A satellite moves around the earth in a circular orbit with speed `v`. If `m` is the mass of the satellite, its total energy is

Options

A. `-1/2mv^(2)`
B. `1/2mv^(2)`
C. `3/2mv^(2)`
D. `1/4mv^(2)`

Answer

A

Explanation

Total mechanical energy is given is
`E=K+u=-(GMm)/(2a)=(GMm)/a=(-GMm)/(2a)`
`(GM)/a=v^(2)impliesE=-1/2mv^(2)`