Predict/Explain Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink | StudySoup

Textbook Solutions for Physics

Chapter 12 Problem 46

Question

Predict/Explain Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink to half its current diameter, with its mass remaining constant. (a) Would the escape speed of the Earth increase, decrease, or stay the same? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. Since the radius of the Earth would be smaller, the escape speed would also be smaller. II. The Earth would have the same amount of mass, and hence its escape speed would be unchanged. III. The force of gravity would be much stronger on the surface of the compressed Earth, leading to a greater escape speed.

Solution

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The first step in solving 12 problem number 46 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Predict/Explain Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink to half its current diameter, with its mass remaining constant. (a) Would the escape speed of the Earth increase, decrease, or stay the same? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following: I. Since the radius of the Earth would be smaller, the escape speed would also be smaller. II. The Earth would have the same amount of mass, and hence its escape speed would be unchanged. III. The force of gravity would be much stronger on the surface of the compressed Earth, leading to a greater escape speed.
From the textbook chapter Gravity you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.

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full solution

Title Physics 4 
Author James S. Walker
ISBN 9780321611116

Predict/Explain Suppose the Earth were to suddenly shrink

Chapter 12 textbook questions

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