If the gravitational potential energy of two point masses infinitely away is taken to be zero then gravitational potential energy of a galaxy is

Question

If the gravitational potential energy of two point masses infinitely away is taken to be zero then gravitational potential energy of a galaxy is (A) Zero (B) Positive (C) Negative (D) Can have any value

Tardigrade Admin · Accepted Answer

A galaxy is a bounded system, for a bounded system or closed system like planet-sun, satellite Earth, electron- nucleus etc. total energy and the potential energy both are negative.

Q. If the gravitational potential energy of two point masses infinitely away is taken to be zero then gravitational potential energy of a galaxy is

Zero

Positive

Negative

Can have any value

A galaxy is a bounded system, for a bounded system or closed system like planet-sun, satellite Earth, electron- nucleus etc. total energy and the potential energy both are negative.