Yes, gravitational potential energy can be negative if the reference point is chosen such that the object’s current height is below it. In this case, the object has less potential energy compared to the reference point.
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Yes, gravitational potential energy can be negative if the reference point is chosen such that the object’s current height is below it. In this case, the object has less potential energy compared to the reference point.
No, gravitational potential energy cannot be negative in classical mechanics. It is a scalar quantity that represents the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to a reference point. Since it depends on height and mass, both of which are positive values, gravitational potential energy is always positive or zero at the lowest point.
In the context of the standard gravitational potential energy formula, GPE = mgh, gravitational potential energy (GPE) is considered positive when an object is above a chosen reference point. However, it can be negative when measured below the reference point. If an object falls below the reference point, the height (h) becomes negative, resulting in a negative GPE. This doesn’t imply a negative energy state but rather a lower potential energy compared to the chosen reference level. The choice of reference point determines the sign convention, and the negative value signifies a lower position in the gravitational field.