Define gravitational potential at a point.
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Suggested time: 3 min
9702/41/M/J/24 · question 1 of 1 in this topic
Define gravitational potential at a point.
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Suggested time: 3 min
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.

Explain Give reasons, not just what happens. Each distinct reason is usually worth a mark.
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Suggested time: 3 min
A satellite X, of mass M, orbits a planet at a constant distance 4R from the centre of the planet. 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.
State an expression, in terms of Φ, for the gravitational potential at Y due to the planet.

State A short answer. No explanation is needed, and adding one cannot earn extra marks.
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Suggested time: 3 min
A satellite X, of mass M, orbits a planet at a constant distance 4R from the centre of the planet; 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.
Complete Table 1.1 by giving expressions, in terms of some or all of M, R and Φ, for the quantities indicated for each of the satellites X and Y.

Complete Fill in every gap. A partly completed answer usually scores partly.
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Suggested time: 6 min
9702/41/M/J/24Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 · May/June 2024 · Paper 4 variant 1 · sit the whole paper