Questions 3 and 4 below refer to the universal gravitational potential energy function U(r) for a planet with mass M and radius R, which is shown in the figure below. R 3. If a projectile is launched from the surface of the planet with a speed equal to the planets escape speed, how much mechanical energy does it have when it reaches a distance r = ∞o? U(r) I Distance from center of planet, r

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**Questions 3 and 4 below refer to the universal gravitational potential energy function \( U(r) \) for a planet with mass \( M \) and radius \( R \), which is shown in the figure below.**

**3.**
If a projectile is launched from the surface of the planet with a speed equal to the planet's escape speed, how much mechanical energy does it have when it reaches a distance \( r = \infty \)?

**Graph Explanation:**
- The graph depicts the gravitational potential energy \( U(r) \) as a function of distance \( r \) from the center of the planet.
- On the y-axis, \( U(r) \) decreases steeply from a value at a distance \( r = R \) from the planet's center and approaches zero as \( r \to \infty \).
- The curve is hyperbolic, indicating a negative potential energy field.

**4.**
If an astronaut who is orbiting the planet at a radius of \( 3R \) wants to move their orbit to a radius of \( 2R \), what direction should they fire their thrusters? (and how is your answer supported by the given graph of \( U(r) \)?)
Transcribed Image Text:**Questions 3 and 4 below refer to the universal gravitational potential energy function \( U(r) \) for a planet with mass \( M \) and radius \( R \), which is shown in the figure below.** **3.** If a projectile is launched from the surface of the planet with a speed equal to the planet's escape speed, how much mechanical energy does it have when it reaches a distance \( r = \infty \)? **Graph Explanation:** - The graph depicts the gravitational potential energy \( U(r) \) as a function of distance \( r \) from the center of the planet. - On the y-axis, \( U(r) \) decreases steeply from a value at a distance \( r = R \) from the planet's center and approaches zero as \( r \to \infty \). - The curve is hyperbolic, indicating a negative potential energy field. **4.** If an astronaut who is orbiting the planet at a radius of \( 3R \) wants to move their orbit to a radius of \( 2R \), what direction should they fire their thrusters? (and how is your answer supported by the given graph of \( U(r) \)?)
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If an astronaut who is orbiting the planet at a radius of 3R wants to move their orbit to a radius of 2R, what direction should they fire their thrusters? (and how is your answer supported by the given graph of U(r) ?)

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