This lesson is on Applying Gravitational Field Concepts, which is part of Unit 3 Area of Study 1 for VCE Physics.
Change in Energy Between Orbits
There are many applications of gravitational force & energy in outer space. In this post, we will derive quantitatively and apply the concepts of gravitational force and gravitational potential energy in radial gravitational fields to a variety of situations including:
- Change of energy between orbits
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field.
The formulae for gravitational potential energy is:
GPE = -G \frac{Mm}{r}The following video will highlight the energy of different orbits.
The potential energy of a planet or satellite in its orbit
The energy of a planet or satellite in its orbit
Geostationary and Geosynchronous Orbits
Various kinds of orbits have different purposes, especially for satellites. Learn to predict quantitatively the orbital properties of planets and satellites in a variety of situations, including near the Earth and geostationary orbits, and relate these to their uses.
A geostationary orbit is an orbital altitude at which the object in orbit having a period of the same duration and direction as the rotation of the Earth.
A geosynchronous orbit appears to hover over one spot on the Earth and is aligned to the Earth’s axis.
How to calculate geostationary and geosynchronous orbits
Applications of geosynchronous and geostationary orbits
Circular Motion and Satellites
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