Final answer:
Using the formula for escape velocity with Mars' mass and radius, the escape speed from the surface of Mars is calculated to be approximately 5.02 km/s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The escape speed from the surface of a planet can be determined using the formula √(2GM/R), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the planet, and R is the radius of the planet. The mass (M) of Mars is approximately 6.42 × 10^23 kg, and its radius (R) is roughly 3.40 × 10^6 m. Inserting these values into the formula, we calculate the escape velocity for Mars. After performing the calculation, we find that the escape speed is approximately 5.02 km/s, which is option a).