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NEET PHYSICSGRAVITATIONMedium

Question

Two planets orbit a star in circular paths with radii RR and 4R4R, respectively. At a specific time, the two planets and the star are aligned in a straight line. If the orbital period of the planet closest to the star is TT, what is the minimum time after which the star and the planets will again be aligned in a straight line (at the initial position)?

A

(4)2T(4)^2 T

B

(4)1/3T(4)^{1/3} T

C

2T2T

D

8T8T

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Kepler's Third Law: According to the Law of Periods, the square of the time period of revolution is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (radius for circular orbits). Formula: T2R3T^2 \propto R^3 or TR3/2T \propto R^{3/2}.
  2. Calculate Period of Outer Planet (T2T_2): Let T1=TT_1 = T and R1=RR_1 = R. Let T2T_2 be the period of the planet at R2=4RR_2 = 4R. T2T1=(R2R1)3/2=(4RR)3/2=43/2=(22)3/2=23=8\frac{T_2}{T_1} = \left( \frac{R_2}{R_1} \right)^{3/2} = \left( \frac{4R}{R} \right)^{3/2} = 4^{3/2} = (2^2)^{3/2} = 2^3 = 8 T2=8T1=8TT_2 = 8T_1 = 8T
  3. Alignment Analysis:
  • The inner planet completes an orbit in time TT. The outer planet completes an orbit in time 8T8T.
  • The question asks for the time to align again. While they technically align at the synodic period (S=T1T2T2T1=87TS = \frac{T_1 T_2}{T_2 - T_1} = \frac{8}{7}T), this option is not available.
  • Checking the available options, at time t=8Tt = 8T, the inner planet completes exactly 8 revolutions and the outer planet completes exactly 1 revolution. Both planets return to their initial positions simultaneously, aligning with the star exactly as they started. Thus, 8T8T is the correct answer in the context of the given options.

Exam Context & Concepts Covered

This question aligns with the NEET PHYSICS syllabus, specifically targeting concepts from GRAVITATION. Mastering this topic is crucial for scoring well in the upcoming medical entrance examinations. Solving conceptually related problems will help you understand the nuances of these concepts and improve your problem-solving speed.

PHYSICSGRAVITATIONplanetscircularrespectivelyspecificplanets

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