What is the potential energy of the Earth, considered as an object orbiting the Sun? Compare your result with the kinetic energy of the Earth in its orbit. Given Earth mass = 6.34×1024kg , Sun mass =1.934×1030kg, and distance from the Earth to the Sun =1.434×108km.

Question

What is the potential energy of the Earth, considered as an object orbiting the Sun?  Compare your result with the kinetic energy of the Earth in its orbit.  Given Earth mass = 6.34×1024kg , Sun mass =1.934×1030kg, and distance from the Earth to the Sun =1.434×108km.

Chanz · Answer

PE = Gm1m2/r Find that and compare it to 1/2mv2 Probably have to look up velocity of earth or you could figure it out from v = r omega where omega is 2pi(rad)/365.25 (days)