Answers and Explanations

Review Questions

1. B
   Gravitational force is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the masses. Answers A and C are equivalent, while B is larger than either. Answers D and E are smaller than C.
2. B
   The acceleration due to gravity does not depend on the mass of the orbiting (falling) object, but only on the mass of the Earth and the distance between the masses.
3. D
   If the satellite is moving faster at B, then it is closer to the Earth at B; however, angular momentum is conserved as the satellite orbits, and is therefore constant at points A and B.
4. D
   Angular momentum is conserved and must remain constant throughout the orbit.