2. A particle \(P\) of mass \(m\) is fired vertically upwards from a point on the surface of the Earth and initially moves in a straight line directly away from the centre of the Earth. When \(P\) is at a distance \(x\) from the centre of the Earth, the gravitational force exerted by the Earth on \(P\) is directed towards the centre of the Earth and has magnitude \(\frac { k } { x ^ { 2 } }\), where \(k\) is a constant. At the surface of the Earth the acceleration due to gravity is \(g\). The Earth is modelled as a fixed sphere of radius \(R\).

1. Show that \(k = m g R ^ { 2 }\). When \(P\) is at a height \(\frac { R } { 4 }\) above the surface of the Earth, the speed of \(P\) is \(\sqrt { \frac { g R } { 2 } }\) Given that air resistance can be ignored,
2. find, in terms of \(R\), the greatest distance from the centre of the Earth reached by \(P\).