What is the gravitational potential energy of a satellite in a circular orbit?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the gravitational potential energy of a satellite in a circular orbit, the formula U = -GMm/r is used, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, m is the mass of the satellite, and r is the radius of the orbit. The radius given is 3 times the Earth's radius (3Re), and the satellite's mass is specified as 500 kg. Clarification is needed on the term "mass of the circular orbit," as it may cause confusion. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using accurate values for G and the mass of the Earth to calculate the potential energy. Understanding the parameters involved is crucial for solving the problem effectively.
Ania
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Homework Statement



i have to determine the potential energy of a satellite around a circular orbit and i have been given

the radius of the circular orbit is 3Re and mass of a satellite of 5.00*10^2 -- ONLY


Homework Equations



so can use the Gmm/r... and subsitute the mass of the circular orbit as 1.

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Not quite sure what you mean by mass of the circular orbit, but if you use U=\frac{-GMm}{r}, where G is the gravitational constant, M is mass of the earth, m is the mass of the sattelite, and r is the radius of the orbit, you should be able to work out the gravitational potential energy U. You might just need to google the mass of the Earth and gravitational constant. Hope this helps.
 
no...the satellite is orbiting around a unknown circular orbit with a radius of 3Re
 
Ania said:
no...the satellite is orbiting around a unknown circular orbit with a radius of 3Re

Hi Ania! Welcome to PF! :smile:

What do you think is unknown about it?

(Re means Earth radius, of course.)
 

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