JEE MainPhysicsGravitation
A satellite is revolving in a stable circular orbit around the Earth. Due to a small orbital adjustment, its orbital radius is decreased by 2 % . The percentage change in the time period of the satellite is
Options
- ADecreases by 4 %
- BDecreases by 1.33 %
- CIncreases by 3 %
- DDecreases by 3 %
Correct answer
D. Decreases by 3 %
Step-by-step solution
According to Kepler's Third Law, the time period T of a satellite is related to its orbital radius R as: T^2 R^3 T R^ 3/2 Taking the natural logarithm on both sides, we get: T = 3 2 R + constant Differentiating for small changes, we obtain: T T = 3 2 R R Given that the orbital radius decreases by 2 % , we have R R = -2 % . Substituting this value: T T = 3 2 (-2 %) = -3 % The negative sign indicates a decrease. Therefore, the time period decreases by 3 % . Answer: Decreases by 3 %