question_answer

For a satellite moving in an orbit around the earth, the ratio of kinetic energy to potential energy is: [AIPMT (S) 2005]

A) 2

B) \[\frac{1}{2}\]

C) \[\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\]

D) \[\sqrt{2}\]

Correct Answer: B

Solution :

Key Idea: The potential energy of satellite is twice its kinetic energy but opposite in sign.

Potential energy,

or

Kinetic energy,

Thus,

Note:    The total energy . This energy is constant and negative, i.e., the

system is closed. The farther the satellite from the earth the greater its total energy.