Question

When a satellite going around the earth in a circular orbit of radius $r$ and speed $v$ loses some of its energy , then

• A. $r$ and $v$ both increase
• B. $r$ and $v$ both decrease
• C. $r$ will increase and $v$ will decrease
• D. $r$ will decrease and $v$ will increase

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

$r$ will decrease and $v$ will increase

When a satellite loses energy, it means it loses some of its potential energy.
This happens when the radius of the orbit decreases.
Since the total energy of the satellite is constant, as potential energy decreases its kinetic energy increases, that is its speed increases.