What is the minimum velocity needed for an object to escape into space?

What is the minimum velocity needed for an object to escape into space?

• A. Release velocity
• B. Initial velocity
• C. Exit velocity
• D. Escape velocity

Answer: (D)

The concept of escape velocity refers to the minimum speed that an object must reach to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as Earth, without further propulsion. This velocity is derived from the balance of kinetic and gravitational potential energy, ensuring that the object has enough kinetic energy to counteract the gravitational potential energy as it moves away. To escape a planet's gravitational influence, an object needs to reach this critical speed, after which it will continue to ascend indefinitely, assuming no other forces (like atmospheric drag for a planet with an atmosphere) act upon it. For Earth, this escape velocity is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second. Other terms like release velocity, initial velocity, and exit velocity do not have the specific and precise meaning associated with escape from a gravitational field. Therefore, the term "escape velocity" accurately defines the scenario of leaving a celestial body's gravitational pull and is the correct answer in this context.

The concept of escape velocity refers to the minimum speed that an object must reach to break free from the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as Earth, without further propulsion. This velocity is derived from the balance of kinetic and gravitational potential energy, ensuring that the object has enough kinetic energy to counteract the gravitational potential energy as it moves away.

To escape a planet's gravitational influence, an object needs to reach this critical speed, after which it will continue to ascend indefinitely, assuming no other forces (like atmospheric drag for a planet with an atmosphere) act upon it. For Earth, this escape velocity is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second.

Other terms like release velocity, initial velocity, and exit velocity do not have the specific and precise meaning associated with escape from a gravitational field. Therefore, the term "escape velocity" accurately defines the scenario of leaving a celestial body's gravitational pull and is the correct answer in this context.