Why is the Kinetic Energy 0 at an infinite distance away from a point?

In summary, the concept of escape velocity relates the initial mechanical energy of an object to its final mechanical energy at an infinite distance. This is because, at this distance, both the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy of the object approach 0. When an object is moving with a velocity higher than escape velocity, it will continue to move away from the gravitational pull of a larger body. The kinetic energy of the object at this point is equal to 0 because it has reached the point where it is no longer affected by the gravitational force.
  • #1
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Homework Statement
Explain why the kinetic energy is 0 at an infinite distance
Relevant Equations
Newton's law of gravitation, Law of Conservation of Energy, Gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy
Hello! I'm trying to understand the concept of escape velocity, and I know you equate the initial mechanical energy to the final mechanical energy, where the final mechanical energy is at a distance of infinity. I know that the gravitational potential energy approaches 0 as the distance r gets infinitely large, but how in the heck is kinetic energy also equal to 0 at at an infinitely large distance? Sorry if this is a really rudimentary question and I'm just being stupid, but the explain would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
What is the definition of escape velocity? What happens when an object is moving with a velocity higher than escape velocity?

Your problem statement is incomplete. It should read "Explain why the kinetic energy is 0 at an infinite distance when the object is moving at the escape velocity".
 

1. Why is the kinetic energy 0 at an infinite distance away from a point?

The kinetic energy of an object is the energy it possesses due to its motion. At an infinite distance away from a point, the object has no motion and therefore no kinetic energy.

2. Is there a mathematical explanation for why kinetic energy is 0 at an infinite distance?

Yes, according to the formula for kinetic energy, which is KE = 1/2 * m * v^2, when the velocity (v) of an object is 0, the kinetic energy (KE) will also be 0. This applies to an object at an infinite distance away from a point since it has no velocity.

3. What is the significance of kinetic energy being 0 at an infinite distance?

This concept is important in understanding the conservation of energy. As an object moves away from a point, its kinetic energy decreases and is converted into potential energy. At an infinite distance, all of the object's kinetic energy has been converted into potential energy.

4. Can kinetic energy ever be negative at an infinite distance?

No, kinetic energy cannot be negative at any distance. It is a measure of an object's energy due to its motion, so it cannot have a negative value. At an infinite distance, the kinetic energy is simply 0.

5. Does the mass of an object affect its kinetic energy at an infinite distance?

Yes, the mass of an object does affect its kinetic energy at an infinite distance. According to the formula for kinetic energy, a larger mass (m) will result in a greater kinetic energy at any distance, including an infinite distance.

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