For two identical satellites in circular motion around the Earth, which statement is true? a) The one in the lower orbit has less total energy. b) The one in the higher orbit has more kinetic energy. c) The one in the lower orbit has more total energy. d) Both have the same total energy.

Total energy of a satellite is the sum of its kinetic and potential energy. Kinetic energy, K, represents the energy a satellite has because of its motion and is given by the formula K = (1/2)mv^2, where m is the mass of the satellite and v is its velocity. Potential energy, U, represents the energy a satellite has because of its position in the Earth's gravitational field and is given by the formula U = -GMm/r, where G is the gravitational constant, M is the mass of the Earth, and r is the distance from the Earth's center to the satellite.

In a stable circular orbit, the force of gravity acting on the satellite provides the centripetal force needed to keep the satellite in its orbit. This centripetal force is equal to the mass of the satellite multiplied by the square of its tangential velocity divided by the radius of its orbit, Fc = mv^2/r. The force of gravity acting on the satellite is equal to GMm/r^2. From these relationships, we can further derive the following equations: v^2 = GM/r (1) and Fg = GMm/r^2 = mv^2/r (2) Equations (1) and (2) can be used to analyze the different scenarios in the exercise.

We can now analyze each statement given: a) The one in the lower orbit has less total energy. According to equation (1), for a satellite in a lower orbit (smaller r), the value of v will be larger, meaning the satellite will have more kinetic energy. However, its potential energy will be less negative due to the decrease in the radius, making its total energy more negative. Therefore, this statement is true. b) The one in the higher orbit has more kinetic energy. Using equation (1), we can see that a satellite with a larger r will have a smaller value of v. Thus, the satellite in the higher orbit will have less kinetic energy, making this statement false. c) The one in the lower orbit has more total energy. As we’ve already determined in statement (a), the one in the lower orbit has less total energy, making this statement false. d) Both have the same total energy. Both satellites have different values of potential and kinetic energy, and we already established that they have different total energy levels. Therefore, this statement is false.

Based on the analysis of the energy relationships in orbits, the correct answer is (a) - The one in the lower orbit has less total energy.