speed vpi in the opposite direction. See the diagram below: Although the satellite never touches the planet, this interaction can still be treated as a collision because of the gravitational interaction between the planet and satellite during the slingshot. Since gravity is a conservative force, the collision is elastic. Use an x-axis with positive pointing to the right. Solve for the unknowns below algebraically first, then use the following values for the parameters. mp = 4.60E+24 kg ms = 1440 kg vsix = 3.740E+3 m/s vpix = -2.20E+3 m/s Solve for the final velocity of the satellite after the collision. Find the final velocity of the planet.
Often in designing orbits for satellites, people use what is termed a "gravitational slingshot effect." The idea is as follows: A satellite of mass ms and speed vsi circles around a planet of mass mp that is moving with speed vpi in the opposite direction. See the diagram below:
Although the satellite never touches the planet, this interaction can still be treated as a collision because of the gravitational interaction between the planet and satellite during the slingshot. Since gravity is a conservative force, the collision is elastic.
Use an x-axis with positive pointing to the right.
Solve for the unknowns below algebraically first, then use the following values for the parameters.
mp = 4.60E+24 kg
ms = 1440 kg
vsix = 3.740E+3 m/s
vpix = -2.20E+3 m/s
Solve for the final velocity of the satellite after the collision.
Find the final velocity of the planet.
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