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If two bowling balls were placed near each other in outer space, far from any pl

ID: 1468106 • Letter: I

Question

If two bowling balls were placed near each other in outer space, far from any planet or star and with no initial velocity with respect to each other, they would

maintain a constant separation.

slowly start moving together.

slowly start moving apart.

QUESTION 2

A satellite of mass m a distance R above the centre of the earth (mass M), has a gravitational potential energy given by U=G//MmL R This expression requires that the zero of potential energy of the satellite be taken at

the centre of the Earth

the surface of the Earth

half way between the Earth and the satellite

at an infinite distance from the Earth.

If two bowling balls were placed near each other in outer space, far from any planet or star and with no initial velocity with respect to each other, they would

a.

maintain a constant separation.

b.

slowly start moving together.

c.

slowly start moving apart.

Explanation / Answer

Question 1.

If two bowling balls were placed near each other in outer space, far from any planet or star and with no initial velocity with respect to each other, they would slowly start moving together.

Question 2.

This expression requires that the zero of potential energy of the satellite be taken at the centre of the Earth