Physics

Problem

For a satellite of mass

m

moving in a bound orbit around a planet of mass

M

, which of the following correctly states the signs (positive or negative) of its gravitational potential energy

U

, kinetic energy

K

, and total mechanical energy

E

at any instant? a)

U

is negative,

K

is positive, and

E

is positive. b)

U

is positive,

K

is positive, and

E

is negative. c)

U

is negative,

K

is positive, and

E

is negative. d)

U

is positive,

K

is positive, and

E

is positive.