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bcjochim07
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Homework Statement
A rocket is launched straight up from the Earth's surface at a speed of 15,000 m/s. What is its speed when it is very far away from earth?
Homework Equations
K=.5mv^2
U=-GMm/R
The Attempt at a Solution
Is this correct: I used conservation of energy and assumed very far was where U=0
(.5)(m)(15000m/s)^2 + -[(6.67*10^-11)(5.98*10^24)m]/[6.37*10^6m)=.5mv^2
v=9988 m/s
Also could someone explain to me why potential energy decreases with increasing height in this case as opposed to increasing U by lifting an object above the ground on earth.
Thanks