Gravitational Force Between Point Masses
 

Gravitational Force Between Point Masses problem 9


  • Two point masses are isolated in space and are separated by a distance . State an expression relating the gravitational force between the two masses to the magnitudes and of the masses. State the name of any other symbol used.


  • A spacecraft is to be put into a circular orbit about a spherical planet. The planet may be considered to be isolated in space. The mass of the planet, assumed to be concentrated at its centre, is . The radius of the planet is . The spacecraft is to orbit the planet at a height of above the surface of the planet. At this altitude, there is no atmosphere. Show that the speed of the spacecraft in its orbit is .


 

main author and content editor: Odafe Adjeke