Question

A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit of radius R.Ratio of KE and its PE is (only magnitude)

Answer 1

Given: A satellite is revolving in a circular orbit of radius R

To find: Ratio of KE and its PE?

Solution:

• Now we have given the radius as R.

• We know that  kinetic energy of a satellite revolving at a height 'h' from Earth's surface is given by:

                 KE = GMm / 2(R + h)

• And the potential energy is given by:

                 PE = - GMm / (R + h)

• So the ratio becomes:

                 KE / PE = GMm / 2(R + h) / - GMm / (R + h)

                 KE / PE = -1/2

Answer:

           So the ratio of KE and its PE is -1/2.