Gravitational Potential Energy (PE): Gravitational potential energy between two masses 𝑚1m1 and 𝑚2m2 is given by: 𝑃𝐸=−𝐺𝑚1𝑚2𝑟PE=−Grm1m2where 𝐺G is the gravitational constant, 𝑚1m1 and 𝑚2m2 are the masses, and 𝑟r is the distance between them.
Relationship with Distance: Gravitational potential energy decreases (becomes less negative) as distance 𝑟r between masses increases. This means that as two masses move farther apart, their gravitational potential energy becomes less negative, indicating a decrease in the attractive potential energy between them.