2.3 Two-Body Problem

Question 1

Two Body Problem

Answer 1

Assuming 2 bodies in motion interact with one another and based on the law of universal gravitation, the two bodies will exert an equal and opposite force on each other. Two objects with equal mass will orbit each other; however, if the mass of one object is larger than the other, the smaller object will begin orbiting the larger object.

Question 2

Conservation of Energy

Answer 2

A satellite has the highest Kinetic Energy at Perigee and highest Potential Energy at Apogee. The satellite’s specific mechanical energy never changes. The energy trades back and forth between Kinetic and Potential.
As a satellite gets closer to the Earth, it must speed up to conserve total energy.

Question 3

Mechanical Energy

Answer 3

ΣE=KE+PE