,

RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

A communic~tions satellite of mass 3000 kg is to be put into an equatorial orbit with ~n

angular velocity equal to that at which the Earth rotates in order for the satellite to remain
above the same point on the Earth's surface. Assu~e that the mass of the Earth is
24
5.98 x 10 kg and its radius is 6.37 x 106 m.

(a) What is the angular velocity of the Earth's rotation about its axis? Give your
answer in rad s· 1. (1]

(b) Determine the altitude of the satellite's orbit. [3]

(c) List the characteristics of a geostationary satellite. (2]

Discussion Questions

D1 [N90/ll/2]
(a) Give an expression for Newton's law of Gravitation, explaining the symbols you
use. [2]

(b) Show that g, the gravitational field strength a height h above the surface of a
uniform planet of mass Mand radius R, is given by
GM
g=(R+h)2 [2]

(c) Information related to the Earth and the Moon is given below.

Radius of Earth = _ Mass of Earth =

37 81
Radius of Moon Mass of Moon

Distance of Moon from Earth = 3.84 x 108 m .

Gravitational field strength due to the Earth at its surface =9.8 N kg· 1 •
(i) Using these data, calculate the gravitational field strength due to the Moon
~~~~ce. ~

(ii) There is a point on the line between the Earth and the Moon at which their
combined gravitational field strength is zero. Calculate the distance between
this point and the centre of the Earth. [3]

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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
D2 [J96/lll/2 - part]
.
(a) Th_e E~rth may_be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius 6370 km, spi~ni~g 0
~ ,ts
axis with a period of 24 hours. The gravitational field at the Earth's surface rs identica
l
to that of a point mass of 5.98 x 1024 kg at the Earth's centre. For a 1.00 kg mass situated
at the Equator,

(i) calculate , using Newton's law of Gravitation, the gravitational force on the
mass, [2]
(ii) determine the force required to maintain the circular path of the mass, [2]
(iii) deduce the reading on an accurate newton-meter (spring balance) (2)
supporting the mass.

(b) Using your answers to (a), state what would be the acceleration of the mass at the
Earth's surface due to

(i) the gravitational force alone,

(1]
(ii) the force as measured on the Newton-meter.
(1]
(c) A student, situated at the Equator, releases a ball from rest in a vacuum and
measures its acceleration towards the Earth's surface. He then states that this
acceleration is the 'acceleration due to gravity'. Comment on his statement.
(2)

D3 [N2000/lll/2]
(a) (i) Define angular velocity for an object travelling in a circle.
[1]
(ii) Calculate the angular velocity of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun.
Assume that the orbit is circular and give your answer in terms of the SI unit
for angular velocity. [3]
(b) In order to observe the Sun continuously, a satellite of mass 425 kg is at point X,
a
distance of 1.60 x 109 m from the centre of the Earth as shown in Fig. 3.1.

: [Link] 1011 m
X
Earth --- ----------0, Sun
100X~

Fig. 3.1

mass of Sun = 1.99 x 1030 kg

mass of Earth = 5.98 x 1024 kg
Earth-Sun distance = 1.50 x 1011 m

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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

(i) Calculate, using the data given,

1. the pull of the Earth on the satellite, [11
2. the pull of the Sun on the satellite. [2]
(ii) Using Fig. 3.1 as a guide, draw a sketch to show the relative positions of
the Earth, the Sun and the satellite. On your sketch, draw arrows to
represent the two forces acting on the satellite. Label the arrows with the
magnitude of the forces. [2]
(iii) Calculate
1. the magnitude and direction of the resultant force on the satellite, [2]
2. the acceleration of the satellite. {1]

(iv) The satellite is in a circular orbit around the Sun. Calculate the angular
velocity of the satellite. [3]

(v) Using your answer to (a)(ii), describe the motion of the satellite relative to
the Earth.
Suggest why this orbit around the Sun is preferable to a satellite orbit around
the Earth. {3]

(vi) Suggest two disadvantages of having a satellite in this orbit. [2]

D4 [N2016/lll/9]
A uniform sphere of radius R has mass M. The mass of the sphere may be assumed to be a

sphere
mass M
0
point mass at the centre of the sphere, as illustrated in Fig. 4.1.

R •--
I
- - - -- - -- - --- -- -- -- - - - --
I
ball
massm
p~- -- - ----
I I
I

Fig. 4.1

A small ball of mass mis situated at point P, a distance x from the ~entre of the large mass.
The sphere and the ball may be considered to be isolated in space.

(a) State expressions (one in each case) in terms of M, m and x and the gravitational
constant G for ·

{i) the gravitational field strength gp at point P, [11

{ii) The potential energy EP of the small ball at point P. [1]

{b) {i) The gravitational field strength at the surface of the sphere illustrated in Fig. 4.1
is 9s-

On the axes of Fig. 4.2, sketch a graph to show the variation with distance x of
the gravitational field strength g of the sphere of mass M for values of x from x = R
to X = 4R.

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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

99
BlE3:EEtfEffHf8f£fB~flfffff~f+f:f~

field strength
g

R 2R 3R 4R
distance x
Fig.4.2 (3]

(ii) State and explain the effect, if any, on the graph you have sketched on
Fig. 4.2 when mass is lost uniformly from the surface of the sphere. [2]

(c) A binary star consists of two stars A and B. The two stars may be considered to be
isolated in space. The centres of the two stars are separated by a constant distance d,
as illustrated in Fig. 4.3.

starA star B
mass MA mass Ms

Fig. 4.3

Star A, of mass MA, has a larger mass than star B of mass Ms, such that M
MA = 3.0.
B
The stars are in circular orbits about each other such that the centre of their orbits is at
a fixed point.

Viewed from Earth, over a period of time equal to the period T of the orbits, the
appearance of the stars is shown in Fig. 4.4.

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 RAFFL ES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

~
I
I
I
I

•
~
I

G-- d- ---@ J)
I
I
I
I

•
I
I

@
•
I
I

1 1 3
t =- T t =-T l =-T f=T
l =O 2 4
4
Fig. 4.4

The period T of each orbit is 4.0 years. 11

The separation d of the centres of the stars is 3.0 x 10 m .
equal in
(i) Explain why the centripetal forces acting on the two stars are
[2]
magnitude.
s· 1 . ) [2]
(ii) Calculate the angula r speed w of star A. (Give your answer in rad
[4]
(iii) Determine the radius of the orbit of star A. Explain your working.
of each star. [3]
(d) Use data from (c) and your answers in (c) to determine the mass
of sight from
(e) The plane of the orbits of the binary star in (c) is normal to the line
Earth to the binary star.
of sight from
A second binary star has the plane of its orbits parallel to the line
the individual stars cannot be
Earth. This binary star is so far from Earth that
distinguished.
the period of the
Suggest and explain what observation can be made to determine
[2]
orbits of the stars.

a planet of mass
05 (a) A small satellite is in a stable circular orbit of radius 7000 km around
5.7 x 1024 kg and radius 6500 km. Calculate
[2]
(i) the orbital speed of the satellite,
[2]
(ii) the escape velocity from the surface of the planet.
dimensions of
(b) By what factor would the escape velocity be reduced if the linear
[2]
the planet were 103 smaller, its mean density remaining unchanged?
have a gaseous
(c) In light of your answer explain why many small planets do not
[1)
atmosphere.

7
r
RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

D6 (a) Calculate the Earth's gravitational field strength at a height of 0.12 x 106 m above
the Earth's surface. Assume mass and radius of Earth are 5.98 x 1024 kg and
6.37 x 106 m respectively. [2]

(b) Explain briefly why an astronaut in a spacecraft orbiting the Earth at this altitude
may be described as weightless. [2]

(c) The value of the gravitational potential ¢ at a point in the Earth's field is given by
the equation
¢ =- GM,
r
where M is the mass of the Earth and r is the distance of the point from the centre
of the Earth (r is greater than the radius of the Earth). Explain

(i) what is meant by the term gravitational potential, [1]

(ii) why the potential has a negative value. [2]

(d) Use t_h e expression given in (c) to calculate the gain in the potential energy of a
satellite of mass 3000 kg between its launch and when it is at a height of
0.12 x 106 m above the Earth's surface. [2]

D7 [JSS/11/9)
Th~ curve below shows the way in which the gravitational potential energy of a body of mass
m tn the field of the Earth depends on r, the distance from the centre of the Earth, for values
of r greater than the Earth's radius Re.

What does the gradient of the tangent to the curve at r = Re represent?

Q
Energy E

Ot - - - - - ---+- - - - - -- r
RE

p
The body referred to above is a rocket which is projected vertically upwards from the Earth.
At a certain distance R from the centre of the Earth, the total energy of the rocket (its
gravitational potential energy plus kinetic energy) may be represented by a point on the line
PO. Five points A, 8, C, D, E have been marked on this line.

Which point (or points) could represent the total energy of the rocket

(a) if it were momentarily at rest at the top of its trajectory at r = R, [2]

(b) if it were falling towards the Earth at r = R, [2]
(c) if it were moving away from Earth at r = R, with sufficient energy to reach an infinite
distance? [2]
In each case, explain briefly how you arrive at your answer.

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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTME NT

[J87/ll/8]
A point mass m is at a distance r from the centre of the Earth. Write down an expression, in
terms _of m, r, the Earth's mass mE and the gravitational constant G, for the gravitational
potential energy U of the mass (consider only the values of r greater than the Earth's radius).

X y
,..
I
◄-----
►,• ► I
I
I

Moon I

:p Earth
0
-1 .3

-3.9 -

-62.3

1
PotentlaV 108 J kg-

Certain meteorites (tektites) found on the Earth have a composition identical to that of lunar
granite. It is thought that they may be debris from a volcanic eruption on the Moon. The figure
above (not drawn to scale), shows how the gravitational potential between the surface of the
Moon and the surface of the Earth varies along the line of centres. At the point P, the
gravitational potential is a maximum.
24
Given: mass of the Earth = 6.0 x 10 kg
22 kg
mass of the Moon = 7.4 x 10

(a) By considering the separate contributions of the Earth and the Moon to the
gravitational potential, explain qualitatively why the graph has a maximum and why
the curve is asymmetrical. [2]

(b) State how the resultant gravitational force on the tektite at any point between the
Moon and the Earth could be deduced from the graph. (1]

(c) When a tektite is at P, the gravitational forces on it due to the Moon and the Earth
are FM and FE respectively. State the relation which applies between FM and FE.
Hence find the value of x/y, where x and y are the distances of P from the centre
of the Moon and the centre of the Earth respectively. (2]

(d) If a tektite is to reach the Earth, it must be projected from a volcano on the Moon
with a certain minimum speed Va. Making use of appropriate values from the graph,
find this speed. Explain your reasoning. (3]

(e) Discuss very briefly whether a tektite will reach the Earth's surface with a speed
less than, equal to or greater than the speed of projection. (Neglect atmospheric
resistance.) [2]

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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

09 [N04/ll/3]
A satellite orbits the Earth in a circular path, as illustrated below.

__- satelite

with their masses

Both the Earth and the satellite may be considered to be point masses
of its orbit about the
concentrated at their centres . The satellite has speed v and the radius
Earth is R.

(a) (i) Show that the speed v is given by the expression

2
V =-
GM
R
[21
where M is the mass of the Earth and G is 'the gravitational constant.

(ii) The mass of the satellite is m. Determine the expression for the kinetic
energy fa of the satellite in terms of G, M, m and R. [21

l
(b) (i) State an expression, in terms of G, M, m and R for the gravitational potentia
energy Ep of the satellite. [11

(ii) Hence, show that the total energy E1 of the satellite is given by
E =-GMm [2]
1 2R
resistance.
(c) As the satellite orbits the Earth, it gradually loses energy because of air

(i) State whether the total energy E, becomes more or less negative. [11

(ii) Hence, state and explain the effect of this change on

the radius of the orbit,

[2]
1.
the speed of the satellite.
[2]
2.

D10 [N0B/11 /3]

of the orbit is R.
A satellite of mass m orbits a planet of mass Mand radius Rp. The radius
red to be point masses with their masses
The satellite and the planet may be conside
concentrated at their centres . They may be assume d to be isolated in space.

(a) (i) Derive an expression, in terms of M, m and R, for the kinetic energy of the
[2]
satellite . Explain your working .

(ii) Show that, for the satellite in orbit, the ratio

gravitational potential energy of satellite

kinetic energy of satellite
[1]
is equal to -2.
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 RAFFLES INSTITUTION
YEAR 5-6 PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

(b) The ~ari_ation with orbital radius R of the gravitational potential energy of the
satellite Is shown in the graph below.
10.0 ..,...,....,...,.....TT"T.....-rT,-r"T~,...,....,.,...,...,....
.._._.,. .,._.,...,_._.,. .,...,_ . __, 1,...,......-[Link]-n
..,.._...........

energy
/ 109J
s.o t..w....j....l..iU-4-.14-1.~-f:ib'itib'ii:ii:+l:l:-i:i~f:t..ti+:J.-ttil:+tttt:t-i=,t;.t:t=l

0 ·!:[Link]±BfBfHJ1:lJEJEEffBJB2fll~[Link]:f~
1.t-t+.:tjjH+_ p '- '7P ~ p - f' H-+++-+-+~'

-2.01:t±.ttl±.t:1J:!·t.1:[Link].tJ:14.t:tJ:t-ttt~-tt14-tJ:lf1"-tJ:l.:t:+1t:t+l

(i) On the graph, draw the variation with orbital radius of the kinetic energy of
the satellite. Your line should extend from R 1.5Rp to R 4Rp. = = [2]

(ii) The mass m of the satellite is 1600 kg.

The radius of the orbit of the satellite is changed from R 4Rp to R 2Rp. = =
Use the graph above to determine the change in orbital speed of the
satellite. [5]

11