Question

The total energy of an artificial satellite of mass \(m\) revolving in a circular orbit around the earth with a speed \(v\) is

• A. \(\frac{1}{2}mv^2\)
• B. \(\frac{1}{4}mv^2\)
• C. \(-\frac{1}{4}mv^2\)
• D. \(-mv^2\)
• E. \(-\frac{1}{2}mv^2\)

Hint:

In satellite dynamics, remember the "1:2:1" ratio rule for magnitudes: \(|Total Energy| = Kinetic Energy = \frac{1}{2}|Potential Energy|\). The Total Energy is always negative for a bound system!

Answer 1

Answer: (E)