...Gravitation

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The following three questions refer to the material you were to read in preparation to the lesson. Questions one and two require you to write a three or four sentence response. Number three is a multiple choice question. Click in the appropriate circle.

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1.




Two different planets are orbiting the same sun along two different orbits. The red orbit is circular, the blue orbit is elliptical. Compare the speeds of the planet in the the blue orbit at points A, B, and E. Compare the speeds of the planet in the red orbit at points C, D and E. The planet in the blue orbit is to be shifted to the red orbit as it passes point E. Does it have to speed up or slow down?

STATE YOUR REASONS FOR ALL THE ANSWERS.



2.

The space shuttle has to take a spy satellite to a spot 900 km above the Earth's surface and release it into a geosynchronous orbit.

Is this possible?

If yes, how fast must the satellite be moving when it is released?



3.

An astronaut would experience the highest gravitational field

at the center of the sun (his suit is air-conditioned!).

standing on the surface of the Moon.

in a low Earth orbit (say 250 miles up).

falling down a mine shaft on the moon.





Below is a space for your thoughts, including general comments about today's assignment. What was hard or confusing (or cool)? What would you like to spend extra time on in class? Do you see how this subject fits in with the others we have discussed?




You may change your mind as often as you wish. When you are satisfied with your responses click the SUBMIT button.

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