Gravitational Potential
Contents
Key Stage 5
Meaning
Gravitational potential is the work done per unit mass to move an object from infinity to a point under the influence of one or more gravitational fields.
About Gravitational Potential
- Gravitational potential is denoted with a capital V.
- The units of gravitational potential are Joules per kilogram (Jkg-1).
- Gravitational potential is negative because the force of gravity is attractive, so the work done to move objects towards one another is negative.
Gravitational Potential Equation
\(V=\dfrac{W}{m}\)
Where
V = Gravitational Potential