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

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Imagine a ball rolls off a set of stairs with horizontal velocity, u; the stairs have a height, h and length of l. Find a formula for which step the ball will hit, n.


A student is measuring the acceleration due to gravity, g. They drop a piece of card from rest, from a vertical height of 0.75m above a light gate. The light gate measures the card's speed as it passes to be 3.84 m/s. Calculate an estimate for g.


Describe the photoelectric effect.


State assumptions made about the motion of the molecules in a gas in the derivation of the kinetic theory of gases equation.