A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a height of 5R above the surface of the earth, R being the radius of the earth. The time period of another satellite in hours at a height of 2R from the surface of the earth is
- 5
- 10
- 6 2
- 6 2
Answer
(3) 6 2
Solution
Orbit radii (from the centre of the earth): r1 = R + 5R = 6R, r2 = R + 2R = 3R
Geostationary satellite: T1 = 24 h
By Kepler's third law, T2 r3:
T2 = T1 ( r2r1 )3/2
= 24 ( 3R6R )3/2
= 242 2
T2 = 6 2 h
Answer: (3)