The potential energy of a satellite, having mass m and

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The potential energy of a satellite, having mass m and rotating at a height of 6.4 × 10⁶ m from the earth surface, is

1. – mgR_e
2. – 0.67 mgR_e
3. – 0.5 mgR_e
4. – 0.33 mgR_e

Correct Option: C

Mass of the satellite = m and height of satellite from earth (h) = 6.4 × 10⁶ m.
We know that gravitational potential energy of the satellite at height

h = -	G M_e m	= -	gR_e² m
	(R_e + h)		2R_e

= -	gR_em	= -0.5 mgR_e
	2

(where, GM_e = gR_e² and h = R_e)