What is the difference between gravitational potential energy and gravitational field strength?

Gravitational Potential Energy is the work done in moving a mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field. On the other hand, Gravitational Field Strength is the force exerted per unit mass on a small test mass. They seem quite similar at first, however GPE is the energy an mass (object) placed in the magnetic field has, while GFS is the force a mass's gravitation field exerts at a certain point.

AB
Answered by Andrea B. Physics tutor

22451 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Why cant I use the same expression for doppler effect when the source is in motion and when the listener is in motion?


Could you go through the derivation of the Doppler effect for a source moving towards an observer?


Explain the Lorenz force


Why does the equation for gravitational potential energy give a negative value if energy cannot be negative.


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