---
title: "A satellite of mass \\(m\\) is in a highly elliptical orbit around a planet. Point \\(P\\) is the satellite’s point of closest approach to the planet, and point \\(A\\) is the satellite’s farthest point from the planet. Which of the following correctly describes the change in energy of the satellite-planet system as the satellite moves from point \\(P\\) to point \\(A\\)?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109930/"
date_modified: "2026-03-26T06:56:43+00:00"
---

# A satellite of mass \(m\) is in a highly elliptical orbit around a planet. Point \(P\) is the satellite’s point of closest approach to the planet, and point \(A\) is the satellite’s farthest point from the planet. Which of the following correctly describes the change in energy of the satellite-planet system as the satellite moves from point \(P\) to point \(A\)?

A satellite of mass \(m\) is in a highly elliptical orbit around a planet. Point \(P\) is the satellite's point of closest approach to the planet, and point \(A\) is the satellite's farthest point from the planet. Which of the following correctly describes the change in energy of the satellite-planet system as the satellite moves from point \(P\) to point \(A\)?

![An elliptical orbit with a planet located at one of the foci. A satellite is shown at two positions: point P at the periapsis (closest point to the planet) and point A at the apoapsis (farthest point). Arrows indicate the satellite's orbital path from P to A.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1774508203-IYYSf2.jpg)

- **A.** The total mechanical energy of the system increases because the distance between the satellite and the planet is increasing.
- **B.** The kinetic energy of the satellite decreases because the gravitational force of the planet does negative work on the satellite.
- **C.** The gravitational potential energy of the system remains constant because the gravitational force is a conservative force.
- **D.** The speed of the satellite increases because the total mechanical energy of the system must be conserved.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109930/*