Find an expression for the escape velocity of a test object.

Escape velocity is the velocity required to just escape the gravitational pull of a body. The gravitational force of a body is given by Newtons Law:
F = GMm / r2 (where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the body, m is the mass of the test object and r is the distance from the centre of the body to the centre of the test object)
So, the velocity of the test object you want to remove from the field needs to be enough so that the centripetal force is the same as the gravitational force. The centripetal force is given by:
F = mv2 / r (where v is the linear velocity of the test object)
So, to calculate the expression for the escape velocity: equate the two equations and rearrange to make v the subject.
GMm/r2 = mv2/r
GM/r = v2
So,
v = (GM/r)1/2

CN
Answered by Ciara N. Physics tutor

2461 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

By referencing the magnetic field and the alternating potential difference explain how a cyclotron produces a beam of high speed particles.


A sample of pure gold has a density of 19300 kgm^-3. If the density of a gold nucleus is 1.47x10^17Kgm^-3, discuss what this implies about the structure of the gold atom. [4 marks]


How does one calculate centripetal force?


What is the definition of a moment?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning