What is gravitational binding energy?

... Atoms: Nuclei of protons & neutrons orbited by electrons: Elements, Isotopes, & Radioactivity. Four Fundamental Forces: Strong & Weak Nuclear Forces: Electromagnetic & Gravitational Forces. read more

A gravitational binding energy is the minimum energy that must be added to a system for the system to cease being in a gravitationally bound state. read more

Gravitational binding energy is the energy it takes to separate two objects that are bound to each other by gravity. Suppose you want to shoot a bullet into space from the surface of the Earth. You have to give it some positive kinetic energy, and then as the bullet reaches infinity it gradually slows down. read more