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  1. Assuming the radius of the earth as R, the change in gravitational potential energy of a body of mass m, when it is taken from the earth's surface to a height 3R above its surface, is
    1. 3 mg R
    2. 3
      mgR
      4
    3. 1 mgR
    4. 3
      mgR
      2
Correct Option: B

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) on the surface of earth,

E1 = -
G M m
R

GPE at 3R, E2 = -
G M m
= -
G M m
(R + 3R)4R

∴ Change in GPE = E2 - E1 = -
GMm
+
GMm
=
3GMm
4RR4R

=
3g R2m
∵ g =
GM
4RR2

=
3
mg R
4



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