# Third cosmic velocity

sapta
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

~17 Km/s [~means approximately;can't get the real sign]

Here,M=earth's mass
M'=Sun's mass
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this is not a homework.thanking you all in advance

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Mentor
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.

Homework Helper
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 $F= \frac{GMm}{r^2}$ 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.

sapta
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 i meant the escape velocity for a body on Earth.i am going to edit that part Thanks for the help.I will see if I can solve the problem now.

sapta
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 $F= \frac{GMm}{r^2}$ 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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sapta
I am still waiting for an answer

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