Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
For an earth-satellite in a circular orbit, the time period is independent of
Options
- Athe mass of the earth
- Bthe universal gravitational constant
- Cthe radius of the orbit
- Dthe mass of the satellite
Correct answer
D. the mass of the satellite
Step-by-step solution
The gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for the satellite to move in a circular orbit. GMm r^2 = m ^2r GMm r^2 = m ( 2 T )^2r T^2 = 4 ^2r^3 GM T = 2 r^3 GM Here, M is the mass of the earth, r is the radius of the orbit, and G is the universal gravitational constant. The mass of the satellite m cancels out from both sides of the equation. Thus, the time period of an earth-satellite is independent of the mass of the satellite.