Question

An earth satellite of mass M circles the earth with speed v. By how much does its momentum change (a)as it goes halfway around the earth. (b) as it goes all the way around ? Ignore earth's rotation.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The momentum of satellite changes by 2p.

Explanation:

The speed of satellite remains constant at each point of its circular path.

However the velocity of satellite changes whenever direction change.

Let initially angular momentum of satellite p = r x Mv

Now the change in momentum can be calculated as:

Change in momentum of satellite = 2 ( r x Mv) = 2p

Hence the momentum of earth changes by 2p.

Answer 2

Answer:

The momentum of satellite changes by 2p.

Explanation: