Question

A satellite is orbiting Earth in a circular orbit. Which is true about the kinetic energy (K), gravitational potential energy (U), and total energy (E)?

a) K is constant, U increases, E decreases
b) K increases, U is constant, E increases
c) K is constant, U is constant, E is constant
d) K decreases, U increases, E is constant

Answer 1

For a satellite in a stable circular orbit, the kinetic energy (K), gravitational potential energy (U), and total energy (E) are all constant, making the correct answer c) K is constant, U is constant, E is constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

A satellite is orbiting Earth in a circular orbit. If the orbit is stable, the following conditions regarding its kinetic energy (K), gravitational potential energy (U), and total energy (E) are true:

• K is constant because the satellite's speed in a circular orbit remains unchanged.
• U is also constant for a circular orbit since the satellite's distance from the center of the Earth does not change.
• E is constant because it is the sum of kinetic and gravitational potential energies, which are both constant for a stable circular orbit.

Therefore, the correct statement is c) K is constant, U is constant, E is constant. This is because the satellite has a consistent speed and distance from the Earth, and as such, its kinetic and potential energies remain unchanged, leading to a constant total energy.