Question

A satellite revolves around the earth in a circular orbit with a velocity “v”. What is the total energy of the satellite? Let “m” be the mass of the satellite.

(a) – (m*v^2)/2

(b) (m*v^2)/2

(c) (3*m*v^2)/2

(d) – (m*v^2)

I got this question in exam.

The origin of the question is Gravitation topic in division Gravitation of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) – (m*v^2)/2

Easy explanation: Total energy (E) = KE + PE

KE = (1/2) x m x v^2

PE = – 2 x (KE) [For a satellite]

 = – m x v^2

E = (1/2) x m x v^2 + (- m x v^2)

 = – (1/2) x m x v^2.