Does the escape speed of a body from the Earth depend on:
$(a)$ the mass of the body,
$(b)$ the location from where it is projected,
$(c)$ the direction of projection,
$(d)$ the height of the location from where the body is launched?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(D) No.
$(b)$ No.
$(c)$ No.
$(d)$ Yes.
The escape velocity $v_{esc}$ of a body from the Earth is given by the formula:
$v_{esc} = \sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R+h}}$
where $G$ is the gravitational constant,$M$ is the mass of the Earth,$R$ is the radius of the Earth,and $h$ is the height of the location from the surface.
$1$. It is clear from the formula that $v_{esc}$ is independent of the mass of the body $(m)$.
$2$. It is independent of the direction of projection as long as it is not directed into the Earth.
$3$. It depends on the location $(R+h)$ from where the body is launched. As the height $h$ increases,the escape velocity decreases.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ body is projected vertically upwards from the surface of the earth with a velocity equal to half the escape velocity. If $R$ is the radius of the earth,the maximum height attained by the body from the surface of the earth is

If $V, R$ and $g$ denote respectively the escape velocity from the surface of the earth,the radius of the earth,and the acceleration due to gravity,then the correct equation is:

The ratio of the radii of two planets is $r$ and the ratio of accelerations due to gravity on the planets is $x$. Then the ratio of the escape velocities from the planets is

Earth has mass $8$ times and radius $2$ times that of a planet. If the escape velocity from the Earth is $11.2 \ km/s$,the escape velocity in $km/s$ from the planet will be:

$A$ rocket is launched straight up from the surface of the earth. When its altitude is one-fourth of the radius of the earth,its fuel runs out and it coasts. What is the minimum velocity the rocket must have when it starts to coast if it is to escape from the gravitational pull of the earth? (Escape velocity on the surface of the earth is $11.2 \ km/s$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo