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For
Examiners
Use
ya
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
ha
k
(b) Explain why values of gravitational potential near to an isolated mass are all negative.
aS
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
dr
..................................................................................................................................... [3]
Ch
an
(c) The Earth may be assumed to be an isolated sphere of radius 6.4 103 km with its mass
of 6.0 1024 kg concentrated at its centre. An object is projected vertically from the
surface of the Earth so that it reaches an altitude of 1.3 104 km.
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
(i)
jit
the speed of projection from the Earths surface, assuming air resistance is
negligible.
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
(ii)
dr
speed = . m s1
[5]
For
Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
For
3 Examiners
Use
The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere with its mass M concentrated at its
centre.
A satellite of mass m orbits the Earth such that the radius of the circular orbit is r.
ha
k
.
GM
r
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
v =
ya
(a) Show that the linear speed v of the satellite is given by the expression
[2]
le
d
an
dr
(ii)
ea
rra
ng
ed
(i)
by
(b) For this satellite, write down expressions, in terms of G, M, m and r, for
Co
m
pi
(iii)
For
4 Examiners
Use
ya
(i)
ha
k
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
dr
(ii)
aS
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
an
...................................................................................................................................
Ch
...................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
For
5 Examiners
Use
ya
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
dr
aS
ha
k
(b) A spherical planet has mass M and radius R. The planet may be considered to have all
its mass concentrated at its centre.
A rocket is launched from the surface of the planet such that the rocket moves radially
away from the planet. The rocket engines are stopped when the rocket is at a height R
above the surface of the planet, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
2R
planet
Ch
an
Sa
Fig. 1.1
jit
Show that, for the rocket to travel from a height R to a height 2R above the planets
surface, the change EP in the magnitude of the gravitational potential energy of
the rocket is given by the expression
ed
(i)
by
The mass of the rocket, after its engines have been stopped, is m.
ng
GMm
.
6R
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
EP =
[2]
For
6 Examiners
Use
(ii)
During the ascent from a height R to a height 2R, the speed of the rocket changes
from 7600 m s1 to 7320 m s1. Show that, in SI units, the change EK in the kinetic
energy of the rocket is given by the expression
Sa
Use the expressions in (b) to determine a value for the mass M of the planet.
le
d
(ii)
M = kg [2]
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
(i)
[1]
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
k
ya
EK = (2.09 106)m.
..................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
............................................................................................................................. [1]
For
7 Examiners
Use
The Earth may be considered to be a sphere of radius 6.4 106 m with its mass of
6.0 1024 kg concentrated at its centre.
A satellite of mass 650 kg is to be launched from the Equator and put into geostationary
orbit.
ya
[3]
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
k
(a) Show that the radius of the geostationary orbit is 4.2 107 m.
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
(b) Determine the increase in gravitational potential energy of the satellite during its launch
from the Earths surface to the geostationary orbit.
an
dr
(c) Suggest one advantage of launching satellites from the Equator in the direction of
rotation of the Earth.
..........................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
......................................................................................................................................[1]
For
8 Examiners
Use
The definitions of electric potential and of gravitational potential at a point have some
similarity.
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
aS
(b) Explain why values of gravitational potential are always negative whereas values of
electric potential may be positive or negative.
dr
..........................................................................................................................................
an
..........................................................................................................................................
Ch
..........................................................................................................................................
jit
..........................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
.................................................................................................................................... [4]
For
9 Examiners
Use
A binary star consists of two stars that orbit about a fixed point C, as shown in Fig. 3.1.
ya
ha
k
R2
M2
M1
Ch
an
dr
aS
R1
Fig. 3.1
Sa
jit
The star of mass M1 has a circular orbit of radius R1 and the star of mass M2 has a circular
orbit of radius R2. Both stars have the same angular speed , about C.
ed
(i)
by
(a) State the formula, in terms of G, M1, M2, R1, R2 and for
...................................................................................................................................
ng
rra
...................................................................................................................................
[2]
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
(b) The stars orbit each other in a time of 1.26 108 s (4.0 years). Calculate the angular
speed for each star.
For
10 Examiners
Use
(c) (i)
Show that the ratio of the masses of the stars is given by the expression
The ratio
M1
is equal to 3.0 and the separation of the stars is 3.2 1011 m.
M2
Ch
(ii)
[2]
an
dr
aS
ha
k
ya
M1
R
= 2.
M2
R1
R1 = ........................................ m
R2 = ........................................ m
[2]
ea
By equating the expressions you have given in (a) and using the data calculated in
(b) and (c), determine the mass of one of the stars.
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
(d) (i)
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit
(ii)
For
11 Examiners
If an object is projected vertically upwards from the surface of a planet at a fast enough
speed, it can escape the planets gravitational field. This means that the object can arrive at
infinity where it has zero kinetic energy. The speed that is just enough for this to happen is
known as the escape speed.
By equating the kinetic energy of the object at the planets surface to its total gain
of potential energy in going to infinity, show that the escape speed v is given by
v2 =
ya
(a) (i)
2GM
,
R
ha
k
Use
by
(ii)
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
v 2 = 2Rg,
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
[3]
For
12 Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
Using the equation in (a)(ii), estimate the temperature at the Earths surface such that
helium atoms of mass 6.6 1027 kg could escape to infinity.
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
You may assume that helium gas behaves as an ideal gas and that the radius of Earth is
6.4 106 m.
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
For
13 Examiners
Use
h1 = 19.9 106
v1 = 5370
h2 = 22.7 106
v2 = 5090
ha
k
speed / m s1
aS
height / m
ya
Fig. 4.1 gives data for the speed of the rocket at two heights above the Earths surface, after
the rocket engine has been switched off.
dr
Fig. 4.1
Ch
an
The Earth may be assumed to be a uniform sphere of radius R = 6.38 106 m, with its mass
M concentrated at its centre. The rocket, after the engine has been switched off, has
mass m.
G, M, m, h1, h2 and R for the change in gravitational potential energy of the rocket,
Sa
(i)
jit
(ii)
by
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
m, v1and v2 for the change in kinetic energy of the rocket.
ed
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
(b) Using the expressions in (a), determine a value for the mass M of the Earth.
M = kg [3]
14
For
Examiners
Use
aS
ha
k
ya
an
dr
mass m
Ch
pole of
planet
by
Sa
jit
equator of
planet
ed
Fig. 1.1
ng
A small object of mass m rests on the equator of the planet. The surface of the planet exerts
a normal reaction force on the mass.
ea
(i)
rra
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
the centripetal force required for circular motion of the small mass,
dr
(ii)
le
d
(iii)
an
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
pi
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
Co
m
(b) (i)
Explain why the normal reaction on the mass will have different values at the
equator and at the poles.
..................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
UCLES 2008
9702/04/O/N/08
15
(ii)
The radius of the planet is 6.4 106 m. It completes one revolution in 8.6 104 s.
Calculate the magnitude of the centripetal acceleration at
For
Examiners
Use
dr
aS
ha
k
ya
1. the equator,
an
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
ng
rra
(c) Suggest two factors that could, in the case of a real planet, cause variations in the
acceleration of free fall at its surface.
ea
1. ......................................................................................................................................
dr
..........................................................................................................................................
an
2. ......................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
..........................................................................................................................................
[2]
UCLES 2008
9702/04/O/N/08
16
For
Examiners
Use
ya
11
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
by
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
(b) A spherical planet has diameter 1.2 104 km. The gravitational field strength at the
surface of the planet is 8.6 N kg1.
The planet may be assumed to be isolated in space and to have its mass concentrated
at its centre.
Calculate the mass of the planet.
ed
ea
(i)
rra
ng
(c) The gravitational potential at a point X above the surface of the planet in (b) is
5.3 107 J kg1.
For point Y above the surface of the planet, the gravitational potential is
6.8 107 J kg1.
dr
..................................................................................................................................
an
..................................................................................................................................
le
d
............................................................................................................................ [2]
A rock falls radially from rest towards the planet from one point to the other.
Calculate the final speed of the rock.
Co
m
pi
(ii)
9702/04/M/J/09
17
For
Examiners
Use
ya
12
..........................................................................................................................................
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
aS
.................................................................................................................................... [2]
(b) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius R equal to 6.4 106 m.
an
(i)
dr
Ch
..................................................................................................................................
jit
..................................................................................................................................
Sa
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [3]
Show that the radius x of the geostationary orbit is given by the expression
by
(ii)
ed
gR 2 = x 3 2
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
where g is the acceleration of free fall at the Earths surface and is the angular
speed of the satellite about the centre of the Earth.
Co
m
pi
(iii)
[3]
9702/41/O/N/09
18
For
Examiners
Use
(i)
ya
(a) The Earth may be considered to be a uniform sphere of radius 6.38 103 km, with its
mass concentrated at its centre.
Define gravitational field strength.
ha
k
13
aS
..................................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................ [1]
dr
By considering the gravitational field strength at the surface of the Earth, show that
the mass of the Earth is 5.99 1024 kg.
[2]
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
an
(ii)
ea
Use data from (a) to calculate the angular speed of a GPS satellite in its orbit.
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
(i)
rra
(b) The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a navigation system that can be used anywhere
on Earth. It uses a number of satellites that orbit the Earth in circular orbits at a distance
of 2.22 104 km above its surface.
UCLES 2009
9702/42/O/N/09
19
For
Examiners
Use
ya
14
..........................................................................................................................................
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
aS
.................................................................................................................................... [2]
an
dr
(b) The Earth may be considered to be an isolated sphere of radius R with its mass
concentrated at its centre.
The variation of the gravitational potential with distance x from the centre of the Earth
is shown in Fig. 1.1.
distance x
2R
3R
4R
Ch
5R
Sa
jit
by
2.0
ed
/ 107 J kg1
ea
6.0
rra
ng
4.0
an
dr
8.0
Fig. 1.1
le
d
Co
m
pi
(i)
9702/43/M/J/10
20
(ii)
A meteorite is at rest at infinity. The meteorite travels from infinity towards the
Earth.
For
Examiners
Use
dr
aS
ha
k
ya
Calculate the speed of the meteorite when it is at a distance of 2R above the Earths
surface. Explain your working.
Ch
In practice, the Earth is not an isolated sphere because it is orbited by the Moon, as
illustrated in Fig. 1.2.
jit
(iii)
an
Moon
Earth
ng
ed
by
Sa
initial path
of meteorite
rra
ea
dr
1. ..............................................................................................................................
an
..................................................................................................................................
le
d
2. ..............................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
..................................................................................................................................
[2]
UCLES 2010
9702/43/M/J/10
[Turn over
21
For
Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................... [1]
dr
aS
(b) An isolated star has radius R. The mass of the star may be considered to be a point
mass at the centre of the star.
The gravitational field strength at the surface of the star is gs.
an
On Fig. 1.1, sketch a graph to show the variation of the gravitational field strength of the
star with distance from its centre. You should consider distances in the range R to 4R.
Ch
1.0gs
jit
0.8gs
Sa
gravitational
field strength 0.6gs
by
0.4gs
ed
0.2gs
0
R
surface
of star
3R
4R
distance
rra
ng
2R
Fig. 1.1
ea
[2]
le
d
an
dr
(c) The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be spheres that are isolated in space
with their masses concentrated at their centres.
The masses of the Earth and the Moon are 6.00 1024 kg and 7.40 1022 kg
respectively.
The radius of the Earth is RE and the separation of the centres of the Earth and the
Moon is 60 RE, as illustrated in Fig. 1.2.
pi
RE
Co
m
Moon
mass
7.40 x 1022 kg
Earth
mass
6.00 x 1024 kg
60 RE
Fig. 1.2 (not to scale)
UCLES 2010
9702/41/O/N/10
22
(i)
Explain why there is a point between the Earth and the Moon at which the
gravitational field strength is zero.
For
Examiners
Use
..................................................................................................................................
ya
..................................................................................................................................
Determine the distance, in terms of RE, from the centre of the Earth at which the
gravitational field strength is zero.
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
(ii)
ha
k
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
On the axes of Fig. 1.3, sketch a graph to show the variation of the gravitational
field strength with position between the surface of the Earth and the surface of the
Moon.
ng
ed
by
(iii)
Sa
ea
rra
gravitational
field strength
dr
surface
of Moon
distance
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
surface
of Earth
UCLES 2010
Fig. 1.3
[3]
9702/41/O/N/10
[Turn over
23
For
Examiners
Use
planet
mass m
dr
aS
Sun
mass M
ya
A planet of mass m is in a circular orbit of radius r about the Sun of mass M, as illustrated in
Fig. 1.1.
ha
k
jit
Fig. 1.1
Ch
an
Sa
The magnitude of the angular velocity and the period of revolution of the planet about the
Sun are x and T respectively.
ed
(i)
by
(a) State
ng
..................................................................................................................................
rra
..................................................................................................................................
dr
(ii)
ea
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
an
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
le
d
(b) Show that, for a planet in a circular orbit of radius r, the period T of the orbit is given by
the expression
T 2 = cr 3
Co
m
pi
[4]
UCLES 2010
9702/43/O/N/10
24
(c) Data for the planets Venus and Neptune are given in Fig. 1.2.
r / 108 km
T / years
Venus
Neptune
1.08
45.0
0.615
ya
planet
For
Examiners
Use
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
(i)
ha
k
Fig. 1.2
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
(ii)
by
UCLES 2010
9702/43/O/N/10
[Turn over
25
For
Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................... [1]
aS
(b) Gravitational fields and electric fields are two examples of fields of force.
State one similarity and one difference between these two fields of force.
an
dr
similarity: ..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
Ch
difference: ........................................................................................................................
jit
..........................................................................................................................................
by
Sa
..........................................................................................................................................
[3]
ed
(c) Two protons are isolated in space. Their centres are separated by a distance R.
Each proton may be considered to be a point mass with point charge.
Determine the magnitude of the ratio
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
UCLES 2011
9702/42/M/J/11
26
For
Examiners
Use
ha
k
(i)
ya
..................................................................................................................................
aS
..................................................................................................................................
Explain why, although the planets and the Sun are not point masses, the law also
applies to planets orbiting the Sun.
an
(ii)
dr
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
Ch
..................................................................................................................................
jit
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
Sa
(b) Gravitational fields and electric fields show certain similarities and certain differences.
State one aspect of gravitational and electric fields where there is
a similarity,
by
(i)
ed
..................................................................................................................................
a difference.
rra
(ii)
ng
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
ea
..................................................................................................................................
dr
..................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
.............................................................................................................................. [2]
UCLES 2011
9702/41/M/J/11
27
For
Examiners
Use
(a) A moon is in a circular orbit of radius r about a planet. The angular speed of the moon
in its orbit is . The planet and its moon may be considered to be point masses that are
isolated in space.
ha
k
ya
aS
r 3 2 = constant.
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
ng
[3]
ea
rra
(b) Phobos and Deimos are moons that are in circular orbits about the planet Mars.
Data for Phobos and Deimos are shown in Fig. 1.1.
an
dr
moon
9.39 106
1.99 107
Fig. 1.1
Co
m
pi
le
d
Phobos
Deimos
radius of orbit
/m
UCLES 2011
9702/41/O/N/11
period of rotation
about Mars
/ hours
7.65
28
(i)
aS
ha
k
ya
1.
For
Examiners
Use
an
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
2.
dr
ng
rra
(ii)
ea
dr
..................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
UCLES 2011
9702/41/O/N/11
[Turn over
29
For
Examiners
Use
(a) A moon is in a circular orbit of radius r about a planet. The angular speed of the moon
in its orbit is . The planet and its moon may be considered to be point masses that are
isolated in space.
ha
k
ya
aS
r 3 2 = constant.
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
ng
[3]
ea
rra
(b) Phobos and Deimos are moons that are in circular orbits about the planet Mars.
Data for Phobos and Deimos are shown in Fig. 1.1.
an
dr
moon
9.39 106
1.99 107
Fig. 1.1
Co
m
pi
le
d
Phobos
Deimos
radius of orbit
/m
UCLES 2011
9702/42/O/N/11
period of rotation
about Mars
/ hours
7.65
30
(i)
aS
ha
k
ya
1.
For
Examiners
Use
an
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
2.
dr
ng
rra
(ii)
ea
dr
..................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
.............................................................................................................................. [1]
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For
Examiners
Use
The planet Mars may be considered to be an isolated sphere of diameter 6.79 106 m with
its mass of 6.42 1023 kg concentrated at its centre.
A rock of mass 1.40 kg rests on the surface of Mars.
ha
k
ya
aS
Sa
jit
Ch
an
dr
(a) (i)
by
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
(ii)
[2]
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
(b) Use the information in (a)(ii) to determine the speed at which the rock must leave the
surface of Mars so that it will escape the gravitational attraction of the planet.
UCLES 2011
9702/43/O/N/11
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(c) The mean translational kinetic energy <EK> of a molecule of an ideal gas is given by the
expression
For
Examiners
Use
<EK> = 32 kT
jit
Ch
an
dr
aS
ha
k
(i)
ya
where T is the thermodynamic temperature of the gas and k is the Boltzmann constant.
State and explain one reason why hydrogen molecules may escape from Mars at
temperatures below that calculated in (i).
by
(ii)
Sa
ed
..................................................................................................................................
ng
..................................................................................................................................
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
............................................................................................................................. [2]
UCLES 2011
9702/43/O/N/11
[Turn over
33
For
Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [1]
dr
GM
r
an
aS
(b) The gravitational potential at distance r from point mass M is given by the expression
Ch
jit
..........................................................................................................................................
Sa
..........................................................................................................................................
by
..................................................................................................................................... [2]
ng
ed
(c) A spherical planet may be assumed to be an isolated point mass with its mass
concentrated at its centre. A small mass m is moving near to, and normal to, the surface
of the planet. The mass moves away from the planet through a short distance h.
rra
State and explain why the change in gravitational potential energy EP of the mass is
given by the expression
ea
EP = mgh
dr
an
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
le
d
..........................................................................................................................................
pi
..........................................................................................................................................
Co
m
..........................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................... [4]
UCLES 2012
9702/41/M/J/12
34
(d) The planet in (c) has mass M and diameter 6.8 103 km. The product GM for this planet
is 4.3 1013 N m2 kg1.
For
Examiners
Use
an
dr
aS
ha
k
ya
A rock, initially at rest a long distance from the planet, accelerates towards the planet.
Assuming that the planet has negligible atmosphere, calculate the speed of the rock as
it hits the surface of the planet.
Co
m
pi
le
d
an
dr
ea
rra
ng
ed
by
Sa
jit
Ch
UCLES 2012
9702/41/M/J/12
[Turn over
35
For
Examiners
Use
ya
ha
k
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
aS
...................................................................................................................................... [2]
an
dr
(b) The Earth and the Moon may be considered to be isolated in space with their masses
concentrated at their centres.
The orbit of the Moon around the Earth is circular with a radius of 3.84 105 km. The
period of the orbit is 27.3 days.
the angular speed of the Moon in its orbit around the Earth is 2.66 106 rad s1,
[1]
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Show that
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dr
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(i)
For
Examiners
Use
Tidal action on the Earths surface causes the radius of the orbit of the Moon to
increase by 4.0 cm each year.
Ch
(ii)
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Use your answer in (i) to determine the change, in one year, of the gravitational
potential energy of the Moon. Explain your working.
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For
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Use
ya
ha
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..................................................................................................................................... [1]
dr
GM
r
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(b) The gravitational potential at distance r from point mass M is given by the expression
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ng
ed
(c) A spherical planet may be assumed to be an isolated point mass with its mass
concentrated at its centre. A small mass m is moving near to, and normal to, the surface
of the planet. The mass moves away from the planet through a short distance h.
rra
State and explain why the change in gravitational potential energy EP of the mass is
given by the expression
ea
EP = mgh
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(d) The planet in (c) has mass M and diameter 6.8 103 km. The product GM for this planet
is 4.3 1013 N m2 kg1.
For
Examiners
Use
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A rock, initially at rest a long distance from the planet, accelerates towards the planet.
Assuming that the planet has negligible atmosphere, calculate the speed of the rock as
it hits the surface of the planet.
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