Q101 / 180 · AIIMS 2014 · Physics

A satellite is in an orbit around the earth. If its kinetic energy is doubled, then

  • A
    it will maintain its path
  • B
    it will fall on the earth
  • C
    it will rotate with a great speed
  • Correct answer
    D
    it will escape out of earth’s gravitational field

Solution

Kinetic energy, $K=\frac{1}{2} m v_0^2$ or $v_0=\sqrt{\frac{2 K}{m}}$ When kinetic energy is doubled, then $v_0^{\prime}=\sqrt{\frac{2 \times 2 K}{m}}=\sqrt{2} \sqrt{\frac{2 K}{m}}=\sqrt{2} v_0$ But $\sqrt{2} v_0=v_e$ (escape velocity) Hence satellite will escape out of earth's gravitational field.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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