For two identical satellites in circular motions around the Earth which statement is true?Multiple ChoiceThe one in the lower orbit has less total energy.CorrectThe one in the higher orbit has more kinetic energy.The one in the lower orbit has more total energy.Both have the same total energy.
Question
For two identical satellites in circular motions around the Earth which statement is true?Multiple ChoiceThe one in the lower orbit has less total energy.CorrectThe one in the higher orbit has more kinetic energy.The one in the lower orbit has more total energy.Both have the same total energy.
Solution
The correct statement is: "The one in the lower orbit has less total energy."
Here's why:
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Total energy in an orbit is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy.
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Kinetic energy is higher in a lower orbit because the satellite moves faster. This is due to the stronger gravitational pull of the Earth at closer distances.
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However, potential energy is more negative in a lower orbit because it is calculated as the negative of the work done to move the satellite from the Earth to that point in space. The closer the satellite is to the Earth, the more negative the potential energy.
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When you add the kinetic and potential energy together, the total energy is less in a lower orbit because the increase in kinetic energy is not enough to offset the more negative potential energy.
So, the satellite in the lower orbit has less total energy.
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