A Space Vehicle Is Orbiting Earth in a Circular Orbit

question 42

Multiple Choice

A space vehicle is orbiting Earth in a circular orbit with a radius of 10,300,000 m. What is the minimum increase in speed that is needed for the vehicle to escape Earth's gravitational field? The mass of Earth is 5.97 × 10²⁴ kg and G = 6.67 x 10^-11 N·m²/kg².

• A) 6220 m/s
• B) 2580 m/s
• C) 3110 m/s
• D) 2840 m/s
• E) 7440 m/s