D.1.13 (HL)—Escape speed Topic Practice
D.1.13 (HL)—Escape speed Topic Practice
Practise defining escape speed and using energy arguments to decide escape, compare planets, and find maximum height when speed is insufficient.
How this is tested
- apply v_esc = √(2GM/R) or √(2gR) to compare planets from mass, radius or density ratios
- use total energy at launch to decide if a projectile escapes, or to calculate the greatest height reached
- state escape speed precisely as the minimum speed at a planet’s surface to reach infinity