Question

A space transportation vehicle releases a 470-kg communications satellite while in a circular orbit 350 km above the surface of the Earth. A rocket engine on the satellite boosts it into an orbit 2350 km above the surface of the Earth. How much energy does the engine have to provide for this boost?

Answer 1

E = 3.194 x 10⁹ J = 3.194 GJ

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for the absolute potential energy is:

U = - GMm/2r

where,

G = Gravitational Constant = 6.67 x 10⁺¹¹ N m²/kg²

M = mass of Earth = 5.972 x 10²⁴ kg

m = mass of satellite = 470 kg

r = distance between the center of Earth and satellite

Thus, the energy required from engine will be difference between the potential energies.

E = U₂ - U₁

E = - GMm/2r₂ - (- GMm/2r₁)

E = (GMm/2)(1/r₁ - 1/r₂)

where,

r₁ = Radius of Earth + 350 km = 6371 km + 350 km = 6721 km = 6.721 x 10⁶ m

r₂=Radius of Earth + 2350 km=6371 km + 2350 km= 8721 km = 8.721 x 10⁶ m

therefore,

E = [(6.67 x 10⁺¹¹ N m²/kg²)(5.972 x 10²⁴ kg)(470 kg)/2](1/6.721 x 10⁶ m - 1/8.721 x 10⁶ m)

E = 3.194 x 10⁹ J = 3.194 GJ