Tutorial Sheet-1

Conservative forces & Central forces

1. Conservative & Non-conservative forces : Consider a force eld F~ = Axyz(î + ĵ + k̂). Is this a
conservative or a non-conservative force?
2. Distance of closest approach : Two non-interacting particles each of mass m approach each other with
speed v in Lab frame. The impact parameter is b. In this problem nd the distance of closest approach
(a) Find the distance of closest approach without thinking of what is done in the course.
(b) Find expression for angular momentum and energy in CM frame.
(c) Now, nd the distance of closest approach using the method of eective potential energy.
3. Distance of closest approach & is the orbit bound : Two protons are projected towards each other (
as shown on blackboard) with velocities v1 = v0 î and v2 = −v0 î. At early times, when the two particles are
very far away from each other, the perpendicular distance between their lines of projection is b = 1nm .
(a) What sort of orbits (bound, unbound) are physically permissible ?
(b) Determine the distance of closest approach of the two protons.
(c) What is the nal impact parameter between the two protons?
4. Circular orbits under gravitational force of masses m 1 and m2
(a) Find an expression for radius of a circular orbit.
(b) Find the radius of circular orbits for the individual masses.
(c) Sketch the circular orbit of the two masses.
5. Satellite in elliptical orbit around earth - A satellite is following an elliptic orbit around the Earth (gure
below). The closest approach (perigee) & furthest distance (apogee) to Earth's surface are also indicated.

Figure 1:

(a) Is the information given above (Apogee & Perigee distances) adequate to nd the ellipse?
(b) Find the energy of the satellite.
(c) Find its angular momentum.
(d) What is the speed of the satellite at Apogee and Perigee.
(e) How much energy transfer was required to send this satellite into this orbit starting from the Equator?
6. Transfer of orbits of a satellite - A satellite in the earlier elliptical orbit has to be sent into a circular
orbit with the same radius as that of the satellite at Perigee?
(a) Find a way to do make this transfer from the given elliptical to the desired circular orbit.
(b) How much energy & angular momentum should be transferred to the satellite to make this transfer
possible?
(c) Describe physically the direction of thrust on the satellite in order to deliver the required energy and
angular momentum.

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 7. Projectile
p of mass m is red from the surface at an angle of α from the vertical with initial speed v0 =
(GM/R)
(a) How high does the projectile rise?
(b) Find the equation of orbit of the mass.
8. Find the ratio of max and minimum speeds of earth. The eccentricity of the earth = 0.023
9. Consider circular orbits under a central force potential V (r) = −A/rn . Circular orbits need not be stable for
all potentials where they exist. For what values of 'n' will the circular orbits be stable?
10. In a scattering experiment 106 alpha particles are scattered at an angle of 4o . What is the number of alpha
particles scattered at an angle of 6o , 10o , 30o