Using Newton's law of gravitation, derive a suitable formula for the escape velocity of an object at Earth's surface.

Newton's law of gravitation is;
F = GMm/(r2)
Where G is the Universal Gravitational constant, M is the mass of Earth, m is the mass of the object and r is the radius of Earth (no values are needed for this as we are simply deriving a formula, not working out a solution)
We can equate this force to the centripetal force experienced by an object at Earth's surface. This is because the centripetal force is what keeps an object in circular motion, acting towards the centre of the circle. It can be thought of as the force pulling us in toward the centre of the Earth, which we know is gravity so therefore is the same as the force given in Newtons law.
F = m(v2)/r (centripetal force)
Therefore;
GMm/(r2) = m(v2)/r
Dividing by m and multiplying by r
GM/r = (v2)
v = (GM/r)1/2where v is the escape velocity

CM
Answered by Charlie M. Physics tutor

5183 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how emission spectra are formed and how they can be used to identify the elemental composition of a star.


Name an experiment proving that light is wave and one that is proving that light consists of particles.


What path would a charge moving in the x-y plane track, in the presence of a uniform magnetic field out of the page?


What is gravitational potential and how can gravitational potential energy be used to estimate the escape velocity of a planet of mass m and radius r?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences