Question

A satellite orbits the earth with a kinetic energy of 2.0 x 10^10 J. Its gravitational potential energy

in this orbit is -4.0 x 10^10 J. What is the total energy of the satellite (relative to infinity)?
0 -6.0 x 10^10 J
O 6.0 x 10^10 J
0-2.0 x 10^10 J
O 2.0 x 10^10 J

Answer 1

the total energy of the satellite is -2.0 x 10¹⁰ J

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

kinetic energy of the satellite, K.E = 2.0 x 10¹⁰ J

gravitational potential energy, P.E = -4 x 10¹⁰ J

The total mechanical energy of the satellite is calculated as follows;

M.E = K.E + P.E

M.E = 2.0 x 10¹⁰ J - 4 x 10¹⁰ J

M.E = -2.0 x 10¹⁰ J

Therefore, the total energy of the satellite is -2.0 x 10¹⁰ J