Energy necessary to put something in orbit

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To determine the energy necessary to put an object in orbit around the Earth, one must consider both the initial kinetic energy required for orbital velocity and the gravitational potential energy at the desired altitude. The discussion highlights confusion regarding the initial kinetic energy (Ki) of an object at rest, emphasizing that Ki should reflect the velocity needed for orbit. Additionally, participants note the ambiguity in the question's wording, particularly regarding the definition of "at rest" and the lack of specified parameters like orbital radius. Clarification on these points is deemed essential for accurately calculating the required energy. Understanding the relationship between initial, added, and final energy is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement


Object A is at rest relative to the Earth and we want to put it in orbit around the earth, how much energy is necessary to do so?

Homework Equations



Ki+Ui=Kf+Uf+energy input[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



what i don't understand is, if the body is at rest, Ki=0, but don't we need a certain inicial velocity to put it in orbit? So shouldn't Ki have a value?[/B]
 
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I think that is exactly what the question requires you to answer. That is how much initial kinetic energy is required to put the rocket in orbit around the Earth at a certain distance above the surface of the earth.
 
Point 1: If Ki+Ui is the initial total energy of the object while at rest with respect to the Earth and Kf+Uf is the final energy of the object in orbit, Then why would you add energy to the total final energy to get the total initial energy?

Point 2: Just relating initial energy, added energy, and final energy is not enough, you also need to know how to determine what final energy is needed for the orbiting object.
 
undividable said:
Object A is at rest relative to the Earth and we want to put it in orbit around the earth, how much energy is necessary to do so?
Is that the whole question? It is very poorly worded.
What does at rest relative to the Earth mean? I could read that as including Earth's rotation, so at the right radius it would be in geostationary orbit already.
It does not say the radius is to be unchanged.
It should provide some variable in terms of which you can express the answer; that could be the height (from Earth's centre), or its GPE, or ...?
 
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