In Fig. 13-49, two satellites, A and B, both of mass m, move in the same circula
ID: 2182245 • Letter: I
Question
In Fig. 13-49, two satellites, A and B, both of mass m, move in the same circular orbit of radius r around Earth (mass ME) but in opposite senses of rotation and therefore on a collision course, Find the total mechanical energy EA + Eg of the two satellites + Earth system before the collision. If the collision is completely inelastic so that the wreckage remains as one piece of tangled material (mass = 2m), find the total mechanical energy immediately after the collision. State your answers in terms of the given variables, using G when applicable.Explanation / Answer
a)
m v2/r = GMEm/r2
>>>> v2 = GME/r
E = 2*K + 2*U = 2*(0.5 m v2) + 2*(GMEm/r) = 3GmME/r
b)
E = 2*U = 2*(GMEm/r) = 2GmME/r