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F = ma (Final Problems)
Gravitation
FMA-2017-25 · 2017 F = ma (AAPT)

2017 F = ma Exam — Question 25

A planet orbits around a star S, as shown in the figure. The semi-major axis of the orbit is a. The perigee, namely the shortest distance between the planet and the star is 0.5a. When the planet passes point P (on the line through the star and perpendicular to the major axis), its speed is v . What is its 1 speed v when it passes the perigee? 2 v 1 P S a v 2
Source: Question 25, 2017 F = ma Exam, © 2017 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.