Change set
Pick exam & year, then Go.
Question map
For an object in gravitational field, the gravitational potential is the same at two points A and B, but the gravitational field is not the same at these two points. Which one of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
The work done by a conservative force, such as gravity, in moving an object between two points depends only on the change in gravitational potential energy, not on the path taken or the local field strength. The work done (W) by gravity in moving a mass m from point A to point B is given by the formula: W = -m(VB - VA), where V represents the gravitational potential. Since the question specifies that the gravitational potential is the same at both points (VA = VB), the potential difference is zero. Consequently, the work done by gravity is zero. The variation in the gravitational field (which is the negative gradient of the potential) at these points does not change the fact that no net work is performed when moving between points of equal potential. Gravity is always a conservative force.