For a satellite of mass moving in a circular orbit of radius around a planet of mass

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Gravitation · Gravitation

Problem

For a satellite of mass mm moving in a circular orbit of radius rr around a planet of mass MM (i) Using the condition for uniform circular motion, prove that the kinetic energy of the satellite is equal to one-half the magnitude of its gravitational potential energy. (ii) Hence derive an expression for the total mechanical energy of the satellite in terms of GG, MM, mm and rr. (iii) What fraction of the gravitational potential energy of the system is converted into the satellite’s kinetic energy in such an orbit?

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