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NEET PHYSICSGRAVITATIONEasy

Question

Two satellites of Earth, S1S_1 and S2S_2, are moving in the same orbit. The mass of S1S_1 is four times the mass of S2S_2. Which one of the following statements is true?

A

The time period of S1S_1 is four times that of S2S_2.

B

The potential energies of the earth and satellite in the two cases are equal.

C

S1S_1 and S2S_2 are moving at the same speed.

D

The kinetic energies of the two satellites are equal.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Orbital Speed: The orbital speed of a satellite orbiting the Earth is given by v=GMErv = \sqrt{\frac{GM_E}{r}}, where MEM_E is the mass of the Earth and rr is the orbital radius [Eq. 7.36]. This expression is independent of the mass of the satellite (mm). Since both satellites are in the same orbit (same rr), they move at the same speed.
  2. Time Period: The time period is given by T2=4π2r3GMET^2 = \frac{4\pi^2 r^3}{GM_E} [Eq. 7.38]. This is also independent of the satellite's mass. Thus, their time periods are equal.
  3. Potential Energy: Potential energy is V=GMEmrV = -\frac{GM_E m}{r} [Eq. 7.41]. It is directly proportional to the mass of the satellite (mm). Since m1=4m2m_1 = 4m_2, the potential energy of S1S_1 is four times that of S2S_2.
  4. Kinetic Energy: Kinetic energy is K=GMEm2rK = \frac{GM_E m}{2r} [Eq. 7.40]. It is also directly proportional to the mass mm. Thus, the kinetic energy of S1S_1 is four times that of S2S_2.

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.

PHYSICSGRAVITATIONsatellitesmovingfollowingstatements

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