What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is given by equation U = -GMm/r where G is gravitational constant, M and m are masses of two objects and r is the distance between these two masses. Now, we know that energy and work have strong connection, therefore a better way to think of the concept of gravitational potential energy is to think of it as the amount of work needed to move an object of mass m from an infinite distance from mass M to distance r from mass M. The work needed to move the mass m from infinity to distance r from mass M is the gravitational potential energy.

NB
Answered by Natália B. Physics tutor

1451 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Tritium is a radioactive nucleide with a half life of 4500 days, determine the time for 90% of it to decay.


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.


Why does the equation for gravitational potential energy give a negative value if energy cannot be negative.


How do you tackle a general mechanics question?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences