A 50 kg satellite orbits Earth in a circular orbit at radius . If it is transferred to a higher circular orbit of radius , how do its kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy change?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Kinetic energy halves while potential energy increases (becomes less negative)
- Step 1: Orbital speed: . Doubling radius halves kinetic energy: . Step 2. Potential energy: . Doubling radius gives , which is less negative (an increase in potential energy). Answer: Kinetic energy halves while potential energy increases (becomes less negative). Why not the others: Higher orbits travel slower with greater potential energy.
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