Question

A satellite of mass $m$ moves a round the earth along a circular path of radius r. Let $m_e$ is the mass of the earth and $R_e$ is its radius. The linear speed of the satellite depends upon.

• A. $m_e$ and r
• B. $m_e$ only
• C. $r$ only
• D. $m,R_{e}andr$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$m_e$ and r

Orbital velocity, $v=\sqrt{\frac{G{m}_e}{r}}$ where $r$ is the radius of orbit and $m_e$ is the mass of the earth.

Thus v depends on both $m_e$ and $r$.