What do we mean by the orbital energy of an orbiting object (such as a planet,moon,or satellite)?
A)Orbital energy is the sum of the object's kinetic energy and its gravitational potential energy as it moves through its orbit.
B)Orbital energy is the object's kinetic energy as it moves through its orbit.
C)Orbital energy is a measure of the object's speed as it moves through its orbit.
D)Orbital energy is the amount of energy required for the object to leave orbit and escape into space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Orbital energy is the sum of the object's kinetic energy (energy of motion) and its gravitational potential energy (energy due to its position in the gravity field) as it moves through its orbit. It is a measure of the total energy required for the object to maintain its current orbit. This energy must be constantly replenished to prevent the object from falling into the central body or escaping into space.

What Do We Mean by the Orbital Energy of an Orbiting