An artificial satellite moving in a circular orbit around the earth has a total energy `E_(0)`. Its potential energy is

Options

A. `-2E`
B. 2E
C. `(2E)/(3)`
D. `-(2E)/(3)`

Answer

A

Explanation

We know that, the potential energy of the satellite
`U=-(GM_(e)m)/(R_(e))`
The kinetic energy of the satellite `K = (1)/(2)(GM_(e)m)/(R_(e))`
The total energy, `E=U+K=-(GM_(e)m)/(R_(e))+(1)/(2)(GM_(e)m)/(R_(e))=-(1)/(2)(GM_(e)m)/(R_(e))`
`rArr2E=-(GM_(e)m)/(R_(2))rArr -2E =U`
So, potential energy = -2 (total energy)
`rArr PE = -2E`.