Four identical masses,each of mass M,are placed at the corners of a square of side L.The total potential energy of the masses is equal to -xGM ²/L,where x equals A)4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The total potential energy of the masses is given by: U = - xG(M^2/L)*( M/√2 + M/√2 ) [Consider the 2 masses that are diagonaly opposite] U = - xG(M^2/L)*( M/√2 + M/√2 ) [Since each mass contributes equally ] U = - 2xG(M^2/L)*( M/√2 ) U = - 2x(G/L)M^3/√2 U = - (2√2/G)(GM^2/L^2) * M^2 U = - ²/L where ² = (2√2/G)(GM^2/L^2) and x = 11eaa331_f52e_c7fa_9fad_176a6e792991_TB6079_11. Therefore, the answer is C.

Four Identical Masses,each of Mass M,are Placed at the Corners