A satellite travels in an elliptical orbit around Earth

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

Problem

A satellite travels in an elliptical orbit around Earth. At perigee (point P) its distance from Earth’s center is

r_P

, and at apogee (point A) its distance is

r_A

with

r_A>r_P

. Which of the following correctly compares the satellite’s kinetic energies

K_P

and

K_A

at these two points? (a)

K_P = K_A

(b)

K_P > K_A

(c)

K_P < K_A

(d) The relationship cannot be determined without knowing the satellite’s mass.