2. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is at a distance \(x\) above the surface of the Earth. The Earth exerts a gravitational force on \(P\). This force is directed towards the centre of the Earth. The magnitude of this force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance of \(P\) from the centre of the Earth.
At the surface of the Earth the acceleration due to gravity is \(g\).
The Earth is modelled as a fixed sphere of radius \(R\).
- Show that the magnitude of the gravitational force on \(P\) is \(\frac { m g R ^ { 2 } } { ( x + R ) ^ { 2 } }\)
A particle is released from rest from a point above the surface of the Earth. When the particle is at a distance \(R\) above the surface of the Earth, the particle has speed \(U\).
Air resistance is modelled as being negligible.
- Find, in terms of \(U , g\) and \(R\), the speed of the particle when it strikes the surface of the Earth.
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