Motion of Orbiting Satellites AP Physics 1 MCQ – Exam Style Questions etc.
Motion of Orbiting Satellites AP Physics 1 MCQ
Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems
Weightage : 10-15%
Exam Style Practice Questions, Motion of Orbiting Satellites AP Physics 1 MCQ
Question
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
Answer/Explanation
Ans:D
Question
A space shuttle has a mass of 90,000 kg. In order to stay in a circular orbit, it must have a velocity of 8000 m s. The pilot discovers that the shuttle has slowed down to 7900 m s, and the shuttle’s speed needs to increase. If the thrusters exert a constant force of 50,000 N, how long do the thrusters have to exert this force in order to return the shuttle to orbital velocity?
(A) 30 s
(B) 60 s
(C) 120 s
(D) 180 s
(E) 240 s
Answer/Explanation
Ans:D
Setting the impulse equal to the change in momentum of the shuttle and solving for time yields
