High School

We appreciate your visit to A satellite in Earth orbit has a mass of 93 kg and is at an altitude of tex 1 95 times 10 6 text m. This page offers clear insights and highlights the essential aspects of the topic. Our goal is to provide a helpful and engaging learning experience. Explore the content and find the answers you need!

A satellite in Earth orbit has a mass of 93 kg and is at an altitude of [tex]1.95 \times 10^6 \, \text{m}[/tex]. Assume that [tex]U = 0[/tex] as [tex]r \to \infty[/tex]. What is the potential energy of the satellite-Earth system?

Answer :

The satellite-Earth system's gravitational potential energy is approximately -4.45 × 10⁹ joules, determined by the masses of the satellite and Earth, and their separation distance.

Gravitational Potential Energy of a Satellite -

To calculate the potential energy of the satellite-Earth system, we use the formula for gravitational potential energy (U):

U = - (G * M * m) / r

Here, G is the gravitational constant (6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ Nm²/kg²), M is the mass of the Earth (5.97 × 10²⁴ kg), m is the mass of the satellite (93 kg), and r is the distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite.

The radius of the Earth is 6.371 × 10⁶ m, so the total distance r is:

r = 6.371 × 10⁶ m + 1.95 × 10⁶ m = 8.321 × 10⁶ m.

Plugging in the values:

U = - (6.67 × 10⁻¹¹ Nm²/kg² * 5.97 × 10²⁴ kg * 93 kg) / 8.321 × 10⁶ m

After calculating, we get:

U ≈ - 4.45 × 10⁹ J

Thus, the gravitational potential energy of the satellite-Earth system is approximately -4.45 × 10⁹ joules.

Thanks for taking the time to read A satellite in Earth orbit has a mass of 93 kg and is at an altitude of tex 1 95 times 10 6 text m. We hope the insights shared have been valuable and enhanced your understanding of the topic. Don�t hesitate to browse our website for more informative and engaging content!

Rewritten by : Barada