Gravitational Potential

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Gravitational Potential

</dt>
1. The potential associated with the force of gravitation arising from the attraction between mass points, e.g., the earth's center and a particle in space. </dd>
The gravitational potential, associated with the force of gravitation, should not be confused with the geopotential associated with the force of gravity. The latter is equal to the former plus the centrifugal force due to the earth's rotation. The potentials of the three forces are related in the same manner. </dd>
2. At any point, the work needed to remove an object from that point to infinity. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use