Gravitation: Satellite — Larger Orbit Slower MCQ

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

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Satellite — Larger Orbit SlowerMediumQuestion 30751

Question

A satellite is boosted to a higher orbit. Compared to the original orbit, the satellite in the new orbit has:

A
More speed and more energy
B
Less speed but more energy
Correct
C
More speed but less energy
D
Less speed and less energy

Correct answer

Less speed but more energy

Explanation

Higher orbit: r increases → v = √(GM/r) decreases (less speed). But total energy = −GMm/2r increases (less negative = more energy). Counter-intuitive: slower satellite has more total mechanical energy.

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