Compared to the speed a satellite loses when traveling from nearest to farthest points from Earth,the speed gained when returning from farthest to nearest is
A)less.
B)the same.
C)more.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy of a system remains constant. In the case of a satellite orbiting Earth, the total energy includes both kinetic energy (due to its motion) and potential energy (due to its distance from Earth). As the satellite moves away from Earth, its potential energy increases, but its kinetic energy decreases, resulting in a slower speed. Similarly, when the satellite moves closer to Earth, its potential energy decreases, but its kinetic energy increases, resulting in a faster speed. Since the total energy of the system remains constant, the speed gained during the return trip will be the same as the speed lost during the outward trip. Hence the correct answer is B) the same.

Compared to the Speed a Satellite Loses When Traveling from Nearest