Q: 8.6 Choose the correct alternative:
(a) If the zero of potential energy is at infinity, the total energy of an orbiting satellite is negative of its kinetic/potential energy. (b) The energy required to launch an orbiting satellite out of earth’s gravitational influence is more/less than the energy required to project a stationary object at the same height (as the satellite) out of earth’s influence.
(a) The total energy will be negative of its kinetic energy. Since at infinity potential energy is zero and total energy is negative.
(b) The energy required will be less as the stationary object on earth has no energy initially whereas the satellite has gained energy due to rotational motion.