A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. How does the gravitational
Practice Questions
Q1
A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. How does the gravitational potential energy change as it moves to a higher orbit?
It increases.
It decreases.
It remains constant.
It becomes zero.
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. How does the gravitational potential energy change as it moves to a higher orbit?
Step 1: Understand that a satellite in orbit is affected by Earth's gravity.
Step 2: Recognize that gravitational potential energy depends on the distance from the center of the Earth.
Step 3: Realize that as the satellite moves to a higher orbit, it is moving further away from the Earth.
Step 4: Know that when the distance from the Earth increases, the gravitational potential energy also increases.
Step 5: Conclude that the gravitational potential energy of the satellite increases as it moves to a higher orbit.
Gravitational Potential Energy – The energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, which increases with height above the Earth's surface.
Orbital Mechanics – The study of the motion of objects in orbit, including the relationship between altitude and gravitational potential energy.
