Why are values of gravitational potential negative?

One way of defining potential is:The GPE per unit massWe define an infinite distance from the centre of our field to have zero potential, this means that energy needs to be provided to an object for it to reach zero potential - and hence zero potential energy. If energy needs to be provided to reach zero potential, then our values must be below zero.

Answered by Harry T. Physics tutor

1309 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A particle that moves uniformly in a circular path is accelerating yet moving at a constant speed. Explain this statement.


Whats the effective resistance in a parallel and series circuit with a cell and two 12 ohms resistors ?


The LHC accelerates protons to a speed of 0.999999991c around a 27km ring. Due to relativistic effects, their mass increases. Given that the magnetic fields used are 8T, calculate this mass. What is the total energy of an LHC beam containing 3e14 protons?


Why does Lenz's law have a minus sign?


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