The total energy of a circularly orbiting satellite is

Options

A. twice the kinetic energy of the satellite
B. half the kinetic energy of the satellite
C. twice the potential energy of the satellite
D. half the potential energy of the satellite

Answer

D

Explanation

Kinetic energy of the satellite is K= `(2GMm)/(2r)` ..(i)
Potential energy of the satellite is U =` - (GMm)/( r) ` ....(ii)
Total energy of the satellite is E ` = - (GMm)/( 2r)` .....(iii)
Divide (iii) by (i) , we get `E/K = -1 " or " E = - K`
Divide (iii) by(ii) , we get `E/U = 1/2 " or " E = U/2`