In the context of orbital motion, the energy of an object depends on its position within the orbit. Generally, an object in a larger orbit will have more energy than an object in a smaller orbit.
To understand this, let's consider the two main components of orbital energy: kinetic energy and potential energy. Kinetic energy is associated with the object's motion, while potential energy is related to its position within the gravitational field.
As an object moves in an orbit, it experiences changes in both kinetic and potential energy. According to the law of conservation of energy, the total energy of the object remains constant throughout its orbit.
In a larger orbit, the object is farther from the central body and therefore has a greater potential energy. This is because the gravitational force decreases with distance, so the object has to work against a weaker force as it moves farther from the central body. Consequently, the potential energy of the object increases.
However, as the object moves farther from the central body, its speed decreases since it has to cover a larger distance in the same amount of time. The decrease in speed results in a reduction in kinetic energy.
The total energy of the object, which is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy, remains constant. Therefore, in a larger orbit, the increase in potential energy outweighs the decrease in kinetic energy, resulting in a net increase in total energy compared to a smaller orbit.
In summary, an object in a larger orbit has more energy than an object in a smaller orbit. The increase in potential energy due to the greater distance from the central body outweighs the decrease in kinetic energy caused by the reduced speed.