All Flashcards
What are the steps to derive the escape velocity formula?
- Start with the total mechanical energy equation: . 2. Set the total energy to zero for escape: . 3. Solve for : .
What is the effect of increasing a satellite's distance from the central object on its gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy becomes less negative (increases).
What happens to a satellite's motion when its total mechanical energy is zero?
The satellite achieves escape velocity and breaks free from the central object's gravity, moving away until its speed is zero at an infinite distance.
What is the effect of a satellite getting closer to the central object?
The gravitational potential energy becomes more negative.
What is the effect of increasing the radius of a circular orbit on the satellite's orbital speed?
The satellite's orbital speed decreases.
What is the effect of a satellite reaching escape velocity?
The satellite breaks free from the central object's gravity and continues moving away until its speed is zero at an infinite distance.
Define gravitational potential energy.
The energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field; it's negative, with zero defined at infinity.
What is escape velocity?
The minimum speed an object needs to escape the gravitational pull of a central object.
Define total mechanical energy in the context of orbits.
The sum of kinetic and gravitational potential energy of a satellite in orbit.
What is periapsis?
The point in an orbit closest to the central object.
What is apoapsis?
The point in an orbit farthest from the central object.