Re: [Phys-L] escape speed

[Todd Pedlar <pedlto01@luther.edu>]

One of the more interesting and important things in an astronomy course
would be to use the concept of escape velocity to determine the
Schwartzschild radius for a black hole.  My general physics students –
usually non-majors, premeds, etc. are always very intrigued to see that
application of Newtonian gravity.

Todd K. Pedlar
Professor of Physics and Physics Department Head
Luther College, Decorah, IA
pedlto01@luther.edu
(563) 387-1628
*Learner | Context | Strategic | Individualization | Achiever*


On Thu, Aug 1, 2024 at 20:20 Anthony Lapinski via Phys-l <
phys-l@mail.phys-l.org> wrote:

> I teach about gravity early on in my high school astronomy course. I
> discuss/derive surface gravity, orbital speed, and escape speed. And then
> we do comparative fractions. I want to add some ideas about
> their importance. I know that gravity affects atmospheres of planets and
> stars, and is used to calculate physical properties of stars. What about
> escape speed? Is it mostly important for space travel? But isn't gravity
> the main factor here?
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