A spacecraft of mass moves in a circular orbit above Earth’s surface ( , )
PHYSICS · Single correct · GCSE · Physics · Energy · Energy
Problem
A spacecraft of mass 2000kg moves in a circular orbit 600km above Earth’s surface (RE=6400km, g=9.8m s−2). While in orbit it ejects 500kg of fuel but remains at the same altitude. After completing its mission it lands on Earth. What is the ratio of its weight on landing to its weight just before the fuel was ejected in orbit?
(a) 0.75
(b) 0.90
(c) 1.20
(d) 0.82