Question

The minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of earth of mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2R from the surface of the earth is ______.

Options

• `(GmM)/(2 R)`

• `(GmM)/(3 R^2)`

• `(5 GmM)/(6 R)`

• `(2 GmM)/(3 R)`

Answer 1

The minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of earth of mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude of 2R from the surface of the earth is `bbunderline((5 GmM)/(6 R))`.

Explanation:

Minimum energy required = E₂ − E₁

= `(-GMm)/(2 xx 3 R) + (GMm)/R`

= `(-GMm + 6 GMm)/(6 R)`

= `(5 GMm)/(6 R)`