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:
“Humanity has passed through a long history of one-sidedness and of a social condition that has always contained the potential of destruction, despite its creative achievements in technology. The great project of our time must be to open the other eye: to see all-sidedly and wholly, to heal and transcend the cleavage between humanity and nature that came with early wisdom.”
—Murray Bookchin (b. 1941)