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

AI Thread Summary
Satellites A and B orbit Earth in circular paths, with satellite B having twice the mass of satellite A. Despite the difference in mass, both satellites have equal speeds, which raises questions about their kinetic energy. The kinetic energy of satellite B is indeed greater due to its larger mass. The confusion arises from the formula for orbital velocity, which depends solely on the mass of Earth and the radius of the orbit, not the mass of the satellites. Understanding this principle clarifies why their speeds remain equal despite the difference in mass.
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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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