Gravitational potential energy Flashcards
what is gravitational potential energy?
The amount of potential energy a mass has due to its position in a gravitational field
in a uniform field, what is the formula for change in gravitational potential energy?
∆Ep = mg∆h
when will the change in gravitational potential energy be higher?
+ When the mass is higher
+ When the gravitational field strength is higher
+ When the height is higher (further from the source mass)
define work done
The amount of energy required for a force to move a mass by a certain distance
In a diagram state what Fg and F represent.
Fg (work done by gravity)
F (outwards force)
Work done by the outwards force is positive, work done by gravity is negative
what does negative work done mean?
Work is being done by the gravitational force and the gravitational potential energy is decreasing
the work done to move a mass in a gravitational field is equal to…
the change in gravitational potential energy
when is gravitational potential energy 0?
Gravitational potential energy at an infinite distance from the source is 0.
what is gravitational potential energy at 0?
Gravitational potential energy at infinity is 0
why is Gravitational potential energy negative?
Gravitational potential energy increases with distance from the source mass.
Its 0 at infinity
Therefore if it gets closer from infinity, the gravitational potential energy will decrease and decreasing from 0 implies it must be a negative value
what does absolute gravitational potential energy mean?
The amount of energy required to move the rocket from infinity to a certain position
A negative gravitational potential energy value indicates…
that the object is getting closer to the source mass
