Gravitation: Advanced — Rocket in Orbit MCQ

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Advanced — Rocket in OrbitHardQuestion 30780

Question

A rocket in circular orbit at radius r fires its engine briefly backward (retrograde). The rocket then:

A
Moves to a higher circular orbit
B
Moves to a lower orbit (elliptical, then circularises at lower radius)
Correct
C
Escapes Earth
D
Stays in same orbit at lower speed

Correct answer

Moves to a lower orbit (elliptical, then circularises at lower radius)

Explanation

Retrograde burn: speed decreases → KE decreases → total E becomes more negative → apogee stays at r but perigee drops → elliptical orbit with lower perigee. A second retrograde burn at perigee circularises at the lower orbit.

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