Energy Relations of an Orbiting Satellite – Rankers Physics

Gravitational Potential Energy: Practice Problem & Solution

If potential energy is assumed to be zero at infinity, then
The total energy of an orbiting satellite is negative of its potential energy.
The potential energy of an orbiting satellite is twice of its total energy
The potential energy of an orbiting satellite is negative of its kinetic energy
The total energy of an orbiting satellite is twice of its kinetic energy

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Gravitational Potential Energy. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

For an orbiting satellite, Potential Energy \(U = -\frac{GMm}{r}\), Kinetic Energy \(K = \frac{GMm}{2r}\), and Total Energy \(E = -\frac{GMm}{2r}\). This shows that \(U = 2E\).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Practice Questions

Explore conceptually related problems to test your knowledge.

1. A satellite of mass \(m\) is in a circular orbit of radius \(2R\) about the earth. How much energy is required to transfer it to a circular orbit of radius \(4R\) :  (\(R =\) Radius of earth)
2. Assertion (A): Gravitational potential of earth at every place upon it is negative. Reason (R): Every body on earth is bound by the attraction of earth.  
3. An object is weighed at the equator using a physical balance and a spring balance. When the same object is taken to the pole, then corresponding readings on the physical balance and spring balance (also taken there) will respectively:
4. At certain height \(h\) from surface of earth the value of \(g\) become \(6.25%\) of its value at earth surface. The ratio of \(\frac{h}{R}\) is. (\(R\) is radius of earth)
5. A body of weight $72 \text{ N}$ moves from the surface of earth to a height half of the radius of the earth, then gravitational force exerted on it will be: (2000)