Question

A satellite has a total energy of –4.4 x 10^11 The satellite is orbiting 650 km above Earth’s surface. What is the mass of the satellite? (Choose the closest answer)

A 84096.5 kg

B 74096.5 kg

C 64096.5 kg

D 54096.5 kg

E 14096.5 kg

Answer 1

Option E

Step-by-step explanation:

As we know

`m = (-2RU)/(GM) \\`

Where R is the radius of the orbit

G is the gravitational Constant =
`6.67*10^(-11)`

U is the total energy and

M is the mass of Earth
`= 5.98*10^(24)`

radius of earth
`= 6.378*10^6`

Radius of the orbit = radius of the earth
`+ 650` km

Radius of the orbit (R) =
`(6.378*10^6)+(6.5*10^5)`

Substituting the given values, we get -

`m = ( (2((6.378*10^6)+(6.5*10^5))(-4.4*10^(11))))/(((6.67*10^(-11))(5.98*10^(24))))\\ = 15505.6`

Option E is the nearest answer