A 5,000 kg satellite is orbiting at 900 km above the Earth’s surface. What is the potential
energy of the satellite?

At what distance from the Earth’s surface is a 10,000 kg satellite if its potential energy is equal
to –4.68 x 10 11 J?

The potential energy of the satellite is 441*10^8 J

The distance from the earth's surface is -0.4775*10^7 m.

Explanation:

The potential energy is the energy which is stored in the object due to its relative position or due to the electric charge.

Potential energy can be calculated by using formula:

PE = m*g*h

where m = mass of the object in kg's = 5000 kg,

           g = gravitational field strength = 9.8 m/s²,

           h = height of the object in meters = 900*10³ m.

substituting the given values of mass of satellite and height from the earth's surface.

PE = 5000*9.8*900*10³

PE = 441 * 10^8 J

Now in the next question we are asked to find distance

Given data :

mass of satellite (m) = 10,000kg ,

PE = -4.68*10^11 J .

PE = m*g*h

-4.68*10^11 = 10,000*9.8*h

h = (-4.68*10^11)/(10*10³*9.8)

h = -0.4775 * 10^7 m

Therefore, in the first question potential energy = 441*10^8 J , and second question height = -0.4775*10^7 m