Area Under a Force vs Distance Graph

Edexcel A-level PhysicsGravitational FieldsLesson 13 of 14

The diagram shows the force needed to move a 1kg mass in a gravitational field (N) with the distance moved (m). Work done = force × distance moved in the direction of the force. The area under the graph is the work done on the 1kg mass and is transferred to gravitational potential energy. Work done per unit mass = gravitational potential, so the area under the graph is the gravitational potential provided the mass is 1kg.

More in Gravitational Fields

• Gravitational Potential.
• Equipotentials.
• The potential gradient.
• Newton's Law of Gravitation.
• Gravitational Field Strength - g.
• Gravitational Potential.
• Potential Gradients
• Satellites

All 14 lessons in Gravitational Fields · All Edexcel A-level Physics topics