Two satellites A and B each of- Mass -50 kg are in circular orbits at altitudes of 1×106 m and 35×106 respectively. what is the difference in the gravitational potential energies of the two satellites in their respective orbits ? given mass of earth =M=6×103xkg . Radius of earth =R=6.4×106m and G=6.67×10−11Nm2Kg−2
We know, gravitational potential energy
Ug=−Gm1m2r
According to the question
U1=−6.67×10−11×6×1024×50(6.4+1)×106=2.7×109
U2=−6.67×10−11×6×1024×50(6.4+35)×106=4.8×108
Finding difference in their potential energy
U2−U1=△U
△U−4.8×108−27×108
△U=−22.2×108
Thus, the difference is 22.2×108J