Calculate the gravitational potential energy of a particle of mass m located at distance d from the center of mass of a rod of mass M and length L. Assume that x>L/2.

Answer 1

There is Two equations we start with.

1 U = Intergral(- F*x) where F is the effective Mass of the rod on the mass m.

Note that the work done on m by the rod would be negative.

Since X> L/2

F = (G*M*m)/x^2 . The mass of the rod is fully affecting the mass m.

U =(GMm)/x^-3