Gravitational Potential Energy for Systems of Masses definitions Flashcards
Gravitational Potential Energy for Systems of Masses definitions
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Terms in this set (15)
- Gravitational Potential EnergyEnergy due to the position of masses in a gravitational field, calculated as a scalar quantity.
- Scalar QuantityA physical quantity that has magnitude but no direction, such as energy.
- Equilateral TriangleA triangle with all sides of equal length, simplifying distance calculations in physics problems.
- Mass PairTwo masses considered together for calculating gravitational potential energy between them.
- Gravitational ConstantA universal constant denoted by 'g', used in calculating gravitational forces and energies.
- Negative EnergyEnergy value indicating attraction in gravitational interactions, typical for potential energy.
- System of MassesA collection of masses whose interactions are analyzed, often in gravitational studies.
- DistanceThe separation between two masses, crucial for calculating gravitational potential energy.
- JoulesThe SI unit of energy, used to express gravitational potential energy values.
- SigmaA symbol representing the sum of quantities, used in calculating total potential energy.
- Vector DecompositionBreaking down a vector into components, not needed for scalar quantities like energy.
- Energy AdditionThe process of summing scalar energy values, such as potential energies in a system.
- Mass LabelingAssigning identifiers to masses to keep track of them in calculations.
- ShortcutA method to simplify calculations, such as recognizing proportional relationships.
- PracticeRepetitive exercise to gain familiarity with concepts, encouraged for mastering gravitational calculations.