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An Earth satellite is transferred from one stable circular orbit to a larger stable circular orbit. Which of the following quantities increases as a result of this change?

1. Gravitational potential energy
2. Angular velocity
3. Linear orbital velocity
4. Centripetal acceleration

Correct answer: Gravitational potential energy

Solution

For a circular orbit of radius r: potential energy U = -G*M*m/r increases (becomes less negative, i.e. larger) as r increases. Orbital speed v = sqrt(G*M/r) decreases. Angular velocity omega = sqrt(G*M/r³) decreases. Centripetal acceleration a = G*M/r² decreases. So only the gravitational potential energy increases with a larger orbit.

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