Home/
Competitive Exams/
JEE Main & Advanced/
Physics/
Gravitation/
Question 30725
JEE Physics · Medium

Gravitation: Orbital Energy MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

Timer-based practiceDetailed answer reviewMobile-friendly flow
Orbital EnergyMediumQuestion 30725

Question

Total mechanical energy of a satellite in circular orbit of radius r is:
  1. A
    −GMm/r
  2. B
    −GMm/2r
    Correct
  3. C
    GMm/2r
  4. D
    0

Correct answer

−GMm/2r

Explanation

KE = GMm/2r (half of |PE|). PE = −GMm/r. Total E = KE + PE = −GMm/2r. Negative total energy confirms bound orbit.

Review Gravitation notesStart timed chapter practice