Gravitational Potential Difference in Uniform Gravity Field

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational potential difference in a uniform gravitational field. Participants explore the implications of having two clocks at different heights in such a field, questioning how gravitational potential is defined and whether a potential difference exists despite the uniformity of the gravitational force experienced by both clocks.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a uniform gravitational field does not have a potential difference, as the force is constant everywhere.
  • Others argue that since the force is constant, the potential must vary, leading to a contradiction in defining potential at different points.
  • A few participants challenge the notion that potential can be defined as infinite in a uniform field, suggesting that this leads to mathematical inconsistencies.
  • Some contributions emphasize that the potential difference should be calculated based on work done to move a unit mass between points, but this is complicated by the assumption of infinite potential.
  • There are claims that the definition of force as the negative gradient of potential must hold, which implies that a constant force should correspond to a varying potential.
  • Participants express differing views on the validity of using infinity in calculations related to gravitational potential, with some suggesting it complicates the understanding of the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the existence of potential difference in a uniform gravitational field and the implications of defining potential at infinity.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unresolved mathematical steps regarding the definition of potential in a uniform field and the implications of using infinity in calculations. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the applicability of classical definitions in this context.

  • #61
vin300 said:
then according to the definition the potential difference between these points is infinity subtracted from infinity

Which is mathematical nonsense. You are not using the correct definition of potential, and you are being very stubborn about it. Stubbornness can be a useful trait at times, but not when it impedes your learning.
 
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  • #62
vin300 said:
If the potential at a point according to the definition is infinite, and the potential at another point is infinite, then according to the definition the potential difference between these points is infinity subtracted from infinity
That should tell you that using "infinity" as a reference point is silly. All that physically matters is the change in potential between two points, which is well defined and trivially calculated. For a uniform field, choosing infinity as a reference is asinine.

You are hung up on a definition of gravitational potential that uses infinity as a reference, which is of limited use. Time to move on.
 

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