Question

At a particular point in orbit, a satellite in an elliptical orbit has a gravitational potential energy of 5200 MJ with respect to Earth's surface and kinetic energy of 4800 MJ. Later in its orbit, the satellite's potential energy is 6000 MJ. use conservation of energy to find its kinetic energy at that point.

Answer 1

Answer:

Final kinetic energy, $K_f=4000\ MJ$

Explanation:

It is given that,

Initial gravitational potential energy of the satellite, $U_i=5200\ MJ$

Initial kinetic energy of the satellite, $K_i=4800\ MJ$        

Final gravitational potential energy of the satellite, $U_f=6000\ MJ$

Let $K_f$ is the final kinetic energy of the satellite at that point. Using the conservation of energy to find it as the energy of the satellite remains constant.

$U_i+K_i=U_f+K_f$

$K_f=U_i+K_i-U_f$                          

$K_f=5200+4800-6000$

$K_f=4000\ MJ$

So, the final kinetic energy of the satellite at that point is 4000 MJ. Hence, this is the required solution.