THE PRACTICE STUDIO
Go slowly. Ask why. Make it yours.
PRACTICE / Circular satellites
A wider orbit takes how much longer?
Two small satellites orbit the same planet in circular orbits of radii r and 4r, measured from the planet’s centre.
What is the ratio of the outer satellite’s period to the inner satellite’s?
Organize the givens & assumptions
- Inner radius: r
- Outer radius: 4r
- Same central mass
Newtonian gravity, spherical planet, satellite masses negligible compared with the planet, no drag or thrust.
- A
- B
- C
- D
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