A satellite moves from a low circular orbit to a higher circular orbit around Earth. How do its orbital speed and total mechanical energy change?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Speed decreases while total mechanical energy increases (becomes less negative)

  1. Step 1: Orbital speed v = sqrt(GM/r), which decreases as orbital radius r increases. Step 2. Total energy E = -GMm / (2r), which becomes less negative (higher) as r increases. Answer: Speed decreases while total mechanical energy increases (becomes less negative). Why not the others: Rocket engines must do positive work to raise the satellite into a higher orbit.

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