Escape speed from Earth is about
A)8 km/s.
B)11.2 km/s.
C)more than 11.2 km/s.
Interestingly, if a stone released at rest at the far edge of the solar system drops to Earth by virtue of only Earth gravity, it will strike Earth's surface with a speed of about
D)8 m/s
E)10 km/s
F)11.2 km/s
G)more than 11.2 km/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The escape speed from Earth is approximately 11.2 km/s. This is the minimum speed needed to break free from Earth's gravitational pull without further propulsion. If a stone is released from the far edge of the solar system and falls towards Earth solely under the influence of Earth's gravity, it will reach a speed of about 11.2 km/s by the time it strikes Earth's surface. This speed is equivalent to the escape velocity, as the energy required to reach Earth from an infinite distance at rest is equal to the energy required to escape Earth's gravity from its surface.

Escape Speed from Earth Is About