Physics - Gravitational Potential

Flashcards

What is gravitational potential?

The energy transferred per unit mass to move an object from infinity to a point.

What is the gravitational potential at infinity?

\[0\text{J}\text{kg}^{-1}\]

Why is gravitational potential always negative?

Because you’re having to do the opposite of what gravity wants you to do.

What is gravitational potential energy?

The energy transferred to move an object from infinity to a point.

What does the graph of $V$ against $r$ look like for gravitational potential?

A negative hyperbola.

What is the formula for gravitational potential $V$?

\[-\frac{GM}{r}\]

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy $E$?

\[-\frac{GMm}{r}\]

What is the gravitational potential when $r = 0$?

\[-\infty\]

How many asymptotes will the graph of gravitational potential $V$ against radius $r$ have for an object between the earth and the moon?

\[2\]