Work along a circular path; the cost of reaching LEO

We begin with an example which shows how to compute the work done in a situation in which the direction of force and/or object CHANGES as the object moves. You need to carry out an integration, using the proper force, and the proper component, at every point.

• Example: Constant force, changing direction of motion
  • solution in PDF format
  • Solution in GIF format: Part 1 Part 2
• Your turn: multiple forces and changing direction of motion

Let's put our knowledge of work to work (ha ha) by examining the process of putting an object into Low Earth Orbit. You should be able to determine the energy required to move it there from the ground .... well, if we simplify things a bit.

But how much SHOULD it cost? And how much DOES it cost?

• Cost of putting an object into Low Earth Orbit

Copyright © Michael Richmond. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.