Q. The orbital velocity of an artificial satellite in a circular orbit just above the earth’s surface is $V$. For a satellite orbiting at an altitude of half of the earth’s radius, the orbital velocity is
A) $\frac{3}{2}V$
B) $\sqrt{\frac{3}{2}}V$
C) $\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}V$
D) $\frac{2}{3}V$
Explanation
(c) $v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{R}} = V,$
$v^{'} = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{(R + R/2)}}$
$= \sqrt{\frac{2\ }{3}\frac{GM}{R}} = \sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}V$
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.