Kinetic energy of space probe launched from planet

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a space probe being launched from a hypothetical planet named Zero, with specific mass and radius values. The focus is on determining the kinetic energy of the probe when it reaches a certain distance from the planet's center, given its initial kinetic energy.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of mechanical energy and the application of gravitational potential energy equations. There are attempts to clarify the values used for distances and the signs of potential energy.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering different formulations of the energy conservation equation. Some have identified potential issues with the values used for distances, particularly the second radius, and are exploring the implications of these values on the calculated kinetic energy.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of gravitational potential energy being negative, which may influence the understanding of the energy equations being used. The problem context includes specific constraints related to the hypothetical planet's characteristics.

1MileCrash
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Homework Statement



Zero, a hypothetical planet, has a mass of 3.0 x 10^23 kg, a radius of 3.0 x 10^6 m, and no atmosphere. A 17 kg space probe is to be launched vertically from its surface.

If the probe is launched with an initial kinetic energy of 5.0 x 10^7 J, what will be its kinetic energy when it is 4.0 x 10^6 m from the center of Zero?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I figure that mechanical energy is conserved, and so

K1 + U1 = K2 + U2

With U given by GmM/r.

So

K_{2} = K_{1} + GmM(r^{-1}_{2} - r^{-1}_{1})

With r1 = 3.0x10^6, and r2 = 3.0x10^6 + 4.0x10^6 = 7.0x10^6

Which gives me the negative value -14794285.71 for K2.

I have no idea what is wrong with the equation I'm using.

Any ideas?
 
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gravitational potential energy is negative

also I think that your r2 is a bit too big
 
Yes, so

K1 - (GmM/r1) = K2 - (GmM/r2)

And

K2 = K1 - (GmM/r1) + (GmM/r2)
K2 = K1 + (GmM/r2) - (GmM/r1)
K2 = K1 + GMm((1/r2)-(1/r1))

Which is what I used..
 
1MileCrash said:
Yes, so

K1 - (GmM/r1) = K2 - (GmM/r2)

And

K2 = K1 - (GmM/r1) + (GmM/r2)
K2 = K1 + (GmM/r2) - (GmM/r1)
K2 = K1 + GMm((1/r2)-(1/r1))

Which is what I used..

I did

K2 = K1 - U1 + U2
K2 = K1 -(U1 - U2)
K2 = K1 -GmM((1/r1) - (1/r2))

and got 21652500 J

I also got the same number when I used your method

I think the problem is your value for r2
 

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