Gravitational Potential & Energy
Which of the following most closely depicts the correct variation of the gravitation potential V(r) due to a large planet of radius R and uniform mass density? (figuresarenotdrawntoscale)
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Answer: (b)
- Inside: , a parabola with minimum and zero slope at the centre.
- Outside: , negative and rising towards zero.
- Potential is negative everywhere, smooth at , flat-bottomed at .
- So the answer is (b).