For a satellite in circular orbit around Earth, what is the ratio of the magnitude of kinetic energy to the magnitude of gravitational potential energy?
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For a satellite in circular orbit around Earth, what is the ratio of the magnitude of kinetic energy to the magnitude of gravitational potential energy?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: In a circular orbit, K=GMm/(2r), whereas gravitational potential is U=−GMm/r. Step 2: Their magnitude ratio K/|U|=(GMm/2r)/(GMm/r)=1/2. Note the signed ratio K/U would be −1/2; the printed question implicitly uses magnitudes. Final answer: A — 1/2.