Question

A satellite of mass $m$ is orbiting around the earth at a height $h$ above the surface of the earth. Mass of the earth is $M$ and its radius is $R$. The angular momentum of the satellite is independent of :

• A. $m$
• B. $M$
• C. $h$
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

None of these

As orbital velocity of satellite, $v=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$

where $r=R+h$

So, angular momentum $L=mvr=m[\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}]r$

$⟹L=m\sqrt{GM(h+R)}$ i.e, $L$ depends on $m,M,h$.