Chapter 14, Problem 19A

How was Pioneer 10 able to escape the solar system with an initial speed less than escape speed?

To determine

To explain: The process of escaping the solar system with an initial speed less than escape speed.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Gravitational pulls helps in increasing/ decreasing the speed of probe.

When Pioneer 10 came within the magnetopause of Jupiter, Probe has lesser speed to cross it. But, using gravitational pull of Jupiter and initial speed combined gathered the velocity to escape solar system and to escape the sun at the gap from Jupiter.

Conclusion: Thus, gravitational pull of Jupiter helped the probe to kick away from the Jupiter and gained additional speed to escape solar system.