Use the numerical data below to compare the escape speeds of Earth and Moon

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Gravitation · Gravitation

Problem

Use the numerical data below to compare the escape speeds of Earth and Moon.

M_{E}=6.0\times10^{24}\,\text{kg}

R_{E}=6.4\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

M_{M}=7.3\times10^{22}\,\text{kg}

R_{M}=1.74\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

G=6.67\times10^{-11}\,\text{N m}^2\!\text{/kg}^2

(a) Calculate the escape speed from the surface of Earth. (b) Calculate the escape speed from the surface of Moon. (c) Find the ratio

v_{\text{esc(Moon)}}/v_{\text{esc(Earth)}}

and briefly state what this ratio suggests about the Moon’s ability to retain an atmosphere.