Why are values for gravitational potential always negative?
This is all down to how gravitational potential is defined. The gravitational potential at a point is defined as the work done per unit mass to move a mass from infinity to the point in the gravitational field. As all gravitational fields are attractive, this means work must always be done to move a mass AWAY from the centre of the gravitational field, but as gravitational potential concerns the work done per unit mass to move the mass TOWARDS the point in the gravitational field, it always has a negative value.
JS
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸The tip of each prong of a tuning fork emitting a note of 320Hz vibrates in SHM with an amplitude of 0.50mm. What is the speed of each tip when its displacement is zero?
When catching a ball, a cricketer moves his hands for a short distance in the direction of travel of the ball as it makes contact with his hands. Explain why this technique results in less force being exerted on the cricketer's hands
A gold leaf electroscope with a zinc plate top is charged by briefly connecting it to the negative electrode of a high-voltage supply. Explain how the gold leaf will appear and how the leaf can be caused to drop again.
An object orbits Earth at an altitude of 200 kilometers above the planet’s surface. What is its speed and orbital period?