Keplers Law: Practice Problem & Solution
Satellites A and B are orbiting around the earth in orbits of ratio R and 4R respectively. The ratio of their areal velocities is :
Solution Explained:
To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Keplers Law. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:
Areal velocity is given by \(\frac{dA}{dt} = \frac{L}{2m} = \frac{vr}{2} = \frac{\sqrt{GMr}}{2}\). Since areal velocity is proportional to \(\sqrt{r}\), the ratio is \(\sqrt{\frac{R}{4R}} = \frac{1}{2}\) or 1 : 2.
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