A satellite of mass 'm' is moving around the earth with a speed 'v'. State the work done by the force of gravity on satellite. Justify your answer.
Asked by Sthitaprajna Mishra
| 22nd Feb, 2014,
08:26: PM
The work done by the force of gravity on satellite is zero.
When a satellite moves around the earth in a circular path, then the force of gravity acts on it directed towards the centre. The motion of the satellite is in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the force of gravity of the earth on the satellite and the direction of the motion of the satellite are perpendicular to each other.(θ = 90)
Therefore,
Net work done = W = F cos 90? = 0
Thus the work done by the force of gravity on a satellite moving around the earth is zero.
The work done by the force of gravity on satellite is zero.
When a satellite moves around the earth in a circular path, then the force of gravity acts on it directed towards the centre. The motion of the satellite is in the horizontal plane. Therefore, the force of gravity of the earth on the satellite and the direction of the motion of the satellite are perpendicular to each other.(θ = 90)
Therefore,
Net work done = W = F cos 90? = 0
Thus the work done by the force of gravity on a satellite moving around the earth is zero.
Answered by
| 24th Feb, 2014,
11:27: AM
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