The equation for the speed of a satellite in a circular orbit around the Earth depends on mass. Which mass?
a. The mass of the sun
b. The mass of the satellite
c. The mass of the Earth
<h3><u>Answer:</u></h3>The equation for the speed of a satellite orbiting in a circular path around the earth depends upon the mass of Earth.
Option c
<h3><u> Explanation: </u></h3>Any particular body performing circular motion has a centripetal force in picture. In this case of a satellite revolving in a circular orbit around the earth, the necessary centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and earth. Hence .
Gravitational force between Earth and Satellite:
Centripetal force of Satellite :
Where G = Gravitational Constant
= Mass of Earth
= Mass of satellite
R= Radius of satellite’s circular orbit
V = Speed of satellite
Equating , we get
Speed of Satellite
Thus the speed of satellite depends only on the mass of Earth.