Given below are two statements:
Statement I : For a planet, if the ratio of mass of the planet to its radius increases, the escape velocity from the planet also increases.
Statement II : Escape velocity is independent of the radius of the planet.
In the light of above statements, choose the most appropriate answer form the options given below
Solution
Statement I suggests that the escape velocity of a planet increases with an increase in the ratio of its mass to its radius. This statement is consistent with the formula for escape velocity, which shows that the escape velocity of a planet is directly proportional to the square root of its mass and inversely proportional to the square root of its radius.
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On the other hand, Statement II suggests that the escape velocity is independent of the radius of the planet. This statement is not consistent with the formula for escape velocity, which clearly shows that the escape velocity is inversely proportional to the square root of the radius of the planet.
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Hence, the most appropriate answer is: Statement I is true, but Statement II is false.
About this question
Subject: Physics · Chapter: Gravitation · Topic: Escape Velocity
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