Question

The minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of earth of mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude 2R from the surface of the earth is:

(1) 5GmM/6R

(2) 2GmM/3R

(3) GmM/2R

(4) GmM/3R

Answer 1

Correct option is (2) 2GmM/3R

The minimum energy required to launch a satellite of mass m from the surface of earth of mass M and radius R in a circular orbit at an altitude 2R from the surface of the earth is 2GmM/3R.