Q. The total energy of a circularly orbiting satellite is

A) Twice the kinetic energy of the satellite
B) Half the kinetic energy of the satellite
C) Twice the potential energy of the satellite
D) Half the potential energy of the satellite
Explanation

(d) Kinetic energy of the satellite is $K = \frac{GMm}{2r}$ …(i)
Potential energy of the satellite is $U = - \frac{GMm}{r}$ …(ii)
Total energy of the satellite is $E = - \frac{GMm}{2r}$ …(iii)
Divide (iii) by (i), we get $\frac{E}{K} = - 1$ or $E = - K$
Divide (iii) by (ii), we get $\frac{E}{U} = \frac{1}{2}$ or $E = \frac{U}{2}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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