<P> The gravitational potential (specific energy) of the two bodies is </P> <Dl> <Dd> φ = − (G M r + G m r) = − G (M + m) r = − G M m μ r = U μ . (\ displaystyle \ phi = - \ left ((\ frac (GM) (r)) + (\ frac (Gm) (r)) \ right) = - (\ frac (G (M + m)) (r)) = - (\ frac (GMm) (\ mu r)) = (\ frac (U) (\ mu)).) </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> φ = − (G M r + G m r) = − G (M + m) r = − G M m μ r = U μ . (\ displaystyle \ phi = - \ left ((\ frac (GM) (r)) + (\ frac (Gm) (r)) \ right) = - (\ frac (G (M + m)) (r)) = - (\ frac (GMm) (\ mu r)) = (\ frac (U) (\ mu)).) </Dd> <P> where μ (\ displaystyle \ mu) is the reduced mass . </P>

When do objects with potential energy give up their energy