What has a higher total energy?

[jakeginobi]

Homework Statement

Why does a satellite that has a 40.0kg mass in its 177km orbit has a total energy larger than its 144 km orbit?

Homework Equations

Ep = -GMm/r, Et = -GMm/2r

The Attempt at a Solution

I figured from using the Et equation, the greater the radius the bigger the value, but I don't know how to explain it in terms of potential energy and kinetic energy. Also its path is a circular orbit and there's friction involved

 

[PeroK]

Homework Statement

Why does a satellite that has a 40.0kg mass in its 177km orbit has a total energy larger than its 144 km orbit?

Homework Equations

Ep = -GMm/r, Et = -GMm/2r

The Attempt at a Solution

I figured from using the Et equation, the greater the radius the bigger the value, but I don't know how to explain it in terms of potential energy and kinetic energy. Also its path is a circular orbit and there's friction involved

You have a negative value for $E_t$, which I assume is kinetic energy.

 

[BvU]

You have a negative value for $E_t$, which I assume is kinetic energy.

Total energy.

Basically: it takes energy to move the satellite to infinity. More energy than the kinetic energy (namely twice as much).

The further out you start, the easier it becomes ==> total energy is larger at 177 than at 144 km up.

 

[PeroK]

@jakeginobi If you have the total energy, what's your question?

 

[BvU]

there's friction involved

Not in the problem statement, not in the relevant equations.
Together with PeroK, I wonder how we can best help you.