does GPE decrease or increase the closer you get to a planet?

Say you are moving closer to a planet, would GPE increase because gpe is inversely proportional to x so if x decreases, gpe increases?

Reply 1

Alex_H_

GPE = - GMm / r
GPE is zero at infinity. As radius decreases (getting closer to the planet from infinity), GPE becomes more negative.

You can think about it as the closer the object is to the planet then the greater energy is required to move it from that point to infinity.

Reply 2

anonymous56754

Original post by Alex_H_

GPE = - GMm / r
GPE is zero at infinity. As radius decreases (getting closer to the planet from infinity), GPE becomes more negative.
You can think about it as the closer the object is to the planet then the greater energy is required to move it from that point to infinity.