The total energy of an artificial satellite of mass m revolving in a c...
Total Energy of an Artificial Satellite
The total energy of a satellite in orbit consists of its kinetic and potential energy. Let's break down these components:
Kinetic Energy (KE)
- The kinetic energy of the satellite is given by the formula:
KE = 1/2 mv^2
- Here, m is the mass of the satellite and v is its orbital speed.
Gravitational Potential Energy (PE)
- The gravitational potential energy of the satellite in orbit is given by:
PE = -GMm/r
- G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite.
Relationship Between KE and PE
- For a satellite in a stable circular orbit, the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force. Thus, we can relate the kinetic energy to the potential energy:
- KE = -1/2 PE
- This relationship leads to the conclusion that the potential energy is negative because it is defined as zero at an infinite distance from the Earth.
Total Energy (E)
- The total energy of the satellite is the sum of its kinetic and potential energy:
E = KE + PE
- Substituting the expressions, we find:
E = 1/2 mv^2 - GMm/r
- With the relation between KE and PE, we can express the total energy as:
E = -1/2 mv^2
Conclusion
- Therefore, the total energy of an artificial satellite in circular orbit is:
E = -1/2 mv^2
- This negative value indicates that the satellite is in a bound gravitational state, confirming that the correct answer is (c) -1/2 mv^2.
The total energy of an artificial satellite of mass m revolving in a c...
T E= -KE