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hauthuong
Nov16-04, 01:01 PM
A 500 kg satellite is in a orbit at an altitude of 500 km above the earth's surface. because of the air friction, the satellite eventually falls to the earth's surface, where it hits the ground with a speed of 2.00 km/s.how much energy was transformed into the internal energy by means of friction?
I really got no clue to solve this one. Could you guy give me some instructions? If you could, give me a lecture about this type of problem. Thank you

NateTG
Nov16-04, 01:28 PM
This is a work-energy problem. Consider solving the equation:
KE_0+PE_0=KE_f+PE_f+W_{friction}

krab
Nov16-04, 01:29 PM
Take the initial energy (potential plus kinetic) and subtract the final energy.

hauthuong
Nov16-04, 01:43 PM
for kinetic energy I will us 1/2mv^2 .How do I find the V initial , Also, for Potential energy , I have to use GM1M2/r2 ??? is it right? Thank you