When calculating escape speed why is v_f =0

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    Escape Speed
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When calculating escape speed, the final velocity (v_f) is set to zero because escape speed represents the minimum velocity needed to break free from a planet's gravitational pull without any remaining kinetic energy. As an object ascends, gravitational force decelerates it, leading to a final speed of zero at an infinite distance from the planet. If the object exceeds escape velocity, it will still have some kinetic energy left after escaping. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding that escape speed is the threshold for gravitational liberation. Overall, the concept hinges on the conservation of mechanical energy and the definition of escape velocity.
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That's all. I am just trying to derive the reason why when using comservation of mechanical energy v_{final} goes to zero?
 
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The escape speed is the minimum speed to just barely make it to infinity with no energy left. So the final speed is zero.
 
Because escape speed is the minimum velocity at distance r=x that the object has to be moving in order to break away from the gravitational pull of a planet at a velocity of 0.

As the object moving at speed V_{initial} moves from r = x to r=\frac{1}{0} the force of Earth's gravity decellerated the object (use equation: F=ma) and this causes the object to, of course, lose speed, the escape velocity therefore is a velocity that puts you JUST out of reach of a planets gravitational field, but fully decellerated, moving faster than the escape velocity will mean that you will have additional, yet reduced speed after escaping the gravitational field.
 
AbedeuS said:
Because escape speed is the minimum velocity at distance r=x that the object has to be moving in order to break away from the gravitational pull of a planet at a velocity of 0.

As the object moving at speed V_{initial} moves from r = x to r=\frac{1}{0} the force of Earth's gravity decellerated the object (use equation: F=ma) and this causes the object to, of course, lose speed, the escape velocity therefore is a velocity that puts you JUST out of reach of a planets gravitational field, but fully decellerated, moving faster than the escape velocity will mean that you will have additional, yet reduced speed after escaping the gravitational field.

Ahhh...yes. I completely overlooked that little word minimum:blushing:...This makes perfect sense..except for the whole r=1/0. I could see it being 1/infinity though.
jedisoccer said:
well escape speed is the minimum speed to break the gravitational pull, so if you look at it like a derivative, the minima will b eequal to 0 where you get Vf is 0
i think

can someone help me with my questions as well?
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=167738
and
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=1449317#post1449317

Patience grasshopper. Someone will surely reply to your posts. Please do not go around hijacking threads.:rolleyes:

Casey
 
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