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F = ma (Final Problems)
Gravitation
FMA-2024-18 · 2024 F = ma (AAPT)

2024 F = ma Exam — Question 18

A satellite is initially in a circular orbit of radius R around a planet of mass M . It fires its rockets to instantaneously increase its speed by ∆v, keeping the direction of its velocity the same, so that it enters an elliptical orbit whose maximum distance from the planet is 2R. start R 2R end What is the value of ∆v? (Hint: when the satellite is in an elliptical orbit with semimajor axis a, its total energy per unit mass is −GM/2a.) r
Source: Question 18, 2024 F = ma Exam, © 2024 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.