An artificial Earth satellite is moved from a circular orbit with radius R to a circular orbit with radius 2R.During this move:
A)the gravitational force does positive work, the kinetic energy of the satellite increases, and the potential energy of the Earth-satellite system increases
B)the gravitational force does positive work, the kinetic energy of the satellite increases, and the potential energy of the Earth-satellite system decreases
C)the gravitational force does positive work, the kinetic energy of the satellite decreases, and the potential energy of the Earth-satellite system increases
D)the gravitational force does negative work, the kinetic energy of the satellite system increases, and the potential energy of the Earth-satellite system decreases
E)the gravitational force does negative work, the kinetic energy of the satellite decreases, and the potential energy of the Earth-satellite system increases

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When moving to a higher orbit, gravitational force does negative work as it opposes the motion. The kinetic energy decreases because the satellite moves slower in a higher orbit. The potential energy increases as the satellite is further from Earth.

An Artificial Earth Satellite Is Moved from a Circular Orbit