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:
“A child is born with the potential ability to learn Chinese or Swahili, play a kazoo, climb a tree, make a strudel or a birdhouse, take pleasure in finding the coordinates of a star. Genetic inheritance determines a child’s abilities and weaknesses. But those who raise a child call forth from that matrix the traits and talents they consider important.”
—Emilie Buchwald (20th century)