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General Science • PhysicsEasy

What is the escape velocity of a body from the surface of the Earth approximately?

A. 9.8 km/s
B. 11.2 km/s✓ Correct Answer
C. 3.0 km/s
D. 42.1 km/s

💡 Solution & Explanation

The escape velocity from the surface of the Earth is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second, which is the minimum speed an object requires to break free from planetary gravitational attraction without further propulsion. A lesser velocity like 9.8 kilometers per second merely equals the standard acceleration due to gravity, whereas higher values apply to more massive celestial bodies like Jupiter or the Sun. This physical constant is derived using the law of conservation of energy by equating kinetic energy to gravitational potential energy. Space launch vehicles must achieve this threshold velocity to successfully insert probes into interplanetary trajectories.

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