Total energy of a satellite in circular orbit equals:
AHalf of potential energy
BTwice the potential energy
C+ Kinetic energy
D- Kinetic energy
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. - Kinetic energy
For circular orbit: KE = GMm/(2r), PE = -GMm/r, Total E = -GMm/(2r) = -KE. So total energy equals negative kinetic energy. Total is negative, indicating bound orbit.
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