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F = ma (First 10)
Gravitation
FMA-2020B-05 · 2020B F = ma (AAPT)

2020 F = ma Exam B — Question 5

A mote of dust is initially located at distance R from the sun, which has mass M . At this point, the mote has a small tangential velocity v. Which of the following is a good approximation for the distance of closest subsequent approach between the mote and the sun? M R v R3 v 4 G2 M 2 R3 v 4 (B) 2G2 M 2 R2 v 2 (C) 2GM R2 v 2 (D) GM 2R2 v 2 (E) GM
Source: Question 5, 2020 F = ma Exam B, © 2020 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.