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Question
Can you hit a golfball into orbit on the moon?
Asked by: Eric
Answer
The escape velocity of an object from the surface of any planet, moon or star is:
V=((2*G*M)/R)(1/2)
Where G is the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass, and R is the radius of
the planet, moon or star.
G=6.673 x 10-11Nm/kg2
Mass of the moon = 7.36 x 1022kg
Mean radius of the moon = 1.74 x 106m
The escape velocity from the surface of the moon is approximately 2380 m/s.
In conclusion I think it is obvious to the most casual observer that it is not possible
for a human to drive a golf ball at these speeds. No, you cannot hit a golf ball into
orbit on the moon.
Answered by: Fred Cordova, None, Junior Math/Mech Engr Student, Walla Walla College
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