Question

What is the relationship between kinetic energy and potential energy of a satellite in orbit?

Options

• K.E. = P.E.

• K.E. = -½ P.E.

• K.E. = 2 × P.E.

• K.E. = -P.E.

Answer 1

K.E. = -½ P.E.

Explanation:

From the derivation, K.E. = ½ GMm/r and P.E. = -GMm/r. Therefore, K.E. = -½ P.E. This shows the kinetic energy is half the magnitude of potential energy.