Question

Two similar satellites s_1 and s_2 of same mass m possess around completely inelastic collision while orbiting earth in the same circular orbit in opposite direction then

Answer 1

Answer:

For a satellite of mass m orbiting in a circular orbit at a distance r from the earth's centre:

r

mv

2

=

r

2

GMm

⇒=

r

GM

Kinetic energy =

2

1

mv

2

=

2r

GMm

Total energy=P.E+K.E=−

r

GMm

+

m

GMm

=

2r

−GMm

For 2 satellites with same mass and orbital radius, staying together after collision total energy =2(

2r

−GMm

)=

r

−GMm