Answer:
ΔU = - 9,179 10-11 J
Explanation:
For this exercise the two basketballs are linked by gravitational interaction, so we can use gravitational energy
U = - G m₁m₂ / R
In this case the mass is equal and the initial distance is r₁ = 19 cm = 0.19 m
U₁ = - G m² / r₁
let's calculate
U₁ = - 6.67 10⁻¹¹ 0.55² / 0.19
U₁ = - 10,619 10⁻¹¹ J
when its centers are separated it is at r₂ = 1.4 m
U₂ = - 6.67 10⁻¹¹ 0.55² / 1.4
U₂ = - 1.44 10-11 J
the energy between these two points is
ΔU = U₂ - U₁
ΔU = (-1.44 +10.619) 10-11
ΔU = - 9,179 10-11 J