Why are values of gravitational potential negative?

One way of defining potential is:The GPE per unit massWe define an infinite distance from the centre of our field to have zero potential, this means that energy needs to be provided to an object for it to reach zero potential - and hence zero potential energy. If energy needs to be provided to reach zero potential, then our values must be below zero.

HT

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does a thermal nuclear reactor work?


Explain the gaps within an absorption spectrum and where this may commonly occur in the universe


Why is the sky blue?


A bullet is fired horizontally from a gun at a height of 1.5m at 280m/s. Calculate the time taken for it to hit the ground. A second bullet is fired from an adjacent gun at 370m/s. Calculate the distance it travel before the first bullet hits the ground.