? + z² is the distance between the masses.
a. Find the components of the gravitational force in the x-, y-, and
z-directions, where F(x, y, z) = –VU(x, y, z).
b. Show that the gravitational force points in the radial direction
(outward from point mass M) and the radial component is
F(r) = GMm/r².
c. Show that the vector field is orthogonal to the equipotential
surfaces at all points in the domain of U.
Transcribed Image Text:Gravitational force due to a mass The gravitational force on a point mass m due to a point mass M is a gradient field with potential U(r) = GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant %3D and r = Vx? + y? + z² is the distance between the masses. a. Find the components of the gravitational force in the x-, y-, and z-directions, where F(x, y, z) = –VU(x, y, z). b. Show that the gravitational force points in the radial direction (outward from point mass M) and the radial component is F(r) = GMm/r². c. Show that the vector field is orthogonal to the equipotential surfaces at all points in the domain of U.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps with 9 images

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS