Question
A satellite of mass m is revolving in a circular orbit of radius r around the earth of mass M. What is the total energy of the satellite?
Solution
The sum of kinetic energy of revolution and potential energy due to the gravitational field of the earth gives us the total energy of the satellite.
Satellite is revolving in circular orbit of radius r with an orbital velocity given by,
i.e.,
Hence, Kinetic Energy,
The satellite is at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of the earth.
∴ Potential energy,
Now the total energy,
Hence the result.
Satellite is revolving in circular orbit of radius r with an orbital velocity given by,
i.e.,
Hence, Kinetic Energy,
The satellite is at a distance ‘r’ from the centre of the earth.
∴ Potential energy,
Now the total energy,
Hence the result.
