AIIMS2014PhysicsGravitation
A satellite is in an orbit around the earth. If its kinetic energy is doubled, then
Options
- Ait will maintain its path
- Bit will fall on the earth
- Cit will rotate with a great speed
- Dit will escape out of earth’s gravitational field
Correct answer
D. it will escape out of earth’s gravitational field
Step-by-step solution
Kinetic energy, K= 1 2 m v₀^2 or v₀= 2 K m When kinetic energy is doubled, then v₀^ = 2 2 K m = 2 2 K m = 2 v₀ But 2 v₀=v_e (escape velocity) Hence satellite will escape out of earth's gravitational field.