1.

A satellite is currently orbiting Earth in a circular orbit of radius R, its kinetic energy is K_(1), if the satellite is moved and enters a new circular orbit of radius 2R, what will be its kinetic energy?

Answer»

`(K_(1))/(4)`
`(K_(1))/(2)`
`K_(1)`
`2K_(1)`

Solution :The GRAVITATIONAL PULL by the Earth PROVIDES the centripetal force on the satellite, so `(GMm)/(R^(2))=(MV^(2))/(R)`. This gives `(1)/(2)mv(2)=(GMm)/(2R)`, so the kinetic energy K of the satellite is inversely proportional to R. therefore, if R increases by a factor of 2, then K decreases by a factor 2.


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