A body hangs from a spring balance placed inside a satellite. The balance reading is W₁ when the satellite travels in an orbit of radius R , and it is W₂ when the satellite travels in an orbit of radius 2R .

Step-by-step solution

Inside a satellite orbiting the Earth, the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal acceleration for both the satellite and the objects inside it. The acceleration of the satellite and the body is a = GM r^2 , which is exactly equal to the local acceleration due to gravity g' at that orbit. The apparent weight of a body inside the satellite is given by W = m(g' - a) . Since g' = a , the apparent weight is W = 0 . This state is known as weightlessness. Therefore, the spring balance reading will be zero