In the slingshot effect, the transfer of energy in an elastic collision is used to power a space probe probe so that it can escape from the solar system. All velocity values are relative to an inertial inertial reference in which the center of the Sun remains at rest. Fig. 1(b) below shows a space probe moving at 10.4 km/s towards Saturn, which in turn is moving at 9.6 km/s towards the probe. Due to due to the gravitational force between Saturn and the probe, the probe goes around Saturn and moves in the opposite direction with speed vf . velocity vf . (a) Assuming this collision is one-dimensional and elastic, and the mass if Saturn is much greater than that of the probe, determine vf that of the probe, determine vf . (b) By what factor does the kinetic energy increase? (c) Where does this energy come from?
In the slingshot effect, the transfer of energy in an elastic collision is used to power a space probe
probe so that it can escape from the solar system. All velocity values are relative to an inertial
inertial reference in which the center of the Sun remains at rest. Fig. 1(b) below shows a space probe
moving at 10.4 km/s towards Saturn, which in turn is moving at 9.6 km/s towards the probe. Due to
due to the gravitational force between Saturn and the probe, the probe goes around Saturn and moves in the opposite direction with speed vf .
velocity vf . (a) Assuming this collision is one-dimensional and elastic, and the mass if Saturn is much greater than that of the probe, determine vf
that of the probe, determine vf . (b) By what factor does the kinetic energy increase? (c) Where does this energy come from?
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