A satellite with a mass m is in a stable circular orbit about a planet with a mass M.The universal gravitational constant is G.The radius of the orbit is R.The ratio of the potential energy of the satellite to its kinetic energy is
A)-2R
B)+2G
C)-2G/R
D)-2
E)2G/R

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy (U) of the satellite in orbit is given by U = -GMm/R, and the kinetic energy (K) is given by K = GMm/(2R). The ratio U/K = -2, indicating that the potential energy is twice the magnitude of the kinetic energy but negative.

A Satellite with a Mass M Is in a Stable