In the above problem, find total mechanical energy of the system .

Answer

A, B, C

Explanation

Total mechanical energy,
`E = U + K`
where, `U = `potential energy of `3` identical pairs of masses 'm' each at a distance 'a'
`= -3[(Gmm)/(a)] = -(3Gm^(2)) /(a)`
`K =` kinetic energy of three particles

`= 3[(1)/(2)mv^(2)] = (3)/(2)m(sqrt((Gm)/(a)))^(2) = (3)/(2) (Gm^(2))/(a)`
`:. E = U+K =(-3Gm^(2))/(2a)` .