Gravitation class 11.....3 Flashcards
1
Q
Why is the total energy of a satellite negative?
A
the total mechanical energy of the object is the sum of the kinetic energy which is always positive and the potential energy. Relative to Infinity that is if we presume that the potential energy of the object at Infinity is zero, the gravitational potential energy of an object is negative. Thus the total energy of the satellite is negative.
2
Q
Why does the astronaut experience weightlessness in space satellite?
A
an astronaut experiences weightlessness in a space satellite this is not because the gravitational force is small at that location in space. Because both the astronaut and the satellite are freefall towards the Earth.
3
Q
________ Leads to Kepler’s second law.
A
angular momentum conservation
4
Q
A
