(b) A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r about a planet of mass M.
For this planet, the product GM is 4.00 × 1014 N m2 kg–1, where G is the gravitational constant. The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space.
(i) By considering the gravitational force on the satellite and the centripetal force, show that the kinetic energy EK of the satellite is given by the expression GMm EK = . 2r
[2]
(ii) The satellite has mass 620 kg and is initially in a circular orbit of radius 7.34 × 106 m, as illustrated in Fig. 1.1.
initial orbit 7.34 × 106 m
7.30 × 106 m
new orbit
Fig. 1.1 (not to scale)
5
Resistive forces cause the satellite to move into a new orbit of radius 7.30 × 106 m. For Examiner’s Determine, for the satellite, the change in Use
1. kinetic energy,
change in kinetic energy = ............................................. J [2]
2. gravitational potential energy.
change in potential energy = ............................................. J [2]
(iii) Use your answers in (ii) to explain whether the linear speed of the satellite increases, decreases or remains unchanged when the radius of the orbit decreases.
(b) An elastic cord has an unextended length of 13.0 cm. One end of the cord is attached to a fixed point C. A small mass of weight 5.0 N is hung from the free end of the cord. The cord extends to a length of 14.8 cm, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
14.8 cm
small mass
Fig. 1.1
The cord and mass are now made to rotate at constant angular speed ω in a vertical plane about point C. When the cord is vertical and above C, its length is the unextended length of 13.0 cm, as shown in Fig. 1.2. 5 For Examiner’s Use
13.0 cm
C C
Fig. 1.2 Fig. 1.3
(i) Show that the angular speed ω of the cord and mass is 8.7 rad s–1.
[2]
(ii) The cord and mass rotate so that the cord is vertically below C, as shown in Fig. 1.3.
Calculate the length L of the cord, assuming it obeys Hooke’s law.
L = ............................................ cm [4]
