Q. A missile is launched with a velocity less than the escape velocity. The sum of its kinetic and potential energy is
A) Positive
B) Negative
C) Zero
D) May be positive or negative depending upon its initial velocity
Explanation
(b) If missile is launched with escape velocity, then it will escape from the gravitational field and at infinity its total energy becomes zero
But if the velocity of projection is less than escape velocity then sum of energies will be negative. This shows that attractive force is working on the missile
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.