A satellite of mass $1000~kg$ is orbiting the earth at a height of $2000~km$ above the surface. Calc

Question

A satellite of mass $1000~kg$ is orbiting the earth at a height of $2000~km$ above the surface. Calculate the potential energy of the earth-satellite system. (Given: $M_e = 6 	imes 10^{24}~kg$, $R_e = 6400~km$)

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

Potential energy $U = -\frac{GMm}{r} = -2K$. Since $K \approx 2.38 	imes 10^{10}~J$, $U = -2 	imes 2.38 	imes 10^{10} = -4.76 	imes 10^{10}~J$.