Answers

MOTION IN A CIRCLE

1. A space shuttle of total mass 1000 kg is travelling round the earth in a circular
orbit of radius 12000 km at constant speed. The gravitational field strength at that
distance from the earth’s centre is 3 Nkg-1.

a) What is the magnitude of the force directed towards the centre of the earth
acting on the space shuttle? [2]

m = 1000 kg a ≡ g = 3 Nkg-1 r = (12000 km) = 1.2 × 107 m

Using F = ma

F = 1000 kg × 3 Nkg-1 = 3000 N

b) Calculate the speed of the shuttle . [2]

m = 1000 kg a ≡ g = 3 Nkg-1 r = (12000 km) = 1.2 × 107 m

Using a = v2
r
.
. . v2 = a × r

v = √ar
= √ (3 ms-2 × 1.2 × 107 m)
= √3600,000 ms-2
v = 6000 ms-1

c) If the space shuttle had been in a circular orbit of twice the radius it would have
experienced a gravitational force only ¼ as large . How would its speed have
compared with its speed in the 1st orbit. Explain your answer. [2]

m = 1000 kg ; a ≡ g = ( ¼ × 3 Nkg-1) = 0.75 N kg-1 ; r = 2.4 × 107 m

Using a = v2
r
Using ¼a = v2
2r

. . v2 = √ ( a × 2r)
. 4

v = ½ a × √2
 Answers

. . v2 = a × r

v = √ar
= √ (0.75 ms-2 × 2.4 × 107 m)
= √ ms-2
v = ms-1

d) A part of the space shuttle is fired forward at 50 ms-1 relative to the remainder. If
the mass of this part is 200 kg, what would be the change in the speed of the
remainder? [2]

m = 200 kg u= v = 50 ms-1

Using Δv = v – u