A satellite is in a stable circular orbit about Earth at an altitude equal to Earth’s radius RE, as shown. The total mechanical energy of the satellite-Earth system when the satellite is in its current orbit is E. In order for the satellite to orbit Earth in a new stable circular orbit at an altitude of 12RE, the energy of the satellite-Earth system must be 112E

Answer A: one twelfth E
A

Answer B: one fourth E
B

Answer C: one third E

Answer D: three fourths E

Answer E: four thirds E