Escape velocity
What Escape velocity means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Escape velocity
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Escape velocity in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
The minimum speed a projectile needs at the surface of a mass M to escape its gravitational field and reach infinity with zero kinetic energy.
The minimum launch speed needed for a projectile to leave a planet or moon without further propulsion and never fall back.
The minimum velocity required for an object to escape a gravitational field to infinity with zero kinetic energy remaining.
Topics that use Escape velocity
- Orbits of planets and satellites (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Gravitational potential and energy (OCR A-Level)
- Point and spherical masses (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Geostationary orbit
- Gravitational potential
- Gravitational potential energy
- Critical damping
- Direction of gravitational force
- Energy condition for escape
- Field
- Field strength and line spacing
Using Escape velocity in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge