Gravitational acceleration on the surface of a planet is where g is the gravitational acceleration on the surface of the earth. The average mass density of the planet is times that of the earth. If the escape speed on the surface of the earth is taken to be 11 km/s, the escape speed on the surface of the planet in km/s will be
Answer:
Or read the worked solution below. Jump to the steps ↓
Written solution
Step 1: Identify the given parameters.
Let the subscripts and denote the Earth and the planet, respectively.
Step 2: Relate escape velocity to surface gravity and radius.
The escape velocity from the surface of a spherical body of mass and radius is given by:
The acceleration due to gravity at the surface is:
Substitute into the escape velocity formula.
Step 3: Express radius in terms of gravity and density.
The mass of a uniform spherical body of density is:
Substitute this mass into the expression for .
Solve for the radius .
Step 4: Determine the proportionality relation for escape velocity.
Substitute the expression for back into the escape velocity formula.
This yields the proportionality relation:
Step 5: Calculate the escape velocity on the planet.
Set up the ratio of the escape velocity of the planet to that of the Earth.
Substitute the given values into the ratio.
Solve for .
Answer: The escape speed on the surface of the planet is .