Radius of orbit of satellite of earth is R. Its KE is proportional to (A) (1 / R) (B) (1 / √(R))

step 1 Radies of orbit of the satellite of the Earth is R, its kinetic energy proportional to the we kn

Radius of orbit of satellite of earth is R. Its KE is...

Key Concepts

Circular Orbital Motion

This concept describes how a satellite moves in a closed, typically circular, path around a central body, with its motion governed by the balance of gravitational force and the necessary centripetal force to maintain the orbit. It is fundamental in understanding how orbital parameters, such as radius and velocity, are interrelated.

Gravitational Force

Gravitational force is the attractive force between two masses, such as the Earth and a satellite. In orbital mechanics, it decreases with the square of the distance from the center of the mass, and it is this force that provides the required centripetal force for maintaining orbital motion.

Centripetal Force

Centripetal force is the net force required to keep an object moving in a circular path. In the context of satellite motion, the gravitational force acts as the centripetal force, which determines the satellite's orbital speed and, consequently, its kinetic energy.

Kinetic Energy in Orbits

For objects in circular orbit, the kinetic energy is dependent on the orbital speed. Since orbital speed is derived from balancing the gravitational force with the centripetal force, the speed squared (and hence the kinetic energy) is inversely proportional to the orbital radius. This relationship is crucial in understanding how the kinetic energy varies as a function of the orbit's radius.

Please give Ace some feedback