Escape Velocity Definition, Formula and Derivation
The escape velocity in physics is the minimum speed required for an object to break free from the gravitational pull of a planet or celestial body without further propulsion.

What Is Escape Velocity?
Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object must have to escape the gravitational field of a planet (like Earth) without additional propulsion after launch.
Derivation of the Formula
Consider an object of mass m at the surface of a planet of mass M and radius R.
To escape gravity, the kinetic energy must equal the gravitational potential energy:
Initial Kinetic Energy = Final Gravitational Potential Energy
½ mv² = GMm / R
(where G is the gravitational constant)
Cancel m from both sides:
v² = 2GM / R
∴ v = √(2GM / R), which is the escape velocity.
Escape velocity does not depend on the mass of the object being launched — only on the mass and radius of the planet.
Escape Velocity Definition, Formula and Derivation
Keywords
escape velocity in physics, definition of escape velocity, formula for escape velocity, √(2GM/R), gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy, Class 11 physics, Class 12 physics, NEB physics, SEE physics, CTEVT physics, gravitational field, physics derivation, exam notes
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escape velocity, gravitational physics, mechanics, planetary motion, Class 11, Class 12, physics notes, exam question, derivation, gravitational potential, aklearningnepal, education,Escape Velocity Definition, Formula and Derivation
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Escape Velocity Definition, Formula and Derivation