In terms of the planet’s mass

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

Problem

M

, the satellite’s mass

m

, and its orbital radius

r

, what is the total mechanical energy

E

of a satellite that moves in a perfectly circular orbit around the planet? (a)

E=-\dfrac{GMm}{r}

(b)

E=\dfrac{GMm}{2r}

(c)

E=-\dfrac{GMm}{2r}

(d)

E=\dfrac{GMm}{r}