Escape Velocity: Unraveling the Mysteries of Kinetic & Potential Energy

In summary, when a planet reaches infinity, its kinetic energy becomes 0 because it has reached the escape velocity. This is the point at which the object is no longer bound by the planet's gravitational pull. When subjected to another planet's gravitational field, the planet's kinetic energy is converted to gravitational potential energy. This is due to the definition of potential energy as the possibility to be converted into kinetic energy.
  • #1
Rachana MN
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Why does a planet's kinetic energy become 0 when it reaches infinity? And why does a planet's kinetic energy get converted to gravitational potential energy when subjected under another planet's gravitational field?
Escape velocity seems very abstract to me!
 
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  • #2
Rachana MN said:
Why does a planet's kinetic energy become 0 when it reaches infinity?
That is the definition of the escape velocity. If the kinetic energy is still positive then the object was faster than the escape velocity, if the object cannot reach infinity then it was slower.
Rachana MN said:
And why does a planet's kinetic energy get converted to gravitational potential energy when subjected under another planet's gravitational field?
That's how the potential energy is defined: the possibility to get converted to kinetic energy.
 

What is escape velocity?

Escape velocity is the minimum speed required for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a planet or other celestial body. It is the speed at which an object will continue to move away from a body without being pulled back by gravity.

How is escape velocity calculated?

The formula for escape velocity is V = √(2GM/r), where V is the escape velocity, G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the celestial body, and r is the distance between the object and the center of the body.

Can escape velocity be achieved on Earth?

Yes, escape velocity can be achieved on Earth, but it would require a speed of approximately 11.2 km/s (6.95 mi/s) at the surface. This is not possible with our current technology, but it is possible for objects like rockets and satellites to reach escape velocity in Earth's atmosphere.

What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy?

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or state. In terms of escape velocity, kinetic energy is the energy an object has to overcome the gravitational pull, while potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position in the gravitational field.

How does escape velocity relate to space travel?

Escape velocity is a crucial concept in space travel as it determines the speed required for a spacecraft to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body and move into space. It also helps scientists and engineers calculate the energy and fuel needed for space missions.

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