Find an expression for the escape velocity of a test object.

Escape velocity is the velocity required to just escape the gravitational pull of a body. The gravitational force of a body is given by Newtons Law:
F = GMm / r2 (where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the body, m is the mass of the test object and r is the distance from the centre of the body to the centre of the test object)
So, the velocity of the test object you want to remove from the field needs to be enough so that the centripetal force is the same as the gravitational force. The centripetal force is given by:
F = mv2 / r (where v is the linear velocity of the test object)
So, to calculate the expression for the escape velocity: equate the two equations and rearrange to make v the subject.
GMm/r2 = mv2/r
GM/r = v2
So,
v = (GM/r)1/2

Answered by Ciara N. Physics tutor

1860 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by a uniform electric field?


what is a standing wave and how is it formed ?


What is a moment?


Calculate the root mean squared speed for 16g of oxygen gas at 50(deg Celsius) and explain why we use this instead of the average velocity of all the particles.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences