If the period of a satellite in a circular orbit is T, what is the relationship

Practice Questions

Q1
If the period of a satellite in a circular orbit is T, what is the relationship between T and the radius r of the orbit?
  1. T ∝ r
  2. T ∝ r²
  3. T ∝ √r
  4. T ∝ 1/√r

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

If the period of a satellite in a circular orbit is T, what is the relationship between T and the radius r of the orbit?
  • Step 1: Understand that T is the period of the satellite, which is the time it takes to complete one full orbit.
  • Step 2: Recognize that r is the radius of the circular orbit, which is the distance from the center of the planet to the satellite.
  • Step 3: Know that the gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for the satellite to stay in orbit.
  • Step 4: Use the formula for the period of a satellite in a circular orbit: T = 2π√(r³/GM), where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the planet.
  • Step 5: Notice that in the formula, T is proportional to the square root of r cubed (r³). This means if you change r, T will change based on this relationship.
  • Step 6: Conclude that T is proportional to the square root of r, written as T ∝ √r.
  • Kepler's Third Law – The relationship between the period of a satellite and the radius of its orbit, derived from gravitational principles.
  • Circular Motion – Understanding the dynamics of objects in circular motion and how gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force.
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