A satellite of mass m orbits Earth of radius R at height h. Express its total mechanical energy using surface gravity g₀.
Options

Question

A satellite of mass m orbits Earth of radius R at height h. Express its total mechanical energy using surface gravity g₀.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: For an orbit of radius r=R+h, total energy E=−GMm/(2r). Step 2: Since GM=g₀R², substitute to obtain E=−mg₀R²/[2(R+h)]. Final answer: B — −mg₀R²/[2(R+h)].