A satellite orbits the Earth in a stable circular orbit. Which statement accurately describes the forces acting on the satellite and its mechanical energy?

💡 Solution & Explanation

An orbiting satellite experiences a single net external force, which is gravity, acting toward the center of the Earth and supplying the required centripetal force for circular motion. Because the gravitational potential energy is negative and greater in magnitude than the positive kinetic energy, the total mechanical energy of a bound orbit is negative. The net work done by gravity over a closed circular orbit is zero since displacement is perpendicular to the force vector.