Gravitational Fields

Question 1

How do you calculate the escape velocity of an object on Earth?

Answer 1

v = √(2GM/r)

Question 2

How do you derive the escape velocity of an object?

Answer 2

1/2mv² = Fd
1/2mv² = (GMm/r²)(r)
1/2v² = GM/r
v = √(2GM/r)

Question 3

Define the gravitational potential energy of an object?

Answer 3

The energy required to move an object from infinity to a point in space.

Question 4

Define the gravitational potential of an object?

Answer 4

The energy per unit of mass required to move an object from infinity to a point.