Which planet has the maximum value of Escape Velocity?
VerifiedAnswer: Jupiter
Explanation:
Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed for an object to completely escape from the gravitational pull of a planet or celestial body. Among all the planets in our solar system, Jupiter has the highest escape velocity at approximately 59.5 kilometers per second (km/s).
The escape velocity depends on two main factors: the mass of the planet and its radius. The formula for escape velocity is v = √(2GM/R), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the planet's mass, and R is its radius. Since escape velocity is directly proportional to the square root of mass and inversely proportional to the square root of radius, planets with greater mass and smaller radius will have higher escape velocities.
Jupiter dominates in this regard because it is by far the most massive planet in our solar system. Its mass is approximately 318 times greater than Earth's mass and more than twice the combined mass of all other planets. This enormous mass creates an incredibly strong gravitational field that requires tremendous speed to overcome.
To put this in perspective, here are the escape velocities of other planets in our solar system: • Earth: 11.2 km/s • Mercury: 4.3 km/s • Venus: 10.4 km/s • Mars: 5.0 km/s • Saturn: 35.5 km/s • Uranus: 21.3 km/s • Neptune: 23.5 km/s
As you can see, Jupiter's escape velocity of 59.5 km/s is significantly higher than any other planet. This high escape velocity is one reason why Jupiter has been able to retain such a thick atmosphere composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, and why it has captured so many moons - currently 95 known moons orbit around this giant planet.
Understanding escape velocity is crucial for space missions. When scientists plan missions to different planets, they must calculate the energy required to escape each planet's gravitational field. This is why missions to Jupiter require much more fuel and energy compared to missions to Mars or Venus. The spacecraft must achieve Jupiter's enormous escape velocity to leave its gravitational influence and return to Earth or continue to other destinations in space.
