Question

Figure shows the variation of energy with the orbit radius r of a satellite in a circular motion. Select the correct statement.

• A. Z is total energy, Y is kinetic energy and X is potential energy.
• B. X is kinetic energy, Y is total energy and Z is potential energy.
• C. X is kinetic energy, Y is potential energy and Z is total energy.
• D. Z is kinetic energy, X is potential energy and Y is total energy.

Answer 1

The correct option is C X is kinetic energy, Y is potential energy and Z is total energy.

Kinetic Energy of the Satellite $=\frac{GMm}{2r}$
Potential Energy of the satellite $=\frac{-GMm}{r}$
Total Energy of the Satellite $=\frac{-GMm}{2r}$
Hence, Kinetic Energy Cure will be above 0 , hence X
Potential energy will be the lowest curve , hence Y
Total Energy is the curve is below 0 , but higher magnitude than Potential Energy . Hence , Z