Explain how the force(s) on a satellite can result in the satellite being in a circular orbit around a planet.
Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.
Your answer
Suggested time: 3 min
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9702/04/SP/22 · question 1 of 1 in this topic
Question 1
The Earth has mass M, radius R and mean density ρ, and the Moon is in a circular orbit of radius nR about the Earth with period T, where ρ = 3πn³/(GT²).
The radius R of the Earth is 6.38 × 10⁶ m and the distance between the centre of the Earth and the centre of the Moon is 3.84 × 10⁸ m.
The period T of the orbit of the Moon about the Earth is 27.3 days.
Use the expression in (b) to calculate ρ.
Using You must use the thing it names. An answer that reaches the right value another way may not score.
Your answer
Suggested time: 5 min
9702/04/SP/22Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 · Specimen 2022 · Paper 4 · sit the whole paper