The total mechanical energy per unit mass of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius is

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

Problem

The total mechanical energy per unit mass of a satellite in a circular orbit of radius

r

E_r = -\dfrac{GM}{2r}

. If the satellite is transferred to a higher circular orbit of radius

2r

, what is the increase in its total mechanical energy per unit mass? (a)

+\dfrac{GM}{8r}

(b)

-\dfrac{GM}{4r}

(c)

+\dfrac{GM}{4r}

(d)

+\dfrac{GM}{2r}