What is the minimum velocity required for an object of mass “m” to escape the gravitational pull of a planet of mass “M” and radius “R” from its surface?(a) [(G*M)/R]^1/2(b) [(2*G*M)/R] ^2(c) [(G*M*m)/R]^1/2(d) [(2*G*M)/R]^1/2
The correct option is (d) [(2*G*M)/R]^1/2To explain: If the object’s initial velocity is “v”, from the law of conservation of energy, we have;(m x v^2)/2 = (G x M x m)/Rv^2 = (2 x G x M)/RTherefore; v = [(2 x G x M)/R]^1/2.