Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
A mass of 6 10²⁴ kg (equivalent to the mass of the earth) is to be compressed into a sphere such that the escape velocity from its surface reaches 3 10^8 m/s . Determine the required radius of the sphere.
Options
- A18 mm
- B4.5 mm
- C9 mm
- D9 cm
Correct answer
C. 9 mm
Step-by-step solution
The escape velocity from the surface of a sphere of mass M and radius R is given by: v_e = 2GM R Rearranging the formula to solve for the radius R : R = 2GM v_e^2 Substituting the given values M = 6 10²⁴ kg , v_e = 3 10^8 m/s , and G = 6.67 10⁻¹¹ N m ^2 /kg ^2 : R = 2 6.67 10⁻¹¹ 6 10²⁴ (3 10^8)^2 R = 80.04 10¹³ 9 10¹⁶ R = 8.89 10⁻³ m R 9 mm