Falling meteorite
A satellite in a circular orbit around the earth with a radius 1.019 times the mean radius of the earth is hit by an incoming meteorite. A large fragment (m = 88.0 kg) is ejected in the backwards direction so that it is stationary with respect to the earth and falls directly to the ground. Its speed just before it hits the ground is 369.0 m/s. Find the total work done by gravity on the satellite fragment. RE 6.37·103 km; Mass of the earth= ME 5.98·1024 kg.
(in J)

The work done by gravity must equal the change of potential energy of the satellite fragment. Use the general formula for Gravitational Potential Energy, NOTe: PE = mgh, is only valid for small distances above the surface.


Calculate the amount of that work converted to heat.
(in J)

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