Why does gravitational potential energy have a negative value?

A point in a gravitational field has an associated gravitational potential. It is defined as the work done required to bring a unit mass from a point an infinite distance to that point in the field. At an infinite distance the potential is zero as it is no longer in the field. Work must be done to move a body from a point in a gravitational field to infinity, where the potential is zero. This implies that the sum of the original energy and the work done is zero and therefore the original potential energy must have been negative.

Answered by Joseph P. Physics tutor

2143 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

An electron is emitted from a cathode in an electron gun, with a potential difference of 150kV. Find the velocity of the electron after it is accelerated and find the De Broglie wavelength.


If two cars are moving, labelled car A and car B. Car A moves at 15 m/s and B at 10 m/s but car B also accelerated at 2 m/s/s. If the two both travel for ten seconds, which car will travel further?


Water flows through an electric shower at a rate of 6kg per minute. Assuming no heat is transferred to the surroundings, what power is required to heat the water by 20K as it flow through the shower?


How come nuclei become more unstable the bigger they are?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences