Satellites N and F have the same mass and are circular orbits about the same planet - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 11
Satellites N and F have the same mass and are circular orbits about the same planet. The orbital radius of F is greater than that of N.
Which is greater for F than ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Satellites N and F have the same mass and are circular orbits about the same planet - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
A gravitational force on the satellite
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Answer
The gravitational force acting on the satellites is given by the formula:
F = rac{G m_1 m_2}{r^2}
where G is the gravitational constant, m1 and m2 are the masses of the two bodies, and r is the distance between their centers. Since both satellites have the same mass and F is at a greater orbital radius, the gravitational force on satellite F will be less than that on satellite N.
Step 2
B angular speed
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Answer
Angular speed (heta) is related to the orbital radius and the period of rotation. For a satellite in circular orbit:
heta = rac{2 ext{π}}{T}
where T is the orbital period. Since satellite F has a larger radius, it will have a lower angular speed compared to satellite N.
Step 3
C kinetic energy
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Answer
The kinetic energy (KE) of a satellite in orbit is given by:
KE = rac{1}{2}mv^2
The orbital speed v is influenced by the gravitational force and orbital radius, but since satellite F is at a greater radius, its kinetic energy will be less than that of satellite N.
Step 4
D orbital period
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Answer
The orbital period (T) can be calculated using Kepler's third law:
T2extisproportionaltor3
Since satellite F has a greater orbital radius, its orbital period will be longer than that of satellite N.
