Is the Escape Velocity of a 10,500kg Spaceship from Earth Calculated Correctly?

In summary, To calculate the escape velocity of a 10,500kg spaceship from Earth, we use the equation 2GM/R, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of Earth, and R is the radius of Earth. Using the given values for these variables, we can find the escape velocity to be 3.464*10m/s. However, this velocity is not practical for everyday use as it would require a car to drive up hills at extremely high speeds. It is possible that there may have been a small error in the calculation, so it would be helpful to see the equation and numbers used for verification.
  • #1
kubombelar
9
0

Homework Statement

calculate the escape velocity of a 10,500kg spaceship from earth. mass of Earth is 5.98*10kg and radius of the Earth is 6.38*10kg.

elevant equations
2GM/R

The Attempt at a Solution

Using the formula i found escape velocity to be 3.464*10m/s. Is this correct?
 
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  • #2
If it was correct, you would have to be careful driving your car up hills - you could easily go fast enough to escape from the Earth!
That equation has no equal sign so it isn't clear what it is. Can you write it completely and then show the numbers you substituted in? Probably just a small error or two.
 
  • #3


Yes, your calculation of the escape velocity is correct. The formula you used, 2GM/R, is the correct equation for calculating the escape velocity of an object from the surface of a planet. In this case, G represents the gravitational constant, M represents the mass of the planet (in this case, Earth), and R represents the radius of the planet. Plugging in the given values for Earth's mass and radius, and the mass of the spaceship, gives the correct answer of 3.464*10^4 m/s. Good job!
 

What is escape velocity?

Escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as a planet or moon.

How is escape velocity calculated?

Escape velocity is calculated using the formula v = √(2GM/r), where v is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the celestial body, and r is the distance from the center of the celestial body to the object.

What factors affect escape velocity?

The factors that affect escape velocity include the mass and radius of the celestial body, as well as the distance from the center of the body to the object. The escape velocity also depends on the gravitational constant, which is a universal constant.

Why is escape velocity important for space travel?

Escape velocity is important for space travel because it determines the minimum speed required for a spacecraft to leave the gravitational pull of a celestial body and travel into space. Without reaching escape velocity, a spacecraft would not be able to break free from the gravitational pull and travel to other planets or moons.

Can escape velocity be achieved?

Yes, escape velocity can be achieved by spacecrafts through the use of powerful engines and thrusters. However, the amount of energy and fuel required to reach escape velocity depends on the mass and gravitational pull of the celestial body, making it a challenging feat to achieve.

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