# Elliptical orbit around a massive spherical planet

1. Mar 16, 2008

### NAkid

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
The path of a very small satellite S in an elliptical orbit around a massive spherical planet P is shown in the figure. The distance from 3 to 4 is the same as from 4 to 5, 9 to 10, and 10 to 11.
(Select T-True, F-False, G-Greater than, L-Less than, E-Equal to, If the first is T and the rest F, enter
TFFFFFF).

https://cats.lsa.umich.edu/msuphysicslib/Graphics/Gtype30/prob02a_ellipse2na.gif

A) The total PE + KE of S at 4' is .... that at 9'.
B) The magnitude of the force on S at 2' is .... at 8'.
C) The PE of S varies with position.
D) The torqe exerted on S is constant
E) S has its minimum speed at 10'.
F) The speed of S at position 2' is .... at 8'.
G) P could be at position X for the orbit of S shown.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

A) The total PE + KE of S at 4' is .... that at 9'. GREATER THAN
B) The magnitude of the force on S at 2' is .... at 8'. LESS THAN
C) The PE of S varies with position. TRUE, depends on R
D) The torqe exerted on S is constant NOT SURE, FALSE?
E) S has its minimum speed at 10'. LESS THAN
F) The speed of S at position 2' is .... at 8'. LESS THAN
G) P could be at position X for the orbit of S shown. TRUE

Last edited by a moderator: Apr 23, 2017
2. Mar 17, 2008

### Feldoh

I doubt too many people here go to the university of michigan. Could you upload the diagram somewhere we don't need to log into?