Two satellites A and B move around earth in a circular orbit

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SUMMARY

Two satellites, A and B, orbit Earth in a circular path, with satellite B having twice the mass of satellite A. Despite the difference in mass, both satellites maintain equal orbital speeds, as confirmed by the formula for orbital velocity, v = (GM/R)^(1/2), where M represents the mass of Earth and R is the radius of the orbit. The kinetic energy of satellite B is indeed greater due to its larger mass, but this does not affect the orbital speed, which remains constant for both satellites.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's law of gravitation
  • Familiarity with the concept of circular motion
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations
  • Basic grasp of orbital mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the orbital velocity formula v = (GM/R)^(1/2)
  • Explore the relationship between mass and kinetic energy in orbital systems
  • Investigate the effects of varying orbital radii on satellite speeds
  • Learn about the principles of gravitational potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in satellite dynamics and orbital mechanics.

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Two satellites A and B move around Earth in a circular orbit. The mass of B is twice the mass of A then
I agree that kinetic energy of B is greater than that of A. But what I couldn't understand was that why are speeds of A and B equal as given in the book.
Shouldn't they differ according to the formula: orbital velocity =(GM/R)^1/2
 
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M is the mass of the Earth, not the satellite.
 
tony873004 said:
M is the mass of the Earth, not the satellite.
Thanks I got it.
 

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