## Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson

# Chapter 13 - Newton's Theory of Gravity - Exercises and Problems: 55

#### Answer

Pluto's speed at its most distant point is 3.73 km/s

#### Work Step by Step

We can use conservation of energy to find Pluto's speed at its most distant point. Let $M_s$ be the sun's mass and let $M_p$ be Pluto's mass. Let $R_1$ be the distance at the closest point and let $R_2$ be the distance at the most distant point. $K_2+U_2 = K_1+U_1$ $\frac{1}{2}M_pv_2^2 = \frac{1}{2}M_p~v_1^2-\frac{G~M_s~M_p}{R_1}-(-\frac{G~M_s~M_p}{R_2})$ $v_2^2 = v_1^2-\frac{2~G~M_s}{R_1}+\frac{2~G~M_s}{R_2}$ $v_2^2 = v_1^2+(2~G~M_s)(\frac{1}{R_2}-\frac{1}{R_1})$ $v_2 = \sqrt{v_1^2+(2~G~M_s)(\frac{1}{R_2}-\frac{1}{R_1})}$ $v_2 = \sqrt{(6.12\times 10^3~m/s)^2+(2)(6.67\times 10^{-11}~m^3/kg~s^2)(1.99\times 10^{30}~kg)(\frac{1}{7.30\times 10^{12}~m}-\frac{1}{4.43\times 10^{12}~m})}$ $v_2 = 3.73\times 10^3~m/s$ $v_2 = 3.73~km/s$ Pluto's speed at its most distant point is 3.73 km/s

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.