Angular Speed Physics Grade12
1 A satellite S orbits the Earth once every 87 minutes.
Show that its angular speed is approximately 1 × 10–3 radians per second.
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(2)
In the space on the right draw a free-body force diagram for the satellite in the position
shown.
(1)
With reference to your free-body force diagram, explain why the satellite is accelerating.
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(1)
The radius of the satellite’s orbit is 6500 km. Calculate the magnitude of its acceleration.
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Acceleration = ................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
1
2 A space station orbits the Earth once every 91 minutes. Calculate the angular speed of the
space station.
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Angular speed = .......................................................
(3)
The space station orbit is 210 km above the surface of the Earth, which has a radius of
6370 km. Find the acceleration of the space station.
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Acceleration = ...............................................
(3)
A box of mass 4.1 kg is located inside the space station. What is the size and direction of the
resultant force acting on the box in the space station?
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Resultant force = ...........................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)
2
3 (a) The Earth rotates about its axis. Show that its angular speed is approximately
7 × 10−5 rad s−1.
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(2)
(b) A stone is resting on the ground at a point on the equator.
Figure 1
(i) The radius of the Earth is 6400 km. Calculate the acceleration of the stone as it
follows its circular path.
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Acceleration = ................................................
(2)
(ii) Draw an arrow on Figure 1 to show the direction of the stone’s acceleration.
(1)
3
(iii) In the space below, draw a labelled free-body force diagram for the stone when
it is at the point shown in Figure 1.
(2)
(iv) With reference to your free-body force diagram, explain how the stone’s
acceleration is produced.
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(2)
(Total 9 marks)
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5
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7
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