A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. When it is moved to an orbit that is doser to the Earth's surface, which of the following describes the energy changes that take place? A gravitational potential energy increases, kinetic energy increases B gravitational potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases C oravitational potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases. D gravitational potential energy decreases, kinetic energy decreases
Question
A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. When it is moved to an orbit that is doser to the Earth's surface, which of the following describes the energy changes that take place?
A gravitational potential energy increases, kinetic energy increases
B gravitational potential energy increases, kinetic energy decreases
C oravitational potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases.
D gravitational potential energy decreases, kinetic energy decreases
Solution
The correct answer is C: gravitational potential energy decreases, kinetic energy increases.
Here's why:
-
Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): This is the energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field. The formula for GPE is mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. In the context of a satellite orbiting Earth, the 'height' would be the distance from the center of the Earth. So, if a satellite is moved closer to the Earth, the height (h) decreases, which means the GPE decreases.
-
Kinetic Energy (KE): This is the energy an object possesses because of its motion. The formula for KE is 1/2mv^2, where m is mass and v is velocity. For a satellite to remain in orbit, it must maintain a certain velocity. If it's moved closer to the Earth, it must increase its velocity to avoid being pulled in by Earth's gravity. So, if the satellite's velocity increases, its KE also increases.
So, when a satellite is moved to an orbit closer to the Earth's surface, its gravitational potential energy decreases and its kinetic energy increases.
Similar Questions
For two identical satellites in circular motions around the Earth which statement is true?Multiple ChoiceThe one in the lower orbit has less total energy.CorrectThe one in the higher orbit has more kinetic energy.The one in the lower orbit has more total energy.Both have the same total energy.
An artificial satellite is moving in a circular orbit around a planet. If the total energy of satellite isE, then itspotential energy would be
Choose the incorrect statement from the following:The speed of satellite in a given circular orbit remains constantFor a planet revolving around the sun in an elliptical orbit, the total energy of the planet remains constantThe linear speed of a planet revolving around the sun remains constantWhen a body falls towards earth, the displacement of earth towards the body is negligible
A satellite has a mass of 115 kg and is located at 1.95 ✕ 106 m above the surface of Earth.(a) What is the potential energy associated with the satellite at this location? Your response is off by a multiple of ten. J(b) What is the magnitude of the gravitational force on the satellite? Your response is off by a multiple of ten. N
When a body falls freely towards the earth, then its total energya) increases b) decreases c) remains constant d) first increases and then decreases
Upgrade your grade with Knowee
Get personalized homework help. Review tough concepts in more detail, or go deeper into your topic by exploring other relevant questions.