A 3kg mass is moved from 4RE to 8RE from Earth’s center. What is the change in potential energy? (ME\=6×1024kg,RE\=6.4×1
ΔV = −GMEm(1r2−1r1). r1 = 2.56×107m, r2 = 5.12×107m. ΔV = −6.67×10−11×6×1024×3(15.12×107−12.56×107). ΔV = −1.201×1015(−1.953×10−8)≈2.34×107J. As per NCERT, applying relevant law/formula with correct units and sign convention leads to 2.4 × 10⁷ J. This satisfies dimensional consistency and physical conditions given, so option C is scientifically correct.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Physics, Thermal Properties and Gravitation.