Question

Work done by the force of gravity on a satellite of $500kg$ at a height of $36,000km$ is

• A. $0J$
• B. ${10}^{31}J$
• C. ${10}^{21}J$
• D. ${10}^{9.8}J$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

$0J$

Step 1: Given data

Mass of satellite $\left(m\right)$ = $500kg$

Height $\left(h\right)$= $36,000km$

Step 2: Calculating the work done

The formula for calculating the work done,

Work done$\left(W\right)$ = $FsCos\theta$ where $\left(F\right)$ is the force and $\left(s\right)$ is the distance.

We know that the force of gravity acts perpendicular to the displacement of the satellite.

Hence, $\theta =90°$

$Cos(90°)$ = $0$

Work done$\left(W\right)$ = $FS\times 0$ = $0J$

Hence option A is the correct response.