Q2.4 This question is about a probe in orbit. A probe of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r around a spherical planet of mass M. (a) State why the work done by the gravitational force during one full revolution of the probe is zero. 1 (b) Deduce for the probe in orbit: (i) speed v (ii) total energy E (c) It is now required to place the probe in another circular orbit further away from the planet. To do this, the probe's engines will be fired for a very short time. State and explain whether the work done on the probe by the engines is positive, negative or zero.
Q2.4 This question is about a probe in orbit. A probe of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r around a spherical planet of mass M. (a) State why the work done by the gravitational force during one full revolution of the probe is zero. 1 (b) Deduce for the probe in orbit: (i) speed v (ii) total energy E (c) It is now required to place the probe in another circular orbit further away from the planet. To do this, the probe's engines will be fired for a very short time. State and explain whether the work done on the probe by the engines is positive, negative or zero.
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Transcribed Image Text:Q2.4
This question is about a probe in orbit. A probe of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r
around a spherical planet of mass M.
(a) State why the work done by the gravitational force during one full revolution of the
probe is zero.
(b) Deduce for the probe in orbit:
(i) speed v
(ii) total energy E
(c) It is now required to place the probe in another circular orbit further away from the planet. To do this, the probe's
engines will be fired for a very short time.
State and explain whether the work done on the probe by the engines is positive, negative or zero.

Transcribed Image Text:Q2.3
A planet orbits the star, Pollux, at a distance of 1.64 astronomical units (AU). It takes 590 Earth days to complete one
orbit.
(a) Why does the mass of the planet play N0 role in determining its orbital speed around Pollux?
(b) A satellite orbits Pollux with a period of 365 Earth days. How far is the satellite from Pollux in astronomical units
(AU)?
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