A probe departing a planet has a measured total mechanical energy of with respect to…
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
A probe departing a planet has a measured total mechanical energy of +5.0×109J with respect to the planet after it clears the atmosphere. Which statement best describes the path the probe will follow?
(a) It follows a parabolic escape trajectory, coming to rest only at an infinite distance from the planet.
(b) It enters an elliptical orbit and remains gravitationally bound to the planet.
(c) It follows a hyperbolic trajectory and will not return to the planet.
(d) It settles into a circular orbit at a constant altitude above the planet.