Binding Energy

Question

What is the binding energy of a satellite of mass m in orbit at radius r around Earth (mass M)?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Definition**: Binding Energy (BE) is the minimum external energy required to liberate a satellite from its orbit to infinity.
2. **Energy Logic**: Since Total Energy $E = -\frac{GMm}{2r}$, we need to add $+\frac{GMm}{2r}$ to reach a state where $E=0$.
3. **Result**: $BE = \frac{GMm}{2r}$.
4. **Note**: It is also exactly equal to the orbit's Kinetic Energy.

Rank Guru

Binding Energy

Select the correct option:

Solution

🔒 Solution Hidden from View

More binding energy Practice Questions

Magnitude of binding energy of planet of mass m in circular orbit radius r?

Binding energy per nucleon highest around?

A nucleus has a mass defect of 0.5 u. What is its binding energy? (1 u = 931.5 MeV/c²)

Minimum energy to remove mass m from surface of Earth to infinity is:

High binding energy per nucleon implies nucleus is:

About This Question