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A satellite of mass m is orbiting around the earth in a circular orbit with a velocity v. What will be its total energy?

1. (3/4) mv²
2. (1/2) mv²
3. mv²
4. (-1/2) mv²

Correct answer: (-1/2) mv²

Solution

The total energy of a satellite in a circular orbit is the sum of its kinetic energy (1/2 mv²) and potential energy (-GMm/r). For a circular orbit, the potential energy is -2 times the kinetic energy, so the total energy becomes -1/2 mv².

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