Escape Velocity for Moon: Is the Equation Wrong?

In summary, the escape velocity for the moon is the minimum speed an object needs to escape its gravitational pull and enter orbit. It is calculated using the equation v = √(2GM/R), where v is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the moon, and R is the radius of the moon. This equation is not wrong, but factors like atmospheric drag and uneven mass distribution can affect the actual escape velocity. The escape velocity for the moon is approximately 2,380 meters per second, which is much lower than Earth's escape velocity due to its lower mass and weaker gravitational pull.
  • #1
eurekameh
210
0
v,escape = (2*mu/r)^(1/2), where mu = G*M. What I'm asking is if this page is wrong about calculating the escape velocity for the moon. They seem to have the equation wrong (missing 2 in front of mu = G*M,moon).

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  • #2
If you study the text closely you'll see that they're calculating the orbital speed for a circular orbit just above the Moon's surface, not the escape speed. Multiply by root two to get the escape speed.
 
  • #3
Ah, somehow missed it. Thanks.
 

Related to Escape Velocity for Moon: Is the Equation Wrong?

1) What is escape velocity for the moon?

The escape velocity for the moon is the minimum speed that an object needs to reach in order to escape the moon's gravitational pull and enter into orbit around the moon.

2) How is escape velocity for the moon calculated?

The equation for calculating escape velocity on the moon is: v = √(2GM/R), where v is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the moon, and R is the radius of the moon.

3) Is the escape velocity equation for the moon wrong?

No, the escape velocity equation for the moon is not wrong. However, there are factors such as atmospheric drag and the uneven distribution of mass on the moon that can affect the actual escape velocity.

4) What is the escape velocity for the moon in meters per second?

The escape velocity for the moon is approximately 2,380 meters per second.

5) How does the escape velocity for the moon compare to the escape velocity for Earth?

The escape velocity for the moon is much lower than the escape velocity for Earth. This is because the moon has less mass and a weaker gravitational pull compared to Earth.

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