Planets A and B have masses MA and MB , respectively, where MA>MB , and radii RA and RB , respectively. The centers of the planets are separated by a distance D. A spaceship of mass m uses its engines to fly through the two-planet system a distance r from the center of Planet A along the dashed line shown. Point P is on the dotted line and on the line connecting the centers of the two planets. On the axis attached, sketch a
Gravitational force
In nature, every object is attracted by every other object. This phenomenon is called gravity. The force associated with gravity is called gravitational force. The gravitational force is the weakest force that exists in nature. The gravitational force is always attractive.
Acceleration Due to Gravity
In fundamental physics, gravity or gravitational force is the universal attractive force acting between all the matters that exist or exhibit. It is the weakest known force. Therefore no internal changes in an object occurs due to this force. On the other hand, it has control over the trajectories of bodies in the solar system and in the universe due to its vast scope and universal action. The free fall of objects on Earth and the motions of celestial bodies, according to Newton, are both determined by the same force. It was Newton who put forward that the moon is held by a strong attractive force exerted by the Earth which makes it revolve in a straight line. He was sure that this force is similar to the downward force which Earth exerts on all the objects on it.
Planets A and B have masses MA and MB , respectively, where MA>MB , and radii RA and RB , respectively. The centers of the planets are separated by a distance D. A spaceship of mass m uses its engines to fly through the two-planet system a distance r from the center of Planet A along the dashed line shown. Point P is on the dotted line and on the line connecting the centers of the two planets.
- On the axis attached, sketch a graph of the gravitational potential energy Ug of the two planet–spaceship system as a function of position y along the dashed line shown in the original figure. On the horizontal axis, point y<P is above point P in the figure.
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If a similar spaceship that has twice the mass of the original spaceship passes along the same path between the planets, would the escape speed at point P for the new spaceship be greater than, less than, or equal to the escape speed of the original spaceship at point P ? Explain your reasoning
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