A satellite of mass m is orbiting the earth (of radius R) at a height h from its surface. The total energy of the satellite in terms of g0, the value of acceleration due to gravity at the earth's surface, is
- mg0R22(R+h)
- - mg0R22(R+h)
- 2mg0R2R+h
- - 2mg0R2R+h
Answer
(2) - mg0R22(R+h)
Solution
Total energy of a satellite in an orbit of radius r = R + h:
E = - GMm2(R+h)
g0 = GMR2 GM = g0R2
E = - mg0R22(R+h)
Answer: (2)