An artificial satellite revolving around the Earth in a circular orbit has a kinetic energy E. What is the total mechanical energy of the satellite?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The total mechanical energy of a satellite in a bound circular orbit is equal to the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy, which evaluates to minus E because the potential energy is equal to minus two times the kinetic energy. This negative total energy signifies that the satellite is bound to the gravitational pull of the Earth and requires external energy to escape completely. The escape velocity from the Earth surface is approximately eleven point two kilometers per second.