A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. What is the gravitational potential energy of the satellite?

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Q: A satellite is in a circular orbit around the Earth. What is the gravitational potential energy of the satellite?

Solution: The gravitational potential energy of a satellite in orbit is negative due to the attractive force of gravity.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Understand that gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field.
Step 2: Recognize that for a satellite in orbit, the gravitational force from the Earth is what keeps it in that orbit.
Step 3: Know that the formula for gravitational potential energy (U) is U = - (G * m1 * m2) / r, where G is the gravitational constant, m1 is the mass of the Earth, m2 is the mass of the satellite, and r is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite.
Step 4: Realize that the negative sign in the formula indicates that the gravitational potential energy is negative, meaning the satellite is bound to the Earth by gravity.
Step 5: Conclude that the gravitational potential energy of the satellite is negative because it is in a stable orbit around the Earth.