A satellite of mass m orbiting closely around the earth in a circular orbit with a velocity v. What will be its energy ?
Solution:
The total mechanical energy \( E \) of a satellite in a circular orbit is the sum of its kinetic energy \( K \) and potential energy \( U \).
1. **Kinetic Energy (K):**
\[
K = \frac{1}{2} m v^2
\]
2. **Potential Energy (U):**
\[
U = -\frac{GMm}{r}
\]
For a satellite orbiting closely around the Earth, its velocity \( v \) is related to the Earth's gravitational constant by:
\[
v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}
\]
Substitute \( v^2 = \frac{GM}{r} \) into the kinetic energy expression:
\[
K = \frac{1}{2} m \left( \frac{GM}{r} \right) = \frac{GMm}{2r}
\]
Now, the **total energy** is:
\[
E = K + U = \frac{GMm}{2r} - \frac{GMm}{r} = -\frac{GMm}{2r}
\]
Thus, the total energy of the satellite is:
\[
E = -\frac{GMm}{2r}= -\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}
\]