Question

For a satellite escape velocity from the earth is 11.2 km/s. If a body is to be projected in a direction making an angle 45° to the vertical, then what is the escape velocity?

(a) 11.2×2km/s

(b) 11.2km/s

(c) 11.2×√2km/s

(d) 11.2/√2km/s

The question was asked in class test.

This intriguing question originated from Mass and Density of the Earth in division Mechanical Properties of Solids of Engineering Physics I

Answer 1

The correct option is (b) 11.2km/s

The explanation: Escape velocity does not depend on the angle of the projection of the body from the earth’s surface. Therefore v = 11.2 km/s.