What is the Escape Velocity of a Satellite in Orbit?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the escape velocity of a satellite in orbit, given its orbital speed of 7080 m/s. The escape velocity formula is EV = sqrt(2GM/r), but the mass of the planet and the radius are not provided. A participant clarifies that the orbital speed can be expressed as v_o = sqrt(GM/r), leading to the relationship EV = sqrt(2) * v_o. By substituting the given orbital speed, the escape velocity is determined to be approximately 10,000 m/s. This calculation demonstrates the connection between orbital speed and escape velocity in gravitational fields.
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Homework Statement


A satellite is in orbit around a planet with orbital speed determined to be 7080 m/s. Find the escape velocity from the planet from this position of its orbit.


Homework Equations


EV=sqrt(2GM/r)


The Attempt at a Solution


With a problem like this, I would just plug in the mass of the planet and its radius, but they aren't given in the statement, and nor is the satellite's position. It seems like I don't have enough information, but I'm likely missing one relevant formula. I've scanned my notes and can't find a solution - just a push in the right direction would be much appreciated.
 
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The orbital speed is given. How is it related to the radius of the orbit and the mass of the planet?

How would you get the escape velocity from a distance R from the centre of the planet of mass M?

ehild
 
So since the satellite is likely much less massive than the planet it is orbiting, the orbital speed can be written as
v_o=sqrt(GM/r)..
EV = sqrt(2GM/r), so I can rewrite that as sqrt(GM/r) = EV/sqrt(2) and I get
v_o = EV/(sqrt(2)).
I have v_o = 7080, so solving for EV I get EV = sqrt(2)*v_o, or EV = 1.00*10^4. Aannd that's right, thanks for the help!
 
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