What factors affect the calculation of the third cosmic velocity?

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In summary: So,v3=v-(GM'/r)^1/2. This is where you would take the Earth into account and subtract its velocity relative to the sun (v'=v-v'/(GM'/r)). In summary, v3 is the minimum velocity that has to be imparted to a body relative to the Earth's surface to drive it out of the solar system. The rotation of the Earth about its own axis is to be neglected.
  • #1
sapta
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i have a question-
Find approximately the 3rd cosmic velocity v3, i.e. the minimum velocity that has to be imparted to a body relative to the Earth's surface to drive it out of the solar system.The rotation of the Earth about its own axis is to be neglected.

just as we deduce escape velocity,i went for the following equation-


-(GMm)/R -(GM'm)/r +mv3^2/2 =0

or,v3={2GM/R +2GM'/r}^1/2

However,the answer is v3~{2GM/R +(2^0.5-1)^2.GM'/r}^1/2
~17 Km/s [~means approximately;can't get the real sign]

Here,M=earth's mass
M'=Sun's mass
R=earth's radius
r=radius of Earth's orbit.
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this is not a homework.thanking you all in advance :smile:
 
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  • #2
sapta said:
just as we deduce Earth's velocity,i went for the following equation-


-(GMm)/R -(GM'm)/r +mv3^2/2 =0

or,v3={2GM/R +2GM'/r}^1/2
Don't forget that the body is already moving with the earth, so its initial speed is that of the Earth around the sun.
 
  • #3
sapta said:
-(GMm)/R -(GM'm)/r +mv3^2/2 =0

Is the formula for a body, with mass m, in orbit of radius R, about a body of mass M. In order to "deduce Earth's velocity", in orbit around the sun, R would be the radius of Earth's orbit, not "earth's radius"

In any case, this problem has nothing to do with orbiting. An object going "out of the solar system" is not in orbit around either the Earth or the sun.

You can calculate the potential energy difference between an object at Earth's distance from the sun and an object "at infinity". To do that, integrate the gravitational force function [itex]F= \frac{GMm}{r^2}[/itex] from Earth's orbit to infinity. Finally, set the kinetic energy of the object (relative to the sun) equal to that and solve for the speed (relative to the sun).

Doc Al's point is that since you want the speed relative to the earth, you will have to subtract Earth's speed relative to the sun from that.
 
  • #4
HallsofIvy said:
Is the formula for a body, with mass m, in orbit of radius R, about a body of mass M. In order to "deduce Earth's velocity", in orbit around the sun, R would be the radius of Earth's orbit, not "earth's radius"

My mistake :blushing: i meant the escape velocity for a body on Earth.i am going to edit that part :biggrin: Thanks for the help.I will see if I can solve the problem now.
 
  • #5
HallsofIvy said:
Is the formula for a body, with mass m, in orbit of radius R, about a body of mass M. In order to "deduce Earth's velocity", in orbit around the sun, R would be the radius of Earth's orbit, not "earth's radius"

In any case, this problem has nothing to do with orbiting. An object going "out of the solar system" is not in orbit around either the Earth or the sun.

You can calculate the potential energy difference between an object at Earth's distance from the sun and an object "at infinity". To do that, integrate the gravitational force function [itex]F= \frac{GMm}{r^2}[/itex] from Earth's orbit to infinity. Finally, set the kinetic energy of the object (relative to the sun) equal to that and solve for the speed (relative to the sun).

Doc Al's point is that since you want the speed relative to the earth, you will have to subtract Earth's speed relative to the sun from that.


O.K. as you said,I deduced the potential energy difference which is GM'm/r.
So,mv^2/2=GM'm/r -->v=(2GM'/r)^1/2
Therefore,v3=v-(GM'/r)^1/2.
But this is nowhere near the answer.I have not considered any influence of the Earth which is most probably wrong.So,where & how should I take the Earth in account?
 
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  • #6
I am still waiting for an answer
 
  • #7
sapta said:
O.K. as you said,I deduced the potential energy difference which is GM'm/r.
So,mv^2/2=GM'm/r -->v=(2GM'/r)^1/2
Therefore,v3=v-(GM'/r)^1/2.
But this is nowhere near the answer.I have not considered any influence of the Earth which is most probably wrong.So,where & how should I take the Earth in account?

Okay, so far you have determined the velocity with respect to the sun needed to escape from the sun for an object r distant from the sun (v').
You also need to determine how much addtional velocity would be needed to escape from the Earth starting at the Earth's surface(v).

Then you must consider that that Earth is already moving with respect to the Sun, and thus any object that just escapes the Earth will share that velocity and will already be moving at some fraction of v' with respect to the sun.
 

1. What is "third cosmic velocity"?

Third cosmic velocity refers to the minimum speed required for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a massive body, such as a planet or star, and enter into orbit around it. It is also known as escape velocity.

2. How is third cosmic velocity calculated?

The formula for calculating third cosmic velocity is: V = √(2GM/R), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the object, and R is the distance from the center of the object.

3. What is the significance of third cosmic velocity?

Third cosmic velocity is important for space missions and rocket launches. It determines the minimum speed required for a spacecraft to leave the Earth's atmosphere and reach orbit, or to escape the gravitational pull of other celestial bodies.

4. Can third cosmic velocity vary for different objects?

Yes, the third cosmic velocity for an object can vary depending on the mass and radius of the object it is trying to escape from. For example, the escape velocity for Earth is around 11.2 km/s, while the escape velocity for the Moon is only 2.38 km/s.

5. Is third cosmic velocity the same throughout the universe?

No, the third cosmic velocity can vary depending on the gravitational pull of different celestial bodies. It may also change in different regions of the universe where the gravitational forces are different.

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