A mass M is split into two parts, m and M % m, which are then separated by a certain distance. What ratio m/M maximizes the magnitude of the gravitational force between the parts?
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Question
In Fig. 13-50, two satellites, A and B, both of mass m ! 125 kg, move in the same circular orbit of radius r ! 7.87 $ 106 m around Earth but in opposite senses of rotation and therefore on a collision course. (a) Find the total mechanical energy EA # EB of the two satellites # Earth system before the collision. (b) If the collision is completely inelastic so that the wreckage remains as one piece of tangled material (mass ! 2m), find the total mechanical energy immediately after the collision. (c) Just after the collision, is the wreckage falling directly toward Earths center or orbiting around Earth?
Solution
The first step in solving 13 problem number 60 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: In Fig. 13-50, two satellites, A and B, both of mass m ! 125 kg, move in the same circular orbit of radius r ! 7.87 $ 106 m around Earth but in opposite senses of rotation and therefore on a collision course. (a) Find the total mechanical energy EA # EB of the two satellites # Earth system before the collision. (b) If the collision is completely inelastic so that the wreckage remains as one piece of tangled material (mass ! 2m), find the total mechanical energy immediately after the collision. (c) Just after the collision, is the wreckage falling directly toward Earths center or orbiting around Earth?
From the textbook chapter you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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