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 a shuttle craft of mass m ! 3000 kg, Captain Janewayorbits a of mass M ! 9.50 $ 1025 kg, in a circular orbit of radius r ! 4.20 $ 107 m. What are (a) the period of the orbit and (b) the speed of the shuttle craft? Janeway briefly fires a forwardpointing thruster, reducing her speed by 2.00%. Just then, what are (c) the speed, (d) the kinetic energy, (e) the gravitational potential energy, and (f) the mechanical energy of the shuttle craft? (g) What is the semimajor axis of the elliptical orbit now taken by the craft? (h) What is the difference between the period of the original circular orbit and that of the new elliptical orbit? (i) Which orbit has the smaller period?
Solution
The first step in solving 13 problem number 83 trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: In a shuttle craft of mass m ! 3000 kg, Captain Janewayorbits a of mass M ! 9.50 $ 1025 kg, in a circular orbit of radius r ! 4.20 $ 107 m. What are (a) the period of the orbit and (b) the speed of the shuttle craft? Janeway briefly fires a forwardpointing thruster, reducing her speed by 2.00%. Just then, what are (c) the speed, (d) the kinetic energy, (e) the gravitational potential energy, and (f) the mechanical energy of the shuttle craft? (g) What is the semimajor axis of the elliptical orbit now taken by the craft? (h) What is the difference between the period of the original circular orbit and that of the new elliptical orbit? (i) Which orbit has the smaller period?
From the textbook chapter you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
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