The escape velocity of an object is defined when its total mechanical energy (kinetic energy + gravitational potential energy) equals zero. In a gravitational field, objects possess negative potential energy, with the zero point of potential energy set at infinity. To reach infinity, energy must be supplied, resulting in a total energy of zero at that point. At infinity, all kinetic energy is converted to gravitational potential energy, confirming that total energy remains zero across all points in this context.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators explaining gravitational concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of escape velocity and energy conservation in gravitational fields.
truesearch said:masses in a gravitational field have negative potential energy. The zero of potential energy is taken to be at infinity. To get to infinity energy must be supplied therefore objects must have negative potential energy. (if you have to add energy to get to zero...)
The energy supplied must total zero !
truesearch said:In a word...Yes, unless... you know different.
PE is a relative value between two points in space. KE is relative to some (inertial, non-accelerating) frame of reference. GPE is zero at infinity only when it's defined that way. For simple physics problems, GPE is often defined as zero at the surface of the Earth (GPE = m g h).jsmith613 said:all the KE is converted to GPE at infnity, at this inifinity point, GPE is zero