A satellite is revolving around the earth with a kinetic energy E. The minimum addition of kinetic energy needed to make it escape from its orbit is

Options

(a) 2E
(b) 2/E
(c) E/2
(d) E

Correct Answer:

E

Explanation:

The potential energy of a satellite is negative and twice its kinetic energy. If it has to escape, it has to be given an additional energy to nullify the energy due to attraction.
E is the energy to be given so that the satellite can escape.