Question: A planet is moving at constant speed in a circular orbit around a star. In one complete orbit, what is the net amount of work

A planet is moving at constant speed in a circular orbit around a star. In one complete orbit, what is the net amount of work done on the planet by the star’s gravitational force: positive, negative, or zero? What if the planet’s orbit is an ellipse, so that the speed is not constant? Explain your answers.

Step by Step Solution

3.33 Rating (171 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

For a circular orbit the work done is zero We can see this in either of two ways ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related University Physics Questions!