Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321993721
ISBN 13: 978-0-32199-372-4

Chapter 8 - Exercises and Problems - Page 143: 64

Answer

The fact that both values are negative tells us they are in solar orbit, meaning they will not strike earth.

Work Step by Step

We find the total energy: $E =- \frac{GMm}{2r}= - \frac{GM(40\times10^6kg)}{2(6.37\times10^6+35,000,000)}= -1.92\times10^{14}$ For the second one, we find: $E =- \frac{GMm}{2r}= - \frac{GM(12\times10^6kg)}{2(6.37\times10^6+30,000,000)}= -1.92\times10^{14}=-6.57\times10^{13}$ The fact that both values are negative tells us they are in solar orbit, meaning they will not strike earth.
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