Gravitational Potential Energy Definition

jmsmith

I have a technical question regarding the definition of gravitational potential energy: How correct is it to discuss/define the gravitational potential energy of object A without regard for the other bodies that are exerting a gravitational force on object A?

I find this kind of thing in science books all the time: "The gravitational potential energy of the vase is 20 J..."

How well does this compare with: "The gravitational potential energy of the vase-Earth system is 20 J..."?

I personally think the second version is better, but I have enough doubts and interest to ask.

Ultimately, how should gravitational potential energy be defined?

Doc Al

It's not correct at all.

Little by little, such sloppy usage is going away.

That's the more correct version, found in the better textbooks.

Good for you.

As a joint property of the two objects and their gravitational field.