Question

The time period of a satellite is independent of the mass of the satellite.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me in exam.

My question is from Gravitation topic in section Gravitation of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) True

The explanation is: For a satellite of mass “m” revolving around a planet of mass “M” and radius

“R” at a height “h” above the surface, the satellite traverses a distance [2 x pi x (R + h)] in time “T” if the orbital velocity is “v”.

Hence, the time periods (T) = [2 x pi x (R + h)]/v

We know; orbital velocity (v) = [(G x M)/(R+h)]^1/2

Hence; T = [2 x pi x (R + h)^3/2/(G X M)^½], which is independent of the mass of the satellite.