a. Explain what is meant by the gravitational potential at a point.
b. This diagram shows the gravitational potential near a planet of mass M and radius R.

On a copy of the diagram, draw similar curves:
i. For a planet of the same radius but of mass 2M–label this i.
ii. For a planet of the same mass but of radius 2R–label this ii.
c. Use the graphs to explain from which of these three planets it would require the least energy to escape.
d. Venus has a diameter of 12,100 km and a mass of 4.87 × 10²⁴ kg.
Calculate the energy needed to lift one kilogram from the surface of Venus to a space station in orbit 900 km from the surface.

Transcribed Image Text:

r Figure 17.15