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F = ma (Final Problems)
Gravitation
FMA-2012-25 · 2012 F = ma (AAPT)

2012 F = ma Exam — Question 25

25. Consider the two orbits around the sun shown below. Orbit P is circular with radius R, orbit Q is elliptical such that the farthest point b is between 2R and 3R, and the nearest point a is between R/3 and R/2. Consider the magnitudes of the velocity of the circular orbit vc, the velocity of the comet in the elliptical orbit at the farthest point vb, and the velocity of the comet in the elliptical orbit at the nearest point va. Which of the following rankings is correct? vb va vc b a c orbit P orbit Q R
Source: Question 25, 2012 F = ma Exam, © 2012 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.