A satellite of mass m is orbiting Earth in a stable circular orbit of radius R. The mass and radius of Earth are ME and RE , respectively. Express the answers to the first parts in terms of m, R, ME , RE , and physical constants, as appropriate. Derive an expression for the speed of the satellite in its orbit Derive an expression for the total mechanical energy of the satellite-Earth system in its orbit Derive an expression for the period of the satellite’s orbit
A satellite of mass m is orbiting Earth in a stable circular orbit of radius R. The mass and radius of Earth are ME and RE , respectively.
Express the answers to the first parts in terms of m, R, ME , RE , and physical constants, as appropriate.
- Derive an expression for the speed of the satellite in its orbit
- Derive an expression for the total mechanical energy of the satellite-Earth system in its orbit
- Derive an expression for the period of the satellite’s orbit
The satellite is replaced with a similar satellite that has twice the mass. The new satellite is placed into the same orbit as the original satellite.
- Is the new satellite’s orbital speed greater than, less than, or equal to the original satellite’s orbital speed? Why?
The original satellite can be placed in many different circular orbits of radius r.
- On the axes, sketch a graph of the mechanical energy E of the satellite-Earth system as a function of the orbital radius r. (attached as photo1)
The satellite is traveling with speed v in the original orbit as shown by the dashed line in the figure. The satellite then collides with a small meteorite. The speed of the satellite is reduced to half its current value.
- On the figure (provided as photo2), sketch the path the satellite will follow after the collision with the meteorite.
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