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Question 19M.2.HL.TZ2.9ai

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.2.HL.TZ2.9ai
Level HL Paper 2 Time zone TZ2
Command term Show that Question number ai Adapted from N/A
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[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.2.HL.TZ2.9ai

A planet of mass m is in a circular orbit around a star. The gravitational potential due to the star at the position of the planet is V.

(ai)

Show that the total energy of the planet is given by the equation shown.

E = 1 2 m V

[2]

Markscheme

E = 1 2 m G M r − G M m r = − 1 2 G M m r  ✔

comparison with  V = − G M r   ✔

«to give answer»

 

Examiners report

This was generally well answered but with candidates sometimes getting in to trouble over negative signs but otherwise producing well-presented answers.

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