1. A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular orbit of radius r. At some point its rocket engine is fired
in such a way that its speed decreases rapidly by a small amount. As a result, does the apogee
distance increase, decrease, or stay the same?Repeat the previous problem, only this time with
the rocket engine of the satellite fired in such a way as to slow the satellite.
Does the perigree distance increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Please EXPLAIN!
A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular orbit of radius r. At some point its rocket engine is fired
in such a way that its speed decreases rapidly by a small amount. As a result, does the apogee
distance increase, decrease, or stay the same?Repeat the previous problem, only this time with
the rocket engine of the satellite fired in such a way as to slow the satellite.
Does the perigree distance increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Please EXPLAIN!
Does the perigree distance increase, decrease, or stay the same?
Please EXPLAIN!
Solution
First thing we have to notice in this is that due to change of speed it will not effect the distances
of apogee and perigee.
That means they both remain the same.
This will happen because of kepler laws which state that satellite will sweep equal areas in equal
time. Therefore only the period will increase but the distance will remain same for both apogee
and perigee.