Why is gravitational potential energy zero at infinity?

[JimmyRay]

As you get further away from the Earth's surface your gravitational potential energy increases, but when you get closer center of the universe (or something like that) your gravitational potential is decreasing... ? Meaning when you are the FURTHEST away from the Earth's surface your gravitational potential is zero...

We were learning about gravitational potential energy and my teacher told us to THINK about that question...

Well when you're at the center of the universe, there is no gravity? Or you're so far away from everything it can't affect you?

 

[Pseudo Statistic]

My mind tells me to choose both, which is why I say those both apply..
There is no gravity in space, then again you're far away from any gravitational fields to even be affected.
So yeah. :D

 

[JimmyRay]

I see... Thank you

 

[dav2008]

At the surface of the Earth the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s².
This value decreases as you get farther from the surface.

If you look at the equation $$U_g = mgh$$ you can see that the higher you go the more your potential energy. However, you also have to take into account that as you go higher, g decreases.

 

[JimmyRay]

I understand that the higher you go the more your gravitational potential but what about once you get into space or...the center of the universe... wouldn't your gravitation potential DECREASE even though you've gone HIGHER?