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AP Physics C: Mechanics 6.6 Motion of Orbiting Satellites Questions

Study orbiting systems by relating gravitational energy to radius, comparing motion around elliptical paths, and applying work and escape conditions.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2024
Course
AP Physics C: Mechanics

Exam points

  • relate U = -GMm/r, K = -U/2 and E = U/2 to compare circular orbits
  • calculate external work from the change in total energy when transferring between circular orbits
  • use energy and angular momentum conservation to compare speed and energy around elliptical orbits
  • apply the zero-total-energy threshold to find escape speed or the residual speed at infinity

Covered syllabus points

6.6.A—Describe the motions of a system consisting of two objects or systems interacting only via gravitational forces

Question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A comet moves in an elliptical orbit around the Sun. Which of the following is at a maximum when the comet is at its farthest distance from the Sun?

A

Kinetic energy of the comet

B

Speed of the comet

C

Acceleration of the comet

D

Gravitational potential energy of the Sun comet system

E

Total energy of the Sun-comet system Questions 19－20

Figure for Question 1 — AP Physics C: Mechanics

The graph above shows velocity as a function of time for a cart moving on a straight，horizontal track．

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