Question

Which of the following orbits have a total of zero energy (based on the common convention)?

1. circular orbit
2. elliptical orbit
3. parabolic orbit
4. hyperbolic orbit

Two satellites are in orbit around a planet. One orbit is circular with radius r, the other is elliptical with semi-major axis a. If 2r and 2a are equal to each other, which satellite has a larger total orbital energy?

1. The circular orbit
2. The elliptical orbit
3. They both have the same energy

How does the eccentricity of the elliptical orbit affect the total energy of the orbit?

1. E is inversely related to e
2. E is directly related to e
3. E is not related to e

Answer 1