The critical velocity of a satellite revolving at height \(h\) above the earth (mass M, radius R) is
A. \(\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R + h}}\)
B. \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R}}\,(R + h)\)
C. \(\frac{GM}{(R + h)^2}\)
D. \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R + h}}\)
A. \(\sqrt{\frac{2GM}{R + h}}\)
B. \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R}}\,(R + h)\)
C. \(\frac{GM}{(R + h)^2}\)
D. \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R + h}}\)
Best answer
Answer: D. \(\sqrt{\frac{GM}{R + h}}\)
Gravitational force provides the centripetal force: \(\frac{mv^2}{R+h} = \frac{GMm}{(R+h)^2} \Rightarrow v_c = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{R+h}}\).
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