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What gravitational potential means

What gravitational potential means

Graph of gravitational potential below zero against distance from a planet, with surface radius R and a tangent showing that negative gradient gives field strength Gravitational potential is the work done per unit mass by an external force in bringing a small test mass from infinity to a point, without changing its kinetic energy. It is an energy-per-kilogram idea, so it is different from force per kilogram.

Gravitational potential Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Gravitational potential

Step-by-step lessons on Edexcel A Level Physics Gravitational potential. Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Physics is one of the most mathematically demanding A Levels -- at least 40% of the marks across the three papers require maths skills at Level 2 (GCSE) standard or above, so build calculation and graph-handling fluency alongside the conceptual content from the start.

Lessons