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 5580 km. Satellite B is to orbit at an altitude of 21000 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

=0.43

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

mv^2/R=GMm/R^2

Make V the subject

V^2=(GM/R)

For satellite A

Va^2= (GM/R)=(GM/(5580+6370)*10^3)

Vb^2=(GM/(21000+6370)*10^3)

Va^2=(GM/11950*10^3)

Vb^2=(GM/27370*10^3)

But kinetic Energy Ek of orbiting object is MV^2/2=GMm/2R

Hence EkA= GMm/2*11950*10^3)

EkB= GMm(2*27370*10^3)

EkB/EkA= 2*11950*10^3/2*27370*10^3

=0.43