A geostationary satellite is orbiting the earth at a height of 5R above that surface of the earth, R being the radius of the earth. The time period of another satellite in hours at a height of 2R from the surface of the earth is :
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
Time period : T ∝ r3/2
\(\frac{T_2}{T_1} = [\frac{r_2}{r_1}]^{3/2}\)
Time period of a geostationary satellite = 24 hrs.
\(T_2 = (24 hrs)[(\frac{3R}{6R})^{3/2}]\)
\(T_2 = 6\sqrt{2}\)h