Binding Energy
What is the binding energy of a satellite of mass m in orbit at radius r around Earth (mass M)?
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Solution
GMm/(2r)
- Definition: Binding Energy (BE) is the minimum external energy required to liberate a satellite from its orbit to infinity.
- Energy Logic: Since Total Energy E=−2rGMm, we need to add +2rGMm to reach a state where E=0.
- Result: BE=2rGMm.
- Note: It is also exactly equal to the orbit's Kinetic Energy.
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About This Question
- Subject
- physics
- Chapter
- gravitation
- Topic
- binding energy
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
GMm/(2r)
- Definition: Binding Energy (BE) is the minimum external energy required to liberate a satellite from its orbit to infinity.
- Energy Logic: Since Total Energy E=−2rGMm, we need to add +2rGMm to reach a state where E=0.
- Result: BE=2rGMm.
- Note: It is also exactly equal to the orbit's Kinetic Energy.
This medium difficulty physics question is from the chapter gravitation, covering the topic of binding energy. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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