Find K/Ug: Solving a Constant Ratio of Kinetic and Potential Energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the constant ratio of kinetic energy (K) to gravitational potential energy (Ug) for a satellite in circular orbit. It is established that this ratio is independent of the masses involved and the orbital parameters. The relationship between gravitational force and potential energy is highlighted, with the equation F = -dU/dr = mv^2/r provided as a key reference. Participants suggest using gravitational and centripetal force equations to derive expressions for K and Ug. Ultimately, the goal is to calculate the constant value of K/Ug.
Physics Help!
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
I don't really know how to approach this problem...
A satellite is in a circular orbit around its parent body. The ratio of the satellite's kinetic energy to its potential energy, K/Ug, is a constant independent of the masses of the satellite and parent, and of the radius and velocity of the orbit. Find the value of this constant. Potential energy is taken to be zero at infinite separation.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
F = -\frac{dU}{dr} = \frac{mv^2}{r}

From these relations you should be able to calculate this easily. Using the equations for gravitational and centripetal force to find U and K.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Why can we move the spring with constant speed when we apply a force?
Replies
29
Views
2K
Expression for magnitude of the constant friction force
Replies
7
Views
1K
How Is Potential Energy Converted to Kinetic Energy in Physical Systems?
Replies
6
Views
1K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
Conservation of Energy with Gravitational Potential Energy
Replies
6
Views
2K
Potential/Kinetic Energy of Particles in Harmonic Oscillator
Replies
2
Views
2K
Is potential energy defined only for internal conservative forces?
Replies
15
Views
1K
Challenging problem about an impact with a smooth frictionless surface
2
Replies
55
Views
5K
Can heat flow into a body without increasing the mean kinetic energy?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Kinetic and potential energy (satellite low orbit)
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top