What is the difference between gravitational potential energy and gravitational field strength?

Gravitational Potential Energy is the work done in moving a mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field. On the other hand, Gravitational Field Strength is the force exerted per unit mass on a small test mass. They seem quite similar at first, however GPE is the energy an mass (object) placed in the magnetic field has, while GFS is the force a mass's gravitation field exerts at a certain point.

AB
Answered by Andrea B. Physics tutor

22782 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


What are elastic and inelastic collisions? After a head on elastic collision of two balls of mass m1 and m2, deduce an equation relating the final and initial velocities of both balls.


A pipe has one open and one closed end. Determine the ratio of the frequency of the first harmomic to that of the next harmonic.


A ball is thrown at a speed of 15m/s at a 30 degree angle from the floor, how far does this ball travel before hitting the ground? (Air resistance can be ignored)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning