Question

A 15,000 kg satellite is orbiting at 800 km above the Earth’s surface. What is the potential energy of the satellite?

Answer 1

`-8.34* 10^(11)\ \text{J}`

Step-by-step explanation:

m = Mass of satellite = 15000 kg

h = Distance above Earth = 800 km

R = Radius of Earth = 6371 km

M = Mass of Earth =
`5.972* 10^(24)\ \text{kg}`

G = Gravitational constant =
`6.674* 10^(-11)\ \text{Nm}^2/\text{kg}^2`

Potential energy is given by

`U=-(GMm)/(R+h)\\\Rightarrow U=-(6.674* 10^(-11)* 5.972* 10^(24)* 15000)/((6371+800)* 10^3)\\\Rightarrow U=-8.34* 10^(11)\ \text{J}`

The potential energy of the satellite is
`-8.34* 10^(11)\ \text{J}`.