IB Physics HL D.1.15 Atmospheric Drag on Orbits Question Bank

Practise IB Physics HL D.1.15 by analysing atmospheric drag, orbital-energy loss, radius changes and satellite lifetime.

[Maximum number: 4]

A satellite of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r around Earth. Earth has mass M.

The satellite experiences a drag force due to the atmosphere of Earth. With reference to the results in (a) and (b)(i), state and explain the likely fate of this satellite.

The total energy is reduced OR the satellite gets closer to the surface
«From $v=\sqrt{\frac{G M}{r}}$ » the satellite moves faster
«From $\rho S v^{2}$ » the opposing force increases « because v and $\rho$ increase »
The satellite burns / crashes / falls to Earth

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D.1.15 (HL)—Atmospheric drag on orbits question 1