If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what type of energy does it posses
Practice Questions
Q1
If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what type of energy does it possess?
Only kinetic energy
Only potential energy
Both kinetic and potential energy
Neither kinetic nor potential energy
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what type of energy does it possess?
Step 1: Understand that a satellite is an object that orbits around a planet or another celestial body.
Step 2: Recognize that when the satellite is moving, it has energy because of its motion. This is called kinetic energy.
Step 3: Know that the satellite is also affected by the gravity of the planet it is orbiting. This means it has energy based on its position in the gravitational field, called potential energy.
Step 4: Conclude that a satellite in a circular orbit has both kinetic energy (from moving) and potential energy (from being in a gravitational field).
Kinetic Energy – The energy possessed by the satellite due to its motion in orbit.
Potential Energy – The energy possessed by the satellite due to its position in the gravitational field of the Earth.
Gravitational Potential Energy – Specifically refers to the potential energy related to the gravitational force acting on the satellite.
