A probe of mass is in a stable circular orbit of radius around a planet of mass
PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences
Problem
A probe of mass 1.0×103kg is in a stable circular orbit of radius 2R around a planet of mass M. Engineers plan either (i) to raise the probe to a new circular orbit of radius 4R or (ii) to send the probe on an escape trajectory from the original 2R orbit. Let W1 be the work required for option (i) and W2 the work required for option (ii). Which of the following is closest to the ratio W1/W2?
(a) 0.75
(b) 0.25
(c) 0.50
(d) 1.5