Meteor Passing a Planet. Sample UC Berkeley Final question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving a meteor's trajectory as it approaches a planet, emphasizing the effects of gravity on the meteor's path. Participants suggest using conservation of energy to solve the problem, while also noting that another conserved quantity in planetary motion should be considered. The initial attempt at a solution included work and energy methods, as well as acceleration approaches, but clarity on the question remains elusive for some. The conversation highlights the complexity of gravitational interactions and the need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physics principles. The discussion aims to derive the meteor's behavior in relation to the planet's mass, radius, and gravitational constant G.
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Homework Statement



A meteor is approaching a planet of mass M and radius R with speed while it is far away. If there were
no gravity, it would miss the center of the planet by a distance b. Gravity makes the meteor barely graze
the planets surface as it passes. Find in terms of other given quantities and gravitational constant G.

Homework Equations



Force of Gravity=GMm/r^2
Gravitational Potential Energy=-GMm/r

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried work and energy
I also tried an acceleration method
but I really have no idea
 
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What is the question?

It is a good idea to use conservation of energy, but there is an other quantity conserved during planetary motion.

ehild
 

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