A 5kg mass is moved from 5RE to 10RE from Earth’s center. What is the change in potential energy? (ME\=6×1024kg,RE\=6.4×
ΔV = −GMEm(1r2−1r1). r1 = 3.2×107m, r2 = 6.4×107m. ΔV = −6.67×10−11×6×1024×5(16.4×107−13.2×107). ΔV = −2.001×1015(−1.5625×10−8)≈3.13×107J. As per NCERT, applying relevant law/formula with correct units and sign convention leads to 3.1 × 10⁷ J. This satisfies dimensional consistency and physical conditions given, so option B is scientifically correct.
Ref: NCERT Class 11 Physics, Thermal Properties and Gravitation.
