Satellite Orbit Plane – Rankers Physics

Planet and Satellite: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): The plane of the orbit of an artificial satellite must contain the centre of the earth. Reason (R): For the orbital motion of satellite, the necessary centripetal force is provided by gravitational pull of earth on satellite.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

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:

Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true. The gravitational force being a central force (R) ensures angular momentum conservation, which mandates that the orbital plane must contain the center of the earth (A).

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Similar Practice Questions

Explore conceptually related problems to test your knowledge.

1. If the gravitational force between two objects were proportional to $\frac{1}{R}$ (and not as $\frac{1}{R^2}$), where R is the distance between them, then a particle in a circular path (under such a force) would have its orbital speed v, proportional to: (1994, 89)
2. Assertion (A): If the product of surface area and density is same for two planets, escape velocities at surface will be same for both planets. Reason (R): For given mass of a planet \( v_e \propto R^{-1/2} \)  
3. Assertion (A): The mechanical energy of earth-moon system remains same when a heavenly body passes nearby the earth-moon system. Reason (R): Force exerted by heavenly body on the earth-moon system is non-conservative.  
4. The escape velocity from the Earth's surface is $v$. The escape velocity from the surface of another planet having a radius four times that of Earth and same mass density is: (2021)
5. Two identical particles of combined mass \(M\), placed in space with certain separation, are released. Interaction between the particles is only of gravitational in nature and there is no external force present. Acceleration of one particle with respect to the other when separation between them is \(R\), has a magnitude :