Gravitational Potential Energy: Practice Problem & Solution

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Gravitational Potential Energy. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Escape velocity is given by $v_e = \sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R}}$. When mass becomes $2M$ and radius becomes $R/2$, $v'_e = \sqrt{\frac{2G(2M)}{R/2}} = 2v_e$. Thus, $v'_e = 2 \times 11.2\text{ km/s} = 22.4\text{ km/s}$.