The escape velocity of an object from the gravitational field of a planet

I. Increases with the mass of the object
II. Increases with the mass of the planet
III. Is smaller on the moon than on the earth. Which of the above statements is/are correct?

killerbeing

1 year ago

The correct answer is D. II and III only.

Here's why:

II. Increases with the mass of the planet: Correct. The escape velocity from a planet's gravitational field increases with the mass of the planet. More massive planets have a stronger gravitational pull, requiring more energy (and thus higher velocity) to escape.

III. Is smaller on the moon than on the earth: Correct. The escape velocity from the moon's surface is approximately 2.38 km/s, while from Earth's surface it's approximately 11.2 km/s. This is because the moon has a much smaller mass than Earth, resulting in a weaker gravitational field.

I. Increases with the mass of the object: Incorrect. The escape velocity from a planet's gravitational field is independent of the object's mass. It only depends on the planet's mass and radius.

So, the correct answer is D. II and III only.

Remember, escape velocity is a property of the planet, not the object trying to escape!