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

20310 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

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)


Define electric potential at a point in an electric field.


Based on Newton's 3 laws of motion why is linear momentum always conserved?


What is electromotive force and how is it different to potential difference?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences