Satellites orbit the Earth. But how do spacecraft break free of the
Earth's gravitational pull? If its speed is fast enough, inertia
overcomes gravity and the spacecraft can break free of orbit. This
speed is known as escape velocity. It is the minimum speed needed
to escape the gravitational field of a particular body. It has been
calculated that if an object is launched upward at 25,128 miles per
hour (6.98 miles per second) it will escape the gravitational force of
Earth and never fall back. This speed, 25,128 miles per hour, is Earth's
escape velocity.
5. What would happen to a rocket traveling 24,000 miles per hour?
A. It would eventually fall back to Earth.
B. It would enter into satellite orbit around Earth.
C. It would escape into outer space.