NTA Abhyas JEE Main2020PhysicsGravitationPractice
If a satellite is revolving around a planet of mass M in an elliptical orbit of semi-major axis a , find the orbital speed of the satellite when it is at a distance r from the focus
Options
- Av 2 = G M 2 r - 1 a
- Bv 2 = G M 2 r 2 - 1 a
- Cv 2 = G M 2 r 2 - 1 a 2
- Dv 2 = G 2 r - 1 a
Correct answer
A. v 2 = G M 2 r - 1 a
Step-by-step solution
As in case of elliptic orbit of a satellite mechanical energy remains constant, at any position of satellite in the orbit, K E   +   P E   = - G M m 2 a ...(i) Now, if at position r , v is the orbital speed of satellite K E   =   1 2   m v 2   and P E   =   - G M m r ...(ii) So, from Eqs. (i) and (ii), we have 1 2   m v 2 - G M m r = - G M m 2 a ,   i . e . ,   v 2 = G M 2 r - 1 a