BRAINCAKEPotential Gradients
The gravitational potential gradient at a point is the change in gravitational potential per metre, ΔVg/Δr. Its unit is J kg-1 m-1, which is the same as N kg-1.
The gravitational field strength is equal to the negative of the potential gradient, g = -ΔVg/Δr. The minus sign shows that the field points in the direction in which the potential decreases, towards the mass.
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Key terms in this lesson
- gravitational potential
- The work done per unit mass to move a small test mass from infinity to a point in a gravitational field.
More in Gravitational Fields
- Gravitational Potential.
- Equipotentials.
- The potential gradient.
- Newton's Law of Gravitation.
- Gravitational Field Strength - g.
- Gravitational Potential.
- Area Under a Force vs Distance Graph
- Satellites
All 14 lessons in Gravitational Fields · All OCR A-level Physics topics