Physics

Problem

A communication satellite orbits Earth at an altitude of

4.0\times10^{5}\,\text{m}

above Earth’s surface. Given Earth’s radius

R_E=6.37\times10^{6}\,\text{m}

and Earth’s gravitational parameter

\mu=3.99\times10^{14}\,\text{m}^3\!\cdot\!\text{s}^{-2}

, which of the following is closest to the satellite’s binding energy per unit mass? a)

-6.0\times10^{7}\,\text{J\,kg}^{-1}

+3.0\times10^{7}\,\text{J\,kg}^{-1}

-3.0\times10^{7}\,\text{J\,kg}^{-1}

-4.0\times10^{6}\,\text{J\,kg}^{-1}