Consider two satellites `A` and `B` of equal mass, moving in the same circular orbit of radius `r` around the earth but in the opposite sense and therefore a collision occurs.
(a) Find the total mechanical energy `E_(A) + E_(B)` of the two satellite-plus-earth system before collision.
(b) If the collision is completely inelastic, find the total mechanical energy immediately after collision. Describe the subsequent motion of the combined satellite.

Answer

B

Explanation

`E = 2` (energy of one satellite)
`= 2(-(GMm)/(2r)) = (-GMm)/(r)`
(b) Immedicately after collision velocity of combined mass `= 0` Path is straight line as shows only potential energy is there.
`nu = - (G(2m)M)/(r)`
`= - (2GMm)/(r)`