A satellite of mass moves in a uniform circular orbit of radius around the Earth…
PHYSICS · Subjective · CBSE · Physics · Work, Energy and Power · Work, Energy and Power
Problem
A satellite of mass m moves in a uniform circular orbit of radius r around the Earth under the action of Earth’s gravitational force.
(i) At any instant, what are the directions of (1) the velocity of the satellite and (2) the gravitational (centripetal) force acting on it? Draw a simple labelled sketch to support your answer.
(ii) Explain, with the help of the directions stated in part (i), why the elementary work done by the gravitational force during an infinitesimally small displacement of the satellite along the orbit is zero.
(iii) Using the result of part (ii), show that the total work done by Earth’s gravitational force on the satellite during one complete revolution is zero.