Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy of Artificial Satellites

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the relationship between gravitational potential energy (Eg) and kinetic energy (Ek) of an artificial satellite orbiting Earth. The key question is to determine the factor 'n' such that Eg multiplied by 'n' equals Ek. To solve this, one must use the equilibrium condition for orbital motion, which allows for the elimination of velocity from the kinetic energy expression. Participants are encouraged to derive the expressions for Eg and Ek to find the value of 'n'. Understanding these relationships is crucial for grasping the dynamics of satellite motion.
radou
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I've bumped into a little problem while solving some tests for my physics course, so I'd appreciate some help :) :
Consider an artificial satellite circling around the Earth; how much times is the absolute value of it's gravitational potential energy greater than it's kinetic energy?
 
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Write down the expressions for gravitational potantial energy (say Eg) and the kinetic energy (say Ek).

Question is what is 'n' where

Eg * n = Ek

You will have to use the equilibrium condition for the orbital motion of the satilite around the Earth to get rid of the velocity from Ek.
 

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