What does “Gravitational potential energy” actually mean in Gravitation, and why does it matter for JEE?
for large distances PE = −GMm/r (negative, zero at infinity), not mgh.
In simple words: for large distances PE = −GMm/r (negative, zero at infinity), not mgh. Getting Gravitational potential energy clear matters because JEE questions on Gravitation usually test this idea directly, not just a formula you memorised.
Key point
Gravitational potential energy
Common mistake
using mgh far from the surface, where it no longer holds.
Memory tip
mgh is only the near-surface approximation of −GMm/r.
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