The potential energy of a 10-kg mass is given by -3.98 * 10¹⁵ r^-1 (potential energy decreases as r approaches zero).The force on this mass when it is located at r=6.38 * 10⁶ m is

Question

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The force on the mass can be found by taking the negative gradient of the potential energy with respect to r. Given that the potential energy decreases as r approaches zero, the force must be attractive (towards r=0). The specific magnitude of the force would depend on the details of the potential energy function, which seems to be incorrectly formatted in the question. However, based on the information provided, the correct answer involves a force towards r=0, and among the options given, only choice E specifies a force towards r=0 with a specific magnitude.

The Potential Energy of a 10-Kg Mass Is Given by -3.98