Escape Velocity (from surface of the Earth)

In summary, the question asks for the escape velocity of a satellite with a mass of 5.00x10^2 kg initially in a circular orbit with a radius of 2re around Earth, when it is then moved to a circular orbit with a radius of 3re. The calculated escape velocity is 11182.966 m/s, which is confirmed to be in the correct range.
  • #1
Tyyoung
7
0

Homework Statement



A satellite with a mass of 5.00x10^2 kg is in a circular orbit, whose radius is 2re, around Earth. Then it is moved to a circular orbit with a radius of 3re.

e) Calculate the escape velocity for the satellite if it is on Earths surface.

Homework Equations



Vesc = Sq.root of 2GMp/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Vesc = Sq.root of 2(6.67x10^-11)(5.98x10^24)/6.38x10^6

Vesc = Sq.root of 125036363.6
Vesc = 11182.966 m/s
Therefore the velocity of the satellite must be > 11182.966 m/s

I must of done something wrong because 11000m/s seems way to fast! Plz help.
Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
I think that the escape velocity of the Earth in the km/s range. So that should be correct.
 
  • #3
Use google to check ;] your answer is correct
 

Related to Escape Velocity (from surface of the Earth)

1. What is escape velocity and why is it important?

Escape velocity is the speed at which an object needs to travel in order to break free from the gravitational pull of a planet or other celestial body. It is important because it determines whether an object can achieve a stable orbit around a planet or if it will continue to travel away from the planet.

2. How is escape velocity calculated?

The formula for escape velocity is v = √(2GM/r), where v is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and r is the distance from the center of the planet to the object's starting point.

3. What is the escape velocity from the surface of the Earth?

The escape velocity from the surface of the Earth is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second, or 25,000 miles per hour. This means that in order for an object to leave Earth's gravitational pull and travel into space, it would need to reach this speed.

4. Can escape velocity vary on different planets?

Yes, the escape velocity on different planets can vary depending on their mass and radius. For example, the escape velocity from the surface of the Moon is only 2.4 kilometers per second, while the escape velocity from the surface of Jupiter is 59.5 kilometers per second.

5. How does escape velocity relate to the launch of spacecrafts?

Escape velocity is an important factor to consider when launching spacecrafts from Earth. In order for a spacecraft to successfully leave Earth's orbit, it needs to reach a speed of at least 11.2 kilometers per second. This is why rockets are used to provide the necessary thrust and acceleration to achieve this speed.

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