What is the energy requirement for traveling from Earth to the Moon?

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The energy required to travel from Earth to the Moon is greater than the energy needed to return, as indicated by the gravitational forces at play. The gravitational pull of Earth is stronger, necessitating more energy to escape its influence. Conversely, traveling back to Earth involves a decrease in potential energy. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding gravitational potential energy differences in space travel. Overall, the consensus is that it takes more energy to launch from Earth to the Moon than to return.
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Homework Statement


The amount of energy required to get a spacecraft from the Earth to the Moon

a. is greater than the energy required to go from the Moon to Earth.
b. is the same as the energy required to go from the Moon to Earth.
c. is less than the energy required to go from the Moon to Earth.


Homework Equations



G= mM/r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


I think the answer is c.
 
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Why?
 
wait, i get it now.

gravitational force is greater on Earth so it would require MORe energy to go from Earth to moon..
answer is A.
 
Yes. Though you are oversimplifying a bit. In going from the Earth to the moon means you are losing energy to the potential energy of the Earth's gravitational field and gaining it from the moon's. Coming back is the reverse. Which potential energy difference is greater?
 

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