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CE A satellite goes through one complete orbit of the
Chapter 12, Problem 69GP(choose chapter or problem)
Problem 69GP
CE A satellite goes through one complete orbit of the Earth. (a) Is the net work done on it by the Earth's gravitational force positive, negative, or zero? Explain, (b) Does your answer to part (a) depend on whether the orbit is circular or elliptical?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Problem 69GP
CE A satellite goes through one complete orbit of the Earth. (a) Is the net work done on it by the Earth's gravitational force positive, negative, or zero? Explain, (b) Does your answer to part (a) depend on whether the orbit is circular or elliptical?
ANSWER:
Step 1 of 2
(a) We know that the gravitational force is a conservative force, and the work done on an object by the conservative force is equal to the negative change of potential energy of the object.
The net work done on the satellite by the Earth is zero for one complete orbit because when the satellite completes one orbit, it returns to the same point, and there is no change in potential energy.