Asteroids X, Y, and Z have equal mass of 4.0 kg each. They orbit around a planet

Question

Asteroids X, Y, and Z have equal mass of 4.0 kg each. They orbit around a planet with M=6.20E+24 kg. The orbits are in the plane of the paper and are drawn to scale.

In the statements below, TE is the total mechanical energy, KE is the kinetic energy, and PE is the potential energy.

greater than less than equal to  The KE of Y at s is .... that at r
greater than less than equal to  The speed of Z at c is .... that at u
greater than less than equal to  The PE of Z at r is .... the PE of Y at i
greater than less than equal to  The PE of X at m is .... that at c
greater than less than equal to  The PE of X at c is .... the PE of Z at c
greater than less than equal to  The TE of X is .... the TE of Z
greater than less than equal to  The TE of Y is .... the TE of X
greater than less than equal to  The PE of Z at c is .... the PE of X at i

Explanation / Answer

Total mechanical energy of an object in closed orbit is
TE = -m (GM) / (2a)
where 'a' is the semimajor axis of the orbit chosen.

Now, we can compare the semi major axes of the orbits which Lead us to conclusion

The TE of X is SAME the TE of Z
The TE of Y is GREATER the TE of X

The PE of Z at r is LOWER the PE of Y at i

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.