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  1. A body of mass ‘m’ is taken from the earth’s surface to the height equal to twice the radius (R) of the earth. The change in potential energy of body will be
    1. 2
      mgR
      3
    2. 3 mgR
    3. 1
      mgR
      3
    4. mg2R
Correct Option: A

Initial P. E., Ui =
-GMm
R

Final P.E., Uf =
-GMm
    [∵ R' = R + 2R = 3R]
3R

∴ Change in potential energy, ∆U =
-GMm
+
GMm
3RR

=
GMm
1 -
1
=
2
GMm
=
2
mgR
R33R3

GMm
= mgR
R

ALTERNATE : ∆U = mgh
1 +
h
R

By placing the value of h = 2R we get ​∆U =
2
mgR
3



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