Question

Two Earth satellites, A and B, each of mass m, are to be launched into circular orbits about Earth's center. Satellite A is to orbit at an altitude of 6390 km. Satellite B is to orbit at an altitude of 17300 km. The radius of Earth REis 6370 km. (a) What is the ratio of the potential energy of satellite B to that of satellite A, in orbit

Answer 1

`Pa = (-GMeMa)/(Re)`

`Pb = (-GMeMb)/(Re)`

where

Pa = Gravitational potential energy of satellite A

Pb = Gravitational potential energy of satellite B

G = gravitational constant

Me = Mass of the earth

Ma = Mass of satellite A

Mb = Mass of satellite B

Re = Radius of the earth

Pb/Pa = (-GMeMb/Re) / (-GMeMa/Re)

Pb/Pa = Mb/Ma

Step-by-step explanation: