Gravitational Potential and Potential Energy

5. Energy in Gravitational Systems

Learning Outcomes
  • I can describe kinetic and potential energy in gravitational systems.
  • I can explain energy transformations in orbital motion.
  • I can apply conservation of mechanical energy.
  • I can calculate total energy in simple gravitational systems.
  • I can interpret energy diagrams for gravitational interactions.

Key Topics:
  • Energy in orbits
  • Escape energy