Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?
The negative value stems from the definition of gravitiational potential energy which states that it is equal to the work done by the gravitational field moving a body to its given position from infinity. At an infinite distance away from any other mass, a body would have gravitational potential energy equal to zero. As the body moves closer to the mass, it loses gravitiational potential energy x. Hence, it has negative energy as shown:Energy at current = Energy at start - Energy lost = 0 - x = -x(Where x is the energy lost)
KP
Related Physics A Level answers
All answers ▸How can we derive the 'suvat' equations of motion v=u+at and s=(u+v)t/2
Why do atoms larger than iron release energy when they undergo fission?
If f(x)= ln(x^2)-4, give f^-1(x)
Two pellets are fired simultaneously from the horizontal, one is fired vertically at 100m/s and the other is fired at 200m/s at an angle theta from the horizontal. Calculate the angle of the second pellet if they both land at the same time.