A satellite of mass m moves in a circular orbit of radius r around a planet of mass M. Which statements are correct?
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Question

A satellite of mass m moves in a circular orbit of radius r around a planet of mass M. Which statements are correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For a circular orbit mv²/r=GMm/r². Hence K=GMm/(2r), U=−GMm/r and E=K+U=−GMm/(2r). Escape to infinity with zero final speed requires energy −E=GMm/(2r), not GMm/r.