Rankers Physics

Planet and Satellite: Practice Problem & Solution

The radii of circular orbits of two satellites A and B of the earth, are $4R$ and $R$, respectively. If the speed of satellite A is $3V$, then the speed of satellite B will be: (2010 Pre)
$\frac{3V}{2}$
$\frac{3V}{4}$
$6V$
$12V$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Planet and Satellite. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Orbital speed is inversely proportional to the square root of the radius ($v \propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{r}}$). Thus, $\frac{v_B}{v_A} = \sqrt{\frac{r_A}{r_B}} = \sqrt{\frac{4R}{R}} = 2$, which means $v_B = 2 \times 3V = 6V$. Therefore, option C is correct.

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