You can answer the following two questions using the equation for escape velocit

Question

You can answer the following two questions using the equation for escape velocity; ve=(2GM/r)1/2. Use the units given and the Gravitational Constant, G = 6.673 e-11 Nm2/kg2. What is the escape velocity for a 48.0 kilogram mass at the Earth's equator? DATA: Equatorial radius of the Earth 6.378e6 meters; mass of the Earth 5.98e24 kg.

What is the escape velocity for a person standing on the asteroid Gaspra's equator? DATA: Approximate equatorial radius of Gaspra 1.2e4 meters; inferred mass of Gaspra 1.25e16 kg. Of interest: A good pole-vaulter could vault completely off Gaspra; Michael Jordan can only jump at about 5 m/s.

Explanation / Answer

They give you the equation, then they give you all the numbers to plug into the equation. Basically, all you need is a calculator. Let me reiterate:

G = 6.673 e-11 Nm2/kg2
M = 5.98e24 kg
r = 6.378e6 meters

Now plug those three numbers into this equation:

ve=(2GM/r)^1/2

we get Ve= 3.53e3 m/s

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