Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?

The negative value stems from the definition of gravitiational potential energy which states that it is equal to the work done by the gravitational field moving a body to its given position from infinity. At an infinite distance away from any other mass, a body would have gravitational potential energy equal to zero. As the body moves closer to the mass, it loses gravitiational potential energy x. Hence, it has negative energy as shown:Energy at current = Energy at start - Energy lost = 0 - x = -x(Where x is the energy lost)

KP
Answered by Kush P. Physics tutor

4605 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

"An inclined plane at an angle of 25 degrees to the horizontal has a pulley at its top. A 30kg block on the plane is connected to a freely hanging 20kg block by means of a cord passing over the pulley. From rest how far will the 20kg block fall in 2s?


How might you use sound waves to smash a glass? What are other examples of resonance in everyday life?


Explain why excited atoms only emit certain frequencies of radiation after an electron collides with the atom


Describe how a stationary wave is formed and some of its properties.


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