Derivation of Gravitational Potential Energy (without using Calculus)

The potential energy of a body at height “h” from centre of earth w.r.t. a point at which the gravitational field is zero i.e. a point which has no potential is called absolute gravitational potential energy.

Where R_E is the radius of earth.The minus sign indicates that the potential energy is “negative” at any finite distance that is the potential energy is zero at infinity and decreases as the separation distance decreases. This is due to the fact that the gravitational force acting on the particle by earth is attractive. As the particle moves in from infinity the Work is positive which means U is negative.

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