Two satellites of equal mass orbit Earth at radii r1 and r2 = 2r1. Ratio of their kinetic energies KE1 : KE2:
A2 : 1
B4 : 1
C1 : 4
D1 : 2
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. 2 : 1
KE = GMm/(2r). KE1/KE2 = r2/r1 = 2. So KE1 : KE2 = 2 : 1. The closer satellite moves faster.
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