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For a satellite of mass m in a circular orbit of radius r around a planet of mass M, the total mechanical energy is:

A− G M m / (2r)
B− G M m / r
C+ G M m / (2r)
Dzero
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. − G M m / (2r)
E = K + U = (1/2)·GMm/r − GMm/r = − GMm/(2r).
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