Thread: Equilibrium physics help!

The Cassini probe, mass 5,712 kg, is in a circular orbit with a radius of 1.2×108 m around the planet Saturn. How much work must its engine do to change it to a circular orbit with a radius of 1.1×109 m?
[Mass of Saturn = 5.68×1026 kg]

[Specify units of 'J', 'kJ' or 'MJ' in your answer.]

Originally Posted by jddery

The Cassini probe, mass 5,712 kg, is in a circular orbit with a radius of 1.2×108 m around the planet Saturn. How much work must its engine do to change it to a circular orbit with a radius of 1.1×109 m?
[Mass of Saturn = 5.68×1026 kg]

[Specify units of 'J', 'kJ' or 'MJ' in your answer.]

HI

According to the energy principles ,

Word done = the change in total energy of the satellite , U

how are you getting G
for your equation

(GMm)/2* (1/r-1/r2)

Originally Posted by jddery

how are you getting G
for your equation

(GMm)/2* (1/r-1/r2)

G is the gravitational constant . Its not given in the question but it should be in your notes .