Which expression gives the total mechanical energy of a satellite of mass moving in a…

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

Which expression gives the total mechanical energy

E_{\text{tot}}

of a satellite of mass

m

moving in a stable circular orbit of radius

r

around a planet of mass

M

? (a)

E_{\text{tot}}=-\dfrac{G M m}{r}

(b)

E_{\text{tot}}=\dfrac{G M m}{2r}

(c)

E_{\text{tot}}=-\dfrac{G M m}{2r}

(d)

E_{\text{tot}}=-\dfrac{G M m}{4r}