Satellites revolve around the earth in a circular orbit. What is the relationship between the radius of their orbits and their speeds?
Correct answer: D. V ∞ 1/r2
- A. V ∞ r2
- B. V ∞ r
- C. V1 ∞ 1/r
- D. V ∞ 1/r2
Explanation
d) V ∞ 1/r^2 (V is proportional to 1/r^2):This option correctly represents the relationship between the speed (V) of a satellite and the radius (r) of its orbit. The speed of a satellite is inversely proportional to the square of the radius of its orbit. This means that as the radius of the orbit increases, the speed of the satellite decreases, and vice versa.
This question appeared on the ETEA MDCAT 2013 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Satellite Motion and Orbital Velocity
Satellite motion uses gravitational force as the centripetal force required for circular orbit, giving relationships among orbital radius, period and orbital velocity. Questions cover geostationary conditions and weightlessness, while distinguishing orbital velocity, escape velocity and the satellite's tangential speed.
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