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A satellite of mass M revolves in a circular orbit of radius R under a central force of magnitude k/R² directed toward the center, where k is a constant. Then

1. The kinetic energy of the satellite is k/(2R)
2. The total energy of the satellite is k/(2R)
3. The kinetic energy of the satellite is -k/R
4. The potential energy of the satellite is -k/(2R)

Correct answer: The kinetic energy of the satellite is k/(2R)

Solution

The kinetic energy of the satellite is derived from the balance of gravitational force and centripetal force in circular motion, leading to the expression k/(2R) when substituting the force equation into the kinetic energy formula.

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