Escape velocity of solar system projectile

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the minimum speed a projectile must have, relative to Earth, to escape the solar system, specifically considering the Earth's motion around the sun. The context is rooted in gravitational physics and escape velocity concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the initial expression for escape velocity and question its applicability when accounting for the Earth's orbital motion. There is a focus on whether the Earth's velocity should be included in the calculations and how to approach that integration.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants seeking clarification on the relationship between the projectile's required speed and the Earth's velocity. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of considering the Earth's motion, but no consensus has been reached on the specific calculations or adjustments needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of ignoring the Earth's rotation and focus solely on its orbital speed. There is a time constraint mentioned, as one participant indicates a deadline for submission.

azwraith69
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
30
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K