Question

A rocket of mass m is to be launched fromplanet X, which has a mass M and a radius R. What is the minimum speed that the rocket must have for it to escape into space?

Answer 1

Answer:

The minimum speed = $\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R} }$

Explanation:

The minimum speed that the rocket must have for it to escape into space is called its escape velocity. If the speed is not attained, the gravitational pull of the planet would pull down the rocket back to its surface. Thus the launch would not be successful.

The minimum speed can be determined by;

                      Escape velocity = $\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R} }$

where: G is the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet X, and R is its radius.

If the appropriate values of the variables are substituted into the expression, the value of the minimum speed required can be determined.