AP®︎ Physics 1: Topic 6.6 Practice Test
Prepare for your quiz, test, or the AP exam with focused practice questions on Topic 6.6 of AP Physics 1 – Motion of Orbiting Satellites.
Questions List
Topic 6.6
Question 1 Easy
Which of the following correctly compares the magnitudes of the gravitational forces the two objects exert on each other and the magnitudes of their accelerations?
| Gravitational force magnitudes | Acceleration magnitudes |
|---|---|
| The Sun's force on Earth equals Earth's force on the Sun. | The Sun's acceleration equals Earth's. |
| Gravitational force magnitudes | Acceleration magnitudes |
|---|---|
| The Sun's force on Earth is greater than Earth's force on the Sun. | The Sun's acceleration is much smaller than Earth's. |
| Gravitational force magnitudes | Acceleration magnitudes |
|---|---|
| The Sun's force on Earth is greater than Earth's force on the Sun. | The Sun's acceleration equals Earth's. |
| Gravitational force magnitudes | Acceleration magnitudes |
|---|---|
| The Sun's force on Earth equals Earth's force on the Sun. | The Sun's acceleration is much smaller than Earth's. |
What You’re Being Tested On:
Explore the learning objectives taken directly from the College Board’s AP® Physics 1 Curriculum. Ensure you’re prepared for the exact topics covered on the AP® exam, in-class tests, and quizzes, and gain confidence in your mastery of the material.
Topic 6.6: Motion of Orbiting Satellites
Learning Objective: 6.6.A
Describe the motions of a system consisting of two objects interacting only via gravitational forces.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.1
In a system consisting only of a massive central object and an orbiting satellite with mass that is negligible in comparison to the central object’s mass, the motion of the central object itself is negligible.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.2
The motion of satellites in orbits is constrained by conservation laws.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.2.i
In circular orbits, the system’s total mechanical energy, the system’s gravitational potential energy, and the satellite’s angular momentum and kinetic energy are constant.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.2.ii
In elliptical orbits, the system’s total mechanical energy and the satellite’s angular momentum are constant, but the system’s gravitational potential energy and the satellite’s kinetic energy can each change.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.2.iii
The gravitational potential energy of a system consisting of a satellite and a massive central object is defined to be zero when the satellite is an infinite distance from the central object. Relevant equation:
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.3
The escape velocity of a satellite is the satellite’s velocity such that the mechanical energy of the satellite–central-object system is equal to zero.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.3.i
When the only force exerted on a satellite is gravity from a central object, a satellite that reaches escape velocity will move away from the central body until its speed reaches zero at an infinite distance from the central body.
Essential Knowledge: 6.6.A.3.ii
The escape velocity of a satellite from a central body of mass M can be derived using conservation of energy laws. Derived equation:
