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F = ma (Final Problems)
Gravitation
FMA-2010-25 · 2010 F = ma (AAPT)

2010 F = ma Exam — Question 25

25. Spaceman Fred’s spaceship (which has negligible mass) is in an elliptical orbit about Planet Bob. The minimum distance between the spaceship and the planet is R; the maximum distance between the spaceship and the planet is 2R. At the point of maximum distance, Spaceman Fred is traveling at speed v0. He then fires his thrusters so that he enters a circular orbit of radius 2R. What is his new speed? R 2R
Source: Question 25, 2010 F = ma Exam, © 2010 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.