Question

Two satellite of same mass are launched in the same orbit of radius `r` around the earth so as to rotate opposite to each other. If they collide inelastically and stick together as wreckage, the total energy of the system just after collision is
A. `-(2GMm)/(r)`
B. `-(GMm)/(r)`
C. `(GMm)/(2r)`
D. zero

Answer 1

Correct Answer - A
If they collide inelastically and stick together as wrekage, then
KE = 0, only PE is present
`:. E=U=2(-(GMm)/(r))=-(2GMm)/(r)` .