rope to space & escape velocity?

Question

if i climded a rope to space i could get to space/orbit w/o ever attaining escape velocity....couldn't I? what does escape velocity refer to then?

Answer 1

Yes, you could get into space at a snails pace. Escape velocity refers to the speed needed so that gravity could never bring you back. Similarly, you could calculate how fast an object must be thrown--neglecting air resistance--to go from sea level to one mile above sea level; however, that does not mean that you have to travel at that speed to get to that elevation--you could walk if you wanted.

Answer 2

Yup!

But what's holding the rope up?

Escape Velocity is v from 1/2*m*v^2 associated with a particular altitude y1, such that the Kinetic Energy the mass has at y1 is equivalent to the Potential Energy between altitude = infinity and y1.

Answer 3

Escape velocity is the velocity you have to have to escape Earth's gravitational field without further force being applied. In your hypothetical situation, you continue to apply force, both to hold you on the rope (overcome gravity) and to propel you further up the rope.

Answer 4

what would the rope be hanging from. Seriouisly