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Gravitational Potential
Introduction
Gravitational potential is the work done per unit mass in bringing a small test mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field. It provides a measure of the energy associated with an object's position in the field and is essential for understanding gravitational potential energy, escape velocity and orbital motion. This topic builds directly on gravitational field strength and Newton's Law of Gravitation.
AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.7.1.3 Gravitational Potential
What You Need to Know
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Define gravitational potential as the work done per unit mass in bringing a test mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field.
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State the unit of gravitational potential (J kg⁻¹).
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Understand why gravitational potential is always negative in an attractive gravitational field.
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Calculate gravitational potential around a point mass.
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Distinguish between gravitational potential and gravitational potential energy.
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Explain the relationship between gravitational potential and gravitational field strength.
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Sketch and interpret graphs of gravitational potential against distance.
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Solve quantitative problems involving gravitational potential and changes in gravitational potential energy.
Downloadable Topic Pack
Gravitational Potential Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
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