The escape velocity from the surface of the Earth is approximately:

1. Escape velocity $v_{esc} = \sqrt{2gR}$ for the Earth. 2. Substitute $g = 9.8$ m/s$^2$ and $R = 6.4\times10^6$ m. 3. $v_{esc} = \sqrt{2\times9.8\times6.4\times10^6} = \sqrt{1.2544\times10^8}$. 4. This equals about $1.12\times10^4$ m/s $= 11.2$ km/s. 5. 2.37 km/s is the Moon's escape velocity, so it is the trap. _Source: Balbharati (Maharashtra Board) Class 10 Science & Technology, Ch 1 "Gravitation", p.23_