As we have studied the gravitational
potential due to a solid sphere at various points in surrounding, and inside of
the sphere we can use the same results for the gravitational potential due to
Earth. Using these expressions, we can find the gravitational potential energy
of any mass located at a point anywhere on Earth. The position can be at some
height on surface or at a depth inside the surface.
See the video given below for its analysis.
As an application of potential energy of a
body on Earth, we now study an application on calculation-the work done on a
body in displacing it from one height to another, in Earth’s gravitational field.
This can be calculated by difference of potential energy of body at the two
locations.
See the example videos below to understand
the concept by an example –
In the previous articles, we studied about
the gravitational potential due to a uniform ring on its axis. Using the
concept we can also find the gravitational potential energy of a body. With a
uniform disc as due potential to a disc, can be obtained by integrating the
results due to elemental rings considered in the disc.
For detailed explanation of the process see
the example video below –