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F = ma (First 10)
Gravitation
FMA-2020B-07 · 2020B F = ma (AAPT)

2020 F = ma Exam B — Question 7

Two satellites are initially in identical circular orbits around the Sun, with orbital speed v = 1 × 104 m/s. The first satellite fires its thrusters toward the Sun, and quickly obtains a radial velocity of ∆vr = 1 m/s. The second satellite instead fires its thrusters behind it, and quickly increases its tangential velocity by ∆vt . If the two satellites subsequently perform orbits with the same period, approximately what was ∆vt ?
Source: Question 7, 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.