Calculating Escape Velocity and Energy Requirements for Ceres

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating escape velocity and energy requirements for the asteroid Ceres, focusing on gravitational field strength, gravitational potential, and the minimum energy needed to escape its surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the gravitational field strength and potential, with one seeking clarification on the energy required for escape and questioning the use of kinetic energy formulas. Others suggest using known equations and integrating force over distance.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct formulas and methods to calculate the minimum energy required to escape Ceres. Some participants provide potential equations, while others express uncertainty about their applicability.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for mass in energy calculations and question whether a standard mass, such as 1 kg, can be used for simplification. There is also a mention of integrating force over distance, indicating a deeper consideration of the problem's requirements.

x-mather
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The asteroid Ceres has mass of 7 times 10 to the power of 20 kg and radius of 550000 m.

a)What is the gravitational field strength at the surface of Ceres? DONE 0.15 N kg to the power of -1

b)What is the gravitational potential at the surface of Ceres?DONE 85 kilo J kg to the power of -1

c)What is the minimum escape velocity from the surface?DONE 410 m s to the power of -1

d)What is the minimum energy required to escape from Ceres? i do not know this part. Could I use a formulae of Kinetik energy? Please help me.
 
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I'm not an expert yet. Therefore I'm not sure of my post.

I think this formula may be helpful:

v2 = 2gh

You have v (= minimum escape velocity) and g (= gravitational field strength).
You can figure out h (= height),

and you already know:
Ep = mgh
E = mv2 / 2

You need mass for calculating energy. Can you use 1 kg mass in the formula? I don't know...
 
Last edited:
The energy required is the energy it takes to go from the surface of the asteroid to infinity. So, unless I'm mistaken, you must integrate the force over that distance.
 
Thank you both.
However, is someone really suru about right formulae?
 

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