Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsGravitation
Two satellites, A and B , revolve around the earth in the same orbit. The mass of B is twice the mass of A .
Options
- AThe kinetic energies of A and B are equal.
- BThe total energy of the earth- A system is the same as that of the earth- B system.
- CThe potential energy of the earth- A system is the same as that of the earth- B system.
- DThe speeds of A and B are equal.
Correct answer
D. The speeds of A and B are equal.
Step-by-step solution
The orbital speed of a satellite is given by v = GM r , where M is the mass of the earth and r is the radius of the orbit. Since both satellites A and B are in the same orbit, their orbital radius r is the same. Thus, their orbital speeds are equal, as the speed is independent of the mass of the satellite. The kinetic energy is K = GMm 2r , potential energy is U = - GMm r , and total energy is E = - GMm 2r . Since the mass of B is twice the mass of A , the kinetic, potential, and total energies of B will be twice t