Question

Two satellites of the same mass are launched in the same orbit around the earth so as to rotate opposite to each other. They collide in-elastically and stick together as wreckage. Obtain the total energy of the system before and just after the collision. Describe the subsequent motion of the wreckage.

Answer 1

Total energy of the system remains constant.The $K.E$ of both satellite becomes zero after collision.Thus $K.E$ is used to deform the satellite.Since $K.E$ becomes zero it starts falling on the earth.