A satellite in a circular orbit has kinetic energy K. A tangential impulse instantaneously increases its kinetic energy to 2K. Its subsequent trajectory is:
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Question

A satellite in a circular orbit has kinetic energy K. A tangential impulse instantaneously increases its kinetic energy to 2K. Its subsequent trajectory is:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For a circular orbit K=GMm/(2r) and U=−GMm/r=−2K. After the impulse K'=2K, so total E'=2K−2K=0. Zero orbital energy corresponds to a parabolic escape trajectory.