A space exploration satellite is orbiting a spherical asteroid whose mass is 4.65 × 10¹⁶ kg and whose radius is 39,600 m, at an altitude of 12,400 m above the surface of the asteroid. Mission Control sends it a signal to fire a short burst of its retro rockets to bring its speed to zero m/s. What is the speed of the satellite when it hits the surface of the asteroid? A) 6.11 m/s B) 7.18 m/s C) 8.29 m/s D) 5.74 m/s E) 4.36 m/s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is A because the speed of the satellite when it hits the surface of the asteroid is 6.11 m/s. This is because the satellite is in free fall when it is orbiting the asteroid, and its speed is determined by the gravitational force between the satellite and the asteroid. When the satellite fires its retro rockets, it slows down and its speed decreases. However, the satellite is still in free fall, so its speed continues to decrease until it hits the surface of the asteroid.

A Space Exploration Satellite Is Orbiting a Spherical Asteroid Whose