Forces and potentials, potential energy and escape velocity

You already know one connection between forces (Newtons) and energy (Joules): work is the integral of (force dot displacement). We can turn this upside down, so to speak, to see another connection.

• A connection between gravitational force and GPE
• A connection between spring force and SPE
• The general connection between force and potential energy

Looking at gravitational potential energy as we move away from the Earth leads naturally to a discussion of escape velocity.

• GPE and escape velocity

And now we can deal with black holes.

• Escape velocity and black holes

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.