Can Stone Escape an Asteroid's Gravitational Pull?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of throwing a stone with sufficient energy to escape the gravitational pull of an asteroid. The attempt at a solution involves using the equation v= squre root of (2GM / R) and the given values for the Earth's mass and radius to calculate the required speed for the stone to escape the atmosphere. However, the question is about an asteroid and the density of the asteroid is given. The solution then discusses using the density and volume equation to calculate the radius of the asteroid.
  • #1
imy786
322
0

Homework Statement



Is it possible that you could throw a stone with sufficient energy to cause it to escape the asteroid’s gravitational pull altogether.

Do you think you would be able to throw the stone as fast as this?

Homework Equations



v= squre root of (2GM / R)

where M is mass of the Earth
and
R is the radius of the earth

The Attempt at a Solution



M= 5.98*10^24
R=6.38*10^6
G=6.67*10^-11

after calculation,

v= 11181.966 m/s

this is the speed required...for stone to escape the atmosphere.
So it is not possible.

[is this correct]
 
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  • #2
Your question asks about throwing a stone "with sufficient energy escape the asteroid’s gravitational pull altogether", but your solution references the Earth's mass and radius. Are you sure you are using the correct mass and radius (the Earth is not an asteroid)?
 
  • #3
density of asteroid is 4.0 × 10^3 kg m−3 (given in previous part of the quesiton).

desnisty= mass/volume

v= (4/3)*pi*R ^3...need R to calculate V

4.0 × 10^3 kg m−3 * v = m

using m and r of asteroid..i should be able to calculate escapte velocity .

[is this correct method]
 
  • #4
I would think you should be able to determine the radius of the asteroid based on what you've done in the other parts of this question.
 
  • #5
Radius calculation

can you explain how you calculated the radius of the asteroid?
cheers
ss
 

1. Can a stone escape an asteroid's gravitational pull?

Yes, it is possible for a stone to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull if it has enough velocity. This is known as the escape velocity.

2. 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 asteroid, and R is the distance from the center of the asteroid to the object.

3. Is it common for stones to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull?

No, it is not common for stones to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull. Most of the time, the escape velocity required is too high for a stone to achieve.

4. Can a stone be launched from Earth to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull?

Yes, it is possible for a stone to be launched from Earth with enough velocity to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull. However, this would require a significant amount of energy.

5. What are the implications of a stone escaping an asteroid's gravitational pull?

If a stone were to escape an asteroid's gravitational pull, it would continue on its trajectory through space. This could potentially lead to collisions with other objects or planets in the future.

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