PhysicsChapter 1: Gravitation
Gravitational Potential
**Gravitational potential at a point is gravitational potential energy per unit mass placed at that point.** For a spherical mass:
Definition
Gravitational potential at a point is gravitational potential energy per unit mass placed at that point. For a spherical mass: V = −GM/r
Meaning of Negative Sign
Potential is a scalar quantity. The conventional reference is: V = 0 at infinity Because gravity is attractive, potential at finite distance from an isolated positive mass is negative: V = −GM/r A mass in the gravitational field is in a bound, lower-energy state relative to infinity. Energy must be supplied to move it from finite `r` to infinity with zero final kinetic energy.
SI Unit
Potential has unit: **J kg⁻¹**
Formula / Key Relation
**V = Um V = −GM/r**
Exam preparation
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Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Gravitational Potential
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GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL
- `V = −GM/r`
- Zero → infinity.
60-second revision
- Closer to mass → more negative potential.
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