Io, a satellite of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active moon or planet in th

Question

Io, a satellite of Jupiter, is the most volcanically active moon or planet in the solar system. It has volcanoes that send plumes of matter over 500kmhigh (see the accompanying figure). Due to the satellite's small mass, the acceleration due to gravity on Io is only 1.81m/s2 , and Io has no appreciable atmosphere. Assume that there is no variation in gravity over the distance traveled.(Figure 1)

What must be the speed of material just as it leaves the volcano to reach an altitude of 340km ?

If the gravitational potential energy is zero at the surface, what is the potential energy for a 26kg fragment at its maximum height (500km ) on Io?

How much would this gravitational potential energy be if it were at the same height above earth?

Explanation / Answer

a. All the kinetic energy the particle has as it leaves the surface transforms into potential energy when it reaches the highest altitude. So mgh= (mv^2)/2. Therefore, v=sqrt(2gh)

b. the same, mgh...26*1.81*500000

c. mgh, only this time g=9.8 or 10

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.