A satellite of mass moves in a circular orbit above Earth’s surface

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

Problem

A satellite of mass

500\,\text{kg}

moves in a circular orbit

600\,\text{km}

above Earth’s surface. Determine its total mechanical energy (kinetic

+

potential) with respect to infinity. Choose the closest value. (a)

-1.56\times10^{10}\,\text{J}

(b)

-2.86\times10^{10}\,\text{J}

(c)

-1.43\times10^{10}\,\text{J}

(d)

-1.20\times10^{10}\,\text{J}