Rocket Escape Velocity from the Earth-Sun system

In summary, when making the energy-conservation equation for the second step, it is important to know the exact position of the rocket after it is freed from Earth gravitation. This occurs at infinity measured from the Earth, but this distance may be negligible when measured from the Sun due to the Earth's smaller mass. Alternatively, one can add the gravitational potential energy of the rocket in the fields of both the Earth and the Sun, as the potential energy is additive. This can be done in one step, even though the physical thrusting may occur at the same time from both bodies.
  • #1
Rikudo
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Homework Statement
Earth with mass m orbits the sun (mass M) in circular path (radius R) with velocity v. If a rocket is launched from the earth,find the initial velocity that is needed so that it could leave the solar system (free from both the sun's and earth's gravity).

Note-
this process undergoes two independent steps: free from the earth's gravity, and then free from the sun's gravity.
Relevant Equations
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I have a difficulty when making the energy-conservation-equation for the second step.

When making the equation, we need to know the exact position (measured from the sun) of the rocket after it is freed from the Earth gravitation.

But, where exactly does the rocket free from Earth gravitation? All I know is that this happens at infinity (measured from the earth).

Does this "infinity" negligible if we measure it from the sun? Why?
 
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  • #2
The Earth's mass is much smaller than the Sun, so you could approximate a long way from Earth as still a distance ##R## from the Sun.
 
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  • #3
Alternately, one could realize that gravitational potential energy is additive. If you add the gravitational potential energy of the rocket in the field of the Earth to the gravitational potential energy of the rocket in the field of the Sun the result is the gravitational potential energy of the rocket in the field of the Sun and Earth combined.

So you can do the calculations in two separate steps and add the results together. But there is no need to do the physical thrusting in two distinct steps. You are actually escaping from both bodies at the same time.
 
  • #4
In addition to what has already been mentioned regarding adding two speed delta's being a reasonable approximation, you should also remember to consider that the Earth already moves relative to the Sun.
 

FAQ: Rocket Escape Velocity from the Earth-Sun system

1. What is rocket escape velocity?

Rocket escape velocity is the minimum speed that a rocket must reach in order to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as the Earth or the Sun. It is the speed at which the rocket's kinetic energy is equal to the gravitational potential energy of the body it is trying to escape from.

2. How is rocket escape velocity calculated?

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

3. What is the escape velocity from the Earth-Sun system?

The escape velocity from the Earth-Sun system is approximately 42.1 km/s, or 93,970 mph. This means that a rocket must reach this speed in order to escape the gravitational pull of the Sun and leave the Earth's orbit.

4. Can the escape velocity vary depending on the rocket's direction?

Yes, the escape velocity can vary depending on the direction of the rocket's motion. This is because the gravitational force between two bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun, is a vector quantity and its direction can affect the rocket's velocity.

5. How does the escape velocity affect space travel?

The escape velocity plays a crucial role in space travel as it determines the amount of energy and fuel needed for a rocket to leave a celestial body's gravitational pull. A higher escape velocity requires more energy and fuel, making it more challenging and costly for space missions to leave a particular body's orbit.

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