Energy needed for pluto to escape earth surface

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the energy required for an object to escape Pluto's surface compared to Earth's. A participant consistently arrives at an answer of 0.011092137, but believes it is incorrect based on external validation. The formula used, (Mp*Re)/(Me*Rp), is debated, with questions raised about its derivation and application. Participants clarify that the original question pertains to energy rather than escape velocity, leading to some confusion. Ultimately, there is agreement on the need to focus on energy calculations rather than velocity ratios.
jperk980
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Calculate the amount of energy required to escape from the surface of the following bodies, relative to that required to escape from the surface of Earth.(a) Pluto

I keep on getting the same answer to be .011092137 but according to the website i am working on that is not correct. I used the mass of Earth to be 5.98e24, mass of Pluto is .002*5.98e24 and the radius's of Earth is 6.378e6 and Pluto is 1.15e6. I understand that (Mp*Re)/(Me*Rp) should be the correct formula.

If you get a different answer please help me achieve the answer you got because i have been trying many different solutions and still have not been able to figure out the question. I have a 5% grace period which all answers within 5% are correct.
Thank you
 
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Your formula looks correct.
 
jperk980 said:
I understand that (Mp*Re)/(Me*Rp) should be the correct formula.
This is the correct formula for what? Ratio of velocities? I don't think so.

Where did you get this expression, and can you derive it? You should be able to, if you want to understand the problem completely. Try doing that, and I think you'll see what you need to do to correct the expression that you gave above. If you're not sure how to do that, just ask.
 
Doc Al said:
Your formula looks correct.
oops. We crossed responses.

Are you sure he's correct? For ratio of escape velocities? KE is proportional to v^2 and PE is proportional to M/R, right? Unless I missed a radical sign somewhere, that's not what I get ... :confused:
 
The question asked for energy, not velocity:
jperk980 said:
Calculate the amount of energy required...
 
In original post the question is about energy, not velocity
jperk980 said:
Calculate the amount of energy required to escape from the surface of the following bodies, relative to that required to escape from the surface of Earth.(a) Pluto
 
aughh! SORRY! I mis-read it, as you've noticed ... and I keep crossing messages.

Never mind me!

(except that I now agree with jperk's original answer)
 

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