Potential
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Potential
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1. A function of space, the gradient of
which is equal to a force. In
symbols, F = -Missing Image:img src="SP7_p_files/del.gif" align="middle"φ, where F is the force;
Missing Image:img src="SP7_p_files/del.gif" align="middle" is the del-operator; and φ
is the potential. A force which may be so
expressed is said to be conservative, and the work done against it in motion
from one given equipotential surface to another is independent of the path of
the motion. See Gibbs
function, potential
energy.
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In celestial mechanics and geodesy, the negative of the potential,
sometimes called force function, is usually employed.
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2. Applied to the value that an atmospheric thermodynamic variable would
attain if processed adiabatically from its initial pressure to the standard
pressure of 1000 millibars. See potential
density, potential
temperature.
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3. Short for electric
potential. [[/a>|/a>
]]
References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
