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1(b)(i)2 marks

A satellite X, of mass M, orbits a planet at a constant distance 4R from the centre of the planet, as shown in Fig. 1.1. A second satellite Y, of mass 2M, orbits the planet with orbital radius R. The gravitational potential at X due to the planet is −Φ. The planet is a uniform sphere.

Explain why the gravitational potential at X is negative.

9702/41/M/J/24Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 · May/June 2024 · Paper 4 variant 1 · Question 1(b)(i)

Fig. 1.1 — see the question text for what it shows

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Suggested time: 3 min