the formula of newton law of gravitation is GMm/r^2or -GMm/r^2 why got book put in the negative sign while some no?
newton's law of gravitation
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 Aug 10 2013, 01:55 AM, updated 13y ago
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Aug 11 2013, 02:02 AM
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QUOTE(maru&box @ Aug 10 2013, 08:31 AM) The negative sign is to account for the direction of the gravity as a vector quantity where the vector field lines are pointing towards the center. so did i have to put in the negative sign in the derivation of gravitational potential energy |
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Aug 11 2013, 11:25 AM
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QUOTE(maru&box @ Aug 11 2013, 08:56 AM) The most correct form for gravitational "force" would have a negative sign because gravity is technically a vector quantity. so which sign is usually preferred in the examination? Gravitational potential "energy" is a scalar quantity. Therefore the sign does not really matter. However, it doesn't hurt to ask which sign is usually preferred if you are concerned about this for answering exam questions.  |
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