Will an object moving at a constant motion

In summary, the minimum speed required to launch an object into orbit is around 11km/s due to the constant acceleration of gravity and air resistance. However, if the object has its own means of propulsion, it will not go into orbit and will continue to move further away from the Earth. The speed needed for an object to escape Earth's gravitational pull is also around 11km/s.
  • #1
noexit1982
1
0
If an object moving at a constant speed be launched into orbit? Irregardless of what that speed is and time not being a factor.
 
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  • #2
A constant speed requires a constant force to push the object. However, gravity is pulling the object down at a constant acceleration of 9.8m/s^2, and of course air resistance.

The minimum speed to get an object out of the Earth's atmosphere is around 11km/s, according to 0.5mv^2 = GmM/R.
 
  • #3
A constant speed requires a constant force to push the object. However, gravity is pulling the object down at a constant acceleration of 9.8m/s^2, and of course air resistance.
Actually, since the force of gravity is inversely proportional to the distance r between the center of the Earth and the object, and since the density of the atmosphere also decreases as the distance from Earth increases, a decreasing force will propel an object at a constant speed.

The minimum speed to get an object out of the Earth's atmosphere is around 11km/s, according to 0.5mv^2 = GmM/R.
That's the speed an object must have at (or very close to) the surface of the earth in order to escape Earth's gravitational pull, assuming that no force other than gravity (i.e. no air resistance, no propulsion) acts on the object after it has reached that speed.

If an object moves at constant speed, meaning that it has some means of self-propulsion, it will not go into orbit. It will just keep moving further and further away from the earth.
 
  • #4
Depends on the aerodyamic drag that occurs until the object gets past the atmosphere, but yes, if the initial speed is high enough, then the object will go into orbit (assuming it doesn't burn up while traveling through the atmosphere).
 

1. What is constant motion?

Constant motion refers to an object moving at a steady rate without any change in its speed or direction.

2. Can an object maintain constant motion forever?

In theory, yes. However, in reality, there will always be some external forces acting on the object that may cause it to slow down or change direction.

3. How is constant motion different from uniform motion?

Uniform motion refers to an object moving at a constant speed in a straight line, while constant motion can include changes in direction as long as the speed remains constant.

4. What is the equation for calculating constant motion?

The equation for calculating constant motion is velocity = distance/time.

5. Can an object be in constant motion while also accelerating?

No, because acceleration involves a change in speed or direction, which would break the condition of constant motion.

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