For a satellite of mass moving in a bound orbit around a planet of mass

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

Problem

For a satellite of mass

m

moving in a bound orbit around a planet of mass

M

, which of the following correctly states the signs (positive or negative) of its gravitational potential energy

U

, kinetic energy

K

, and total mechanical energy

E

at any instant? (a)

U

is negative,

K

is positive, and

E

is positive. (b)

U

is positive,

K

is positive, and

E

is negative. (c)

U

is negative,

K

is positive, and

E

is negative. (d)

U

is positive,

K

is positive, and

E

is positive.