The point on the orbit that is farthest from the earth is called the apogee and

Question

The point on the orbit that is farthest from the earth is called the apogee and is at the far right of the drawing. The point on the orbit that is closest to the earth is called the perigee and is at the left side of the drawing. Suppose that the speed of the satellite is 2010 m/s at the apogee and 7280 m/s at the perigee. Find the work done by the gravitational force when the satellite moves from (a) the apogee to the perigee and (b) the perigee to the apogee.

Please, I need a good explanation, not an answer that is copied and pasted.

I'm having serious trouble with this problem.

Explanation / Answer

Work Energy Theorem; Work done by all forces on an object = object's change in Kinetic Energy In this problem the only force on the satellite is gravity. So work done by gravity = change in KE; Work = KE(perigee) - KE(apogee) = (1/2)7480)(8050)^2 - (1/2)(7480)(2830)^2 = 2.12 x 10^11 Joules In part (b) just switch the order to KE(apogee) - KE(perigee) to get; Work = - 2.12 x10^11 Joules

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