College Physics with MasteringPhysics 7th Edition by Jerry Wilson,Anthony Buffa,Bo Lou

Exercise 75

Referring to Exercise, determine the (a) the gravitational potential energy, (b) the total energy, and (c) the energy needed to "escape" the Moon for the main section of the lunar exploration mission in orbit. Assume the mass of this section is 5000 kg.
Exercise
During the Apollo lunar explorations of the late 1960s and early 1970s, the main section of the spaceship remained in orbit about the Moon with one astronaut in it while the other two astronauts descended to the surface in the landing module. If the main section orbited about 50 mi above the lunar surface, determine that section's centripetal acceleration.