Escape velocity of solar system projectile

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SUMMARY

The minimum speed required for a projectile to escape the solar system, when fired from Earth, must account for the Earth's orbital velocity around the Sun. The escape velocity formula, given as escape velocity = sqrt[(2G x mass of Sun) / Earth's distance from Sun, 1 AU], applies only when the object is at rest relative to the Sun. Since the Earth is already moving, the projectile must have a speed greater than the calculated escape velocity to account for this motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics and escape velocity concepts
  • Familiarity with the formula for escape velocity
  • Knowledge of Earth's orbital speed around the Sun
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate Earth's orbital speed using the formula for circular motion
  • Explore the implications of relative velocity in gravitational fields
  • Research the concept of escape velocity in multi-body systems
  • Study the effects of initial kinetic energy on escape trajectories
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and gravitational forces, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to escape velocity and orbital dynamics.

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Homework Statement


A projectile is fired from the Earth in the direction of the earth’s motion around
the sun. what minimum speed must the projectile have relative to the Earth to escape the
SOLAR SYSTEM? Ignore the earth’s rotation.


Homework Equations



escape velocity = sqt[(2G x mass of sun) / Earth's distance from sun, 1 AU]

The Attempt at a Solution


is the solution that simple? or did I miss some concepts? I think only the sun's gravitation is considered...

thanks
 
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The expression you have is the escape velocity for an object placed where the Earth is and at rest with respect to the Sun, i.e. has zero kinetic energy relative to the Sun. This is not the case for a projectile fired from the Earth because the Earth is moving relative to the Sun.
 
kuruman said:
The expression you have is the escape velocity for an object placed where the Earth is and at rest with respect to the Sun, i.e. has zero kinetic energy relative to the Sun. This is not the case for a projectile fired from the Earth because the Earth is moving relative to the Sun.

Thanks.. what should i do then? should i add Earth's velocity in its orbit? how exactly will i compute for that? thanks...

i will submit this after 6 hours,, so i really need direct answers.. can't reply anymore.. thanks in advance
 
You don't have to reply if you can't, but we don't give direct answers either. Yes, you need to add the Earth's speed because the projectile is fired in the same direction as the Earth is moving. To find the Earth's speed, consider this: how far does the Earth travel in its orbit in one year?
 
kuruman said:
You don't have to reply if you can't, but we don't give direct answers either. Yes, you need to add the Earth's speed because the projectile is fired in the same direction as the Earth is moving. To find the Earth's speed, consider this: how far does the Earth travel in its orbit in one year?

ok sorry,,

but,, do i really need to add Earth's speed? I need the escape velocity relative to earth..

thanks
 
As I said, the equation that you quoted gives the speed that the projectile must have if it were at rest relative to the Sun. If it were already moving relative to the Sun (as in this case), would it need a higher or lower speed than the equation gives?
 

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