Define the term "Gravitational Potential" and write down a formula which defines it.

The Gravitational Potential is the work done in moving a unit mass (1kg) from an infinite distance to a point in a radial gravitational field. The Gravitational Potential is defined as being zero an infinite distance away from the gravitational field.

Gravitational Potential, V = -sqrt(GM/r)

JB
Answered by Jay B. Physics tutor

4357 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A cup of tea contains 175 g of water at a temperature of 85.0 °C. Milk at a temperature of 4.5 °C is added to the tea and the temperature of the mixture becomes 74.0 °C. What is the internal energy lost by the water? What is the mass of the milk?


What are the postulates of special relativity?


What is gravitational potential and how can gravitational potential energy be used to estimate the escape velocity of a planet of mass m and radius r?


What is the De Broglie wavelength of an electron given it has a kinetic energy of 1 eV? You are given the mass of an electron is 9.11x10^-31 kg and Planck's constant is 6.63x10^-34


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