At a particular point, a satellite in an elliptical orbit has a gravitational potential energy of 7000 MJ with respect to Earth’s surface and a kinetic energy of 4000 MJ. At another point in its orbit, the satellite’s potential energy is 2000 MJ. What is its kinetic energy at that point? Show all calculations leading to your answer.
TME=GPE+KE=11,000 MJ
GPE=2000 MJ
KE=9,000 MJ
To find the kinetic energy at the second point in the satellite's orbit, we need to subtract the potential energy at that point from the total mechanical energy (TME).
Given:
Total Mechanical Energy (TME) = 11,000 MJ
Potential Energy (GPE) at the second point = 2000 MJ
To find the Kinetic Energy (KE) at the second point, we can use the equation:
TME = GPE + KE
Substituting the known values, we have:
11,000 MJ = 2000 MJ + KE
Rearranging the equation to isolate KE:
KE = 11,000 MJ - 2000 MJ
Simplifying the equation:
KE = 9,000 MJ
Therefore, the kinetic energy at the second point in the satellite's orbit is 9000 MJ.