The equation for the potential of a point mass is V = -k/r + mgz, where k is the gravitational constant, r is the distance from the point mass, m is the mass of the point mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The potential of a point mass is calculated using the formula V = -k/r + mgz. This equation takes into account the gravitational force and the height of the point mass.
The negative sign in the potential equation represents the attractive force of gravity. This means that the potential decreases as the distance from the point mass increases.
Yes, the potential of a point mass can be negative. This occurs when the distance from the point mass is large enough that the attractive force of gravity is greater than the gravitational potential energy.
The potential of a point mass decreases as the distance from the point mass increases. It also increases as the mass of the point mass increases. This is because a larger mass creates a stronger gravitational force, resulting in a higher potential.