Q. The time period of an earth satellite in circular orbit is independent of
A) The mass of the satellite
B) Radius of its orbit
C) Both the mass and radius of the orbit
D) Neither the mass of the satellite nor the radius of its orbit
Explanation
(a) Time period of satellite
$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{(R + h)^{3}}{GM_{e}}}$
where $R + h = orbital\ radius\ of\ satellite,$
$\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ M_{e} = mass\ of\ earth.$
Thus, time period does not depend on mass of satellite.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.