Question

A satellite going round the earth in a circular orbit loses some energy due to collision. Its speed is $v$ and distance from the earth is $d$

• A. $d$ will increase, $v$ will increase.
• B. $d$ will increase, $v$ will decrease.
• C. $d$ will decrease, $v$ will decrease.
• D. $d$ will decrease, $v$ will increase.

Answer 1

The correct option is D $d$ will decrease, $v$ will increase.

Given that, the particle lost some energy due to a collision. So, it can no longer continue in that orbit as the earth's gravitational force is more than centripetal force. Due to this, the distance d decreases gradually and the particle moves towards earth at certain accelaration gaining speed. Thus distance d decreases and speed v increases.