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Unit 6: Energy and Momentum of Rotating Systems

Motion of Orbiting Satellites

Use energy and angular momentum conservation to find speeds, energies, and escape speed for satellites in circular and elliptical orbits.

Topic 6.6 · 9 min read

This lesson comes with the AP Physics C: Mechanics plan

In this lesson

  1. 01Why the central object can be treated as fixed
  2. 02Gravitational potential energy is negative
  3. 03Circular orbits
  4. 04Elliptical orbits
  5. 05Escape speed
  6. 06Worked examples
  7. 07Where students lose points
  8. 08On the exam

The first units’ lessons are free. The plan opens every lesson, every practice question with worked solutions, your study plan and calendar, for $14.49 a month. Cancel any time.

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