Calculadora de Velocidade de Escape
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
Formula
v_e = √(2GM/r)
About this calculator
The Escape Velocity Calculator determines the minimum speed needed for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a celestial body, such as a planet or star. The formula used is v_e = √(2GM/r), where G is the universal gravitational constant, M is the mass of the body, and r is the radius from the body's center. This calculation is fundamental in astrophysics and space engineering.
This tool is useful for students and astronomy enthusiasts who want to understand concepts like black holes, rockets, and orbits. For example, Earth's escape velocity is approximately 11.2 km/s, meaning a rocket must reach this speed to leave the planet without additional propulsion. For other bodies like the Moon or Mars, the values differ.
When using the calculator, enter precise values for the mass and radius of the celestial body. Remember that escape velocity depends only on mass and radius, not on the mass of the escaping object. Be careful with units: use meters and kilograms to get the result in meters per second. The gravitational constant G = 6.67430 × 10⁻¹¹ m³ kg⁻¹ s⁻².
Frequently asked questions
What is escape velocity?
It is the minimum speed an object needs to escape the gravitational pull of a celestial body without additional propulsion.
What is Earth's escape velocity?
Approximately 11.2 km/s, or 11,200 m/s, considering Earth's average radius.
Does escape velocity depend on the object's mass?
No. The formula shows that escape velocity depends only on the mass and radius of the celestial body, not on the mass of the escaping object.
Why is escape velocity higher on larger planets?
Because larger planets generally have greater mass, increasing gravitational pull, requiring higher speed to escape.
What happens if an object reaches exactly escape velocity?
It escapes the gravitational field, but its speed tends to zero as distance tends to infinity. Higher speeds result in excess velocity.