Escape Velocity A body of constant mass m is projected away from the earth in a direction perpendicular to the earth’s surface with an initial velocity v0. Assuming that there is no air resistance, but taking into account the variation of the earth’s gravitational field with distance, find an expression for the velocity during the ensuing motion. Also find the initial velocity that is required to lift the body to a given maximum altitude Amax above the surface of the earth, and find the least initial velocity for which the body will not return to the earth; the latter is the escape velocity.

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Escape Velocity

A body of constant mass m is projected away from the earth in a direction perpendicular to the earth’s surface with an initial velocity v0. Assuming that there is no air resistance, but taking into account the variation of the earth’s gravitational field with distance, find an expression for the velocity during the ensuing motion. Also find the initial velocity that is required to lift the body to a given maximum altitude Amax above the surface of the earth, and find the least initial velocity for which the body will not return to the earth; the latter is the escape velocity.

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