Q. Two satellites of earth, S₁ and S₂ are moving in the same orbit. The mass of S₁ is four times the mass of S₂. Which one of the following statements is true?
A) The potential energies of earth satellites in the two cases are equal.
B) S₁ and S₂ are moving with the same speed.
C) The kinetic energies of the two satellites are equal.
D) The time period of S₁ is four times that of S₂.
Explanation
[Solution from source] Orbital speed v = √(GM/r) depends only on the orbit radius, so both move with the same speed (and period). Potential and kinetic energies are proportional to the satellite mass, so they differ by a factor of 4. Answer (2).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.