A particle of mass m is thrown upwards from the surface of the earth, with a velocity u. The mass and the radius of the earth are, respectively, M and R. G is gravitational constant and g is acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the earth. The minimum value of u so that the particle does not return back to earth, is
- 2GMR2
- 2GMR
- 2gMR2
- 2gR2
Answer
(2) 2GMR
Solution
The particle does not return if its total energy is at least zero (escape speed).
12mu2 - GMmR = 0
u = 2GMR (also = 2gR)
Answer: (2)