The inward radial kick also leaves <angular momentum> unchanged and increases <orbital energy> by $m\delta^2/2$. Its <eccentricity> and <semi-major axis> equal those in case $b$, but the orientation of its <eccentricity vector> is reflected about the initial radius. The satellite initially moves inward on its <ellipse>, toward <pericentre>. \b[Neither radial kick decreases the orbital energy.]

Solution

Past exam of the physics 1 paper of the University of Oxford / 2017 resit / 2 / d / Solution

 Solution (source code)