In classical mechanics, the gravitational potential at a location is equal to the work (energy transferred) per unit mass that is done by the force of gravity to move an object to a fixed reference location. It is analogous to the electric potential with mass playing the role of charge. By convention, the reference location is usually taken at infinity, so the gravitational potential is zero infinitely far away from any mass and negative at any finite distance.
In mathematics the gravitational potential is also known as the Newtonian potential and is fundamental in the study of potential theory.
Read more about Gravitational Potential: Potential Energy, Mathematical Form, Spherical Symmetry, General Relativity, Multipole Expansion, Numerical Values
Famous quotes containing the word potential:
“Raising a daughter is an extremely political act in this culture. Mothers have been placed in a no-win situation with their daughters: if they teach their daughters simply how to get along in a world that has been shaped by men and male desires, then they betray their daughters’ potential But, if they do not, they leave their daughters adrift in a hostile world without survival strategies.”
—Elizabeth Debold (20th century)