The escape speed needed for an object to leave the earth permanently
A) depends on its mass.
B) is less than the minimum speed it needs to become an earth satellite.
C) is equal to the minimum speed it needs to become an earth satellite.
D) is more than the minimum speed it needs to become an earth satellite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The escape speed is the minimum speed an object needs to leave the gravitational influence of the earth permanently. It is greater than the minimum speed needed to become a satellite because a satellite is still under the influence of the earth's gravity. The escape speed is not dependent on the object's mass, so option A is incorrect. Option B is incorrect because the escape speed is always greater than the minimum speed for achieving orbit.

The Escape Speed Needed for an Object to Leave the Earth