Consider a satellite (whose mass is m) orbiting the earth (whose mass is M). If we use the formula Vg = -GMm/r for the gravitational potential energy in this situation, the earth/satellite system’s total energy E turns out to be negative. With respect to the total energy of what situation is E negative?

A. The satellite at rest at the earth’s surface
B. The satellite at rest at the earth’s center
C. The satellite orbiting just above the earth’s surface
D. The satellite at rest at infinity
E. Some other situation (specify


D. The satellite at rest at infinity

Physics & Space Science

You might also like to view...

In the context of electromagnetic radiation, the radiation emitted by an opaque object is called _____

A) alpha radiation B) blackbody radiation C) neutron radiation D) gamma radiation

Physics & Space Science

Spectral Series: What is the shortest wavelength of the Lyman series?

A. 91.16 nm B. 45.60 nm C. 121.5 nm D. 204.1 nm E. 365 nm

Physics & Space Science

A guitar string has a tension of 95 N on it and is 75 cm long. If its mass is 0.27 g, what is the frequency of the first harmonic above the fundamental?

A. 685 Hz B. 69 Hz C. 217 Hz D. 470 kHz

Physics & Space Science

Light incident on a thin film is reflected and transmitted at each surface. Why does a thin film have to be "thin" for an interference pattern to form?

a. Light would not penetrate a thick film. b. The surfaces of the film must be as close to perfectly parallel as possible. Irregularities would be magnified in a thick film. c. The thickness of the film must be less than the wavelength of light. d. Light is not slowed down when it enters into a thin film. e. Light speeds up as it enters a thin film.

Physics & Space Science