Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 13 - Newton's Theory of Gravity - Exercises and Problems - Page 373: 15

Answer

The escape speed is 42.1 km/s.

Work Step by Step

To find the escape speed, we can assume that the speed is zero when the probe is very far away. Also, the gravitational potential energy is zero when the probe is very far away. We can use conservation of energy to find the escape speed. Let $M_s$ be the sun's mass and let $M_p$ be the probe's mass. $K_0+U_0 = K_f+U_f$ $\frac{1}{2}M_pv_0^2-\frac{G~M_s~M_p}{R_0} = 0+0$ $\frac{1}{2}M_pv_0^2=\frac{G~M_s~M_p}{R_0}$ $v_0^2=\frac{2~G~M_s}{R_0}$ $v_0=\sqrt{\frac{2~G~M_s}{R_0}}$ $v_0=\sqrt{\frac{(2)(6.67\times 10^{-11}~m^3/kg~s^2)(1.99\times 10^{30}~kg)}{1.50\times 10^{11}~m}}$ $v_0 = 4.21\times 10^4~m/s$ $v_0 = 42.1~km/s$ With an initial speed of 42.1 km/s, the probe will be able to escape from the solar system. The escape speed is 42.1 km/s.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.