# Energy needed for a velocity change?

• Mecia22
In summary, the conversation discusses determining the energy required to change the velocity of a spaceship from its current speed to the escape speed from the sun. The solution involves calculating the difference in kinetic energy and accounting for any change in potential energy due to a change in position. The keyword to keep in mind is "change" in both cases.
Mecia22

## Homework Statement

I figured out the escape speed from the sun, and the speed the spaceship was already going. So how much energy would that velocity take?

## The Attempt at a Solution

This is how I did it:
E=(1/2mv(escape speed)^2-1/2m27777(current speed)^2)+Gm1m2/rSo did I do that right?

Last edited:
It is unclear what you are trying to determine.

The energy required to change velocity does not depend on the distance from the Sun. It is merely the difference between the kinetic energies at the two velocities.

However, if you also change the position, there is a change in the potential energy, and that must be accounted for.

The keyword is "change" in both cases.

## 1. How is energy related to velocity change?

Energy is directly proportional to velocity change. This means that the more the velocity changes, the more energy is needed.

## 2. What is the unit of measurement for energy needed for a velocity change?

The unit of measurement for energy is joules (J). This is the same unit used for work and heat.

## 3. How does mass affect the energy needed for a velocity change?

The more mass an object has, the more energy is needed to change its velocity. This is because it takes more force to accelerate a heavier object compared to a lighter one.

## 4. Can the energy needed for a velocity change ever be negative?

No, the energy needed for a velocity change can never be negative. It always requires a certain amount of energy to change the velocity of an object, regardless of the direction of the change.

## 5. Are there any other factors besides mass and velocity that affect the energy needed for a velocity change?

Yes, other factors such as friction, air resistance, and external forces can also affect the energy needed for a velocity change. These factors can either increase or decrease the amount of energy required.

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