Satellite A of mass m orbits Earth at distance r from its centre; satellite B of mass 2m orbits at distance 2r. What is the ratio of orbital periods Tₐ: Tᵦ?
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Satellite A of mass m orbits Earth at distance r from its centre; satellite B of mass 2m orbits at distance 2r. What is the ratio of orbital periods Tₐ:Tᵦ?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Orbital period obeys Kepler’s law T=2π√(r³/GM), independent of satellite mass. Step 2: Tᵦ/Tₐ=(2r/r)³ᐟ²=2√2, so Tₐ:Tᵦ=1:2√2. Final answer: D — 1:2√2.