Ratio of Areal Velocities of Satellites – Rankers Physics

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 :
1 : 2
1 : 4
1 : 8
1 : 16

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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