Question

A satellite of mass m, initially at rest on the earth, is launched into a circular orbit at a height equal to the radius of the earth. The minimum energy required is

Answer 1

G = Gravitational Constant

M : mass of Earth

m : mass of object

r : radius of earth

h = height of orbit

Based on energy conservation:

Ui = -GMm/r

Uf = -GMm/(r+h) ; h=r

so the energy required = the difference in potential energy