Escape vs. Orbital Velocity – Rankers Physics

Gravitational Potential Energy: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): Escape velocity of a satellite is greater than its orbital velocity. Reason (R): Orbit of a satellite is within the gravitational field of planet whereas escaping is beyond the gravitational field of planet.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

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:

Assertion (A) is true: escape velocity \(V_e = \sqrt{2GM/r}\) is \(\sqrt{2}\) times orbital velocity \(V_o = \sqrt{GM/r}\) for a circular orbit.

Reason (R) is false because the gravitational field extends infinitely. Escaping means overcoming the gravitational potential, not leaving the field.

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