Energy needed for a velocity change?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy required for a velocity change of a spaceship relative to the Sun. The correct formula to use is the difference in kinetic energy between the escape speed and the current speed, expressed as E = (1/2 m v(escape speed)^2 - 1/2 m v(current speed)^2). Additionally, potential energy changes must be considered when altering the position of the spaceship, emphasizing the importance of both kinetic and potential energy in energy calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy equations
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy concepts
  • Basic knowledge of physics principles related to velocity and energy
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of kinetic energy and its formula
  • Learn about gravitational potential energy and its implications in space travel
  • Explore the concept of escape velocity in astrophysics
  • Investigate energy conservation in mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of space travel and energy calculations.

Mecia22
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I figured out the escape speed from the sun, and the speed the spaceship was already going. So how much energy would that velocity take?

The Attempt at a Solution


This is how I did it:
E=(1/2mv(escape speed)^2-1/2m27777(current speed)^2)+Gm1m2/rSo did I do that right?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
It is unclear what you are trying to determine.

The energy required to change velocity does not depend on the distance from the Sun. It is merely the difference between the kinetic energies at the two velocities.

However, if you also change the position, there is a change in the potential energy, and that must be accounted for.

The keyword is "change" in both cases.
 

Similar threads

Velocity required to escape the solar system
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Resistance force changing the velocity of an object
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Finding r of a Jovian-synchronous orbit and escape velocity
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Change in speed of satellite
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Help finding the change in potential energy in this problem
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Speed of ball on pendulum with Mechanical Energy
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Potential Energy - 2D inelastic collision - ballistic pendulum
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Energy of particle in simple harmonic motion
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
1K
Finding kinetic energy and initial velocity of a cart over time
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Hohmann transfer ellipse to Mars orbit from LEO
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K