The Total Energy of an Object at Escape Velocity

  • Thread starter Thread starter aeromat
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Earth Satellite
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
1 reply · 2K views
aeromat
Messages
113
Reaction score
0
Question:
A 460kg satellite is launched into a circular orbit and attains an orbital altitude of 850km above Earth's surface. Calculate the:


e) additional energy and speed required for the satellite to escape.

Attempt:
I found Ek to be 1.27*10^10 J
Thus, the total energy is -1.27*10^10 J
The binding energy is 1.27*10^10 J.

Wouldn't the additonal energy it needs be the binding energy?
The escape speed would be calculated by root of:

v(esc) = root of 2GM/r

But the answer at the back says otherwis.e... :roll:
 
Physics news on Phys.org