  The potential energy problem in a gravitationally bound two-body system has
recently been studied in the framework of a proposed impact model of
gravitation \citep{WilDwi}. The result was applied to the free fall of the
so-called Mintrop--Ball in G\"ottingen with the implicit assumption that the
mass distribution of the system is extremely unbalanced. An attempt to
generalize the study to arbitrary mass distributions indicated a conflict with
the energy conservation law in a closed system. This necessitated us to
reconsider an earlier assumption made in selecting a specific process out of
two options \citep{Wiletal}. With the result obtained here we can now make an
educated selection and reverse our choice. The consequences are presented and
discussed in detail for several processes. Energy and momentum conservation
could now be demonstrated in all cases.
