Free AP Physics C lesson

Elliptical Orbits & Conservation

This AP Physics C: Mechanics lesson is designed for AP Physics C self-study. It includes 2 video lessons, 4 practice questions, and an estimated completion time of 18 minutes.

Video lessons

  1. Elliptical Orbits and the Conservation of Energy

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  2. Elliptical Orbits and the Conservation of Angular Momentum

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Practice covered

  1. As a planet moves from its farthest point to its closest point in an elliptical orbit around the Sun, which of the following correctly describes the changes in its speed and kinetic energy?
  2. Write the formula for the total mechanical energy of a satellite in orbit, where m is the satellite's mass, M is the mass of the central body, v is the orbital speed, r is the distance from the center, and G is the gravitational constant.
  3. Why is angular momentum conserved for a satellite in an elliptical orbit around a planet?
  4. A satellite is at its closest approach (perihelion) to the Sun at distance r_A = 2.0 times 10^11 m with speed v_A = 3.5 times 10^4 m/s. At its farthest point (aphelion), it is at distance r_B = 5.0 times 10^11 m. Calculate the speed at aphelion in m/s (in scientific notation as a decimal, e.g., 1.4 times 10^4 as 14000).
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