What is the kinetic energy of a 200-kg satellite as it follows a circular orbit of radius 8.0 × 106 m around the Earth? (Mass of Earth = 6.0 × 1024 kg.)
A)5.0 × 109 J
B)1.0 × 1010 J
C)1.5 × 1010 J
D)2.0 × 1010 J
E)2.5 × 109 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The kinetic energy (KE) of a satellite in circular orbit is given by KE = (1/2) * (G * M * m) / r, where G is the gravitational constant (6.674 × 10^-11 N(m/kg)^2), M is the mass of the Earth, m is the mass of the satellite, and r is the radius of the orbit. Plugging in the values, KE = (1/2) * (6.674 × 10^-11) * (6.0 × 10^24) * (200) / (8.0 × 10^6) = 5.0 × 10^9 J.

What Is the Kinetic Energy of a 200-Kg Satellite as It