A satellite moves in a circular orbit of radius r with speed v. Its speed is suddenly reduced to v/√2 without changing direction. Immediately after this change, it is:
Options

Question

A satellite moves in a circular orbit of radius r with speed v. Its speed is suddenly reduced to v/√2 without changing direction. Immediately after this change, it is:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Circular v²=GM/r. New speed²=GM/(2r). Energy becomes E=½m·GM/(2r)−GMm/r=−3GMm/(4r), so the orbit is bound and elliptical. Since the speed is below circular speed at that radius, the point is the apogee.