Why is gravitational potential defined as work done 'per unit mass' from infinity...

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myselfsnc

New member
...to dead point? The main concern here is why is it per unit mass. I know the question is a bit unclear but that's what my Physics teacher asked me today. Any idea? Thx in advance
 
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tOhmtMistressBekki

New member
It is useful to have a quantity that describes the potential energy per unit mass in the same way that it is useful to have a quantity that describes potential energy per unit charge in an EM problem. The quantity describes the system as a whole and is independent of the mass you put in it to feel the potential.
 
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tOhmtMistressBekki

New member
It is useful to have a quantity that describes the potential energy per unit mass in the same way that it is useful to have a quantity that describes potential energy per unit charge in an EM problem. The quantity describes the system as a whole and is independent of the mass you put in it to feel the potential.
 
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