Gravitational Potential Energy (General)

U = -\frac{Gm_1 m_2}{r}

General gravitational potential energy (negative).

Variables

U

Potential energy

Gravitational PE

J

G

Gravitational constant

6.674×10⁻¹¹

N·m²/kg²

m₁

Mass 1

First mass

kg

m₂

Mass 2

Second mass

kg

r

Distance

Separation

m

Derivation

U = -∫F dr = -Gm₁m₂/r (zero at infinity).

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