What is the relationship between mass and velocity in orbits?

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In orbital mechanics, the mass of a satellite does not affect its orbital speed when in a circular orbit at the same radius. Both Satellite A and Satellite B, despite their different masses, will have the same orbital speed at 250 km above Earth's surface. The gravitational force between two masses increases significantly if the distance between them is halved, specifically by a factor of four, leading to a force of 144 N. The gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the masses. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately calculating orbital dynamics and gravitational interactions.
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Satellite A has a mass of 1000kg. Satellite B has a mass of 2000kg. BOth are in orbit 250km above the surface of the earth. Satellite A will have an orbital speed that is ____ satellite B.

1. the same as.
2. four times that of.
3. twice that of.

Not really sure on this. I originally said half that of and it was incorrect.

The gravitational force between two masses is 36 N. If the distance between the mass is decreased to one-half its original value, the force of gravity will be:

1. 144 N
2. 9 N
3. 18 N

My original answer was 72 N, and I forgot to square the radius if I remember correctly. So I am fairly confident the answer is 144 N.

Thanks
 
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A hint for your first question: does the trajectory of a particle in a given gravitational field depend on its mass? In other words, if a satellite is moving around the Earth at a given radius in a circular orbit, does its speed depend on its mass?

A hint for your second question: the gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.
 
Very Briefly, cos I've got to go in a minute.
F_g = \frac{GM_eM}{r^2}
F_c = \frac{Mv^2}{r}
Therefore...
v = \sqrt{\frac{GM_e}{r}}
Where M_e is the mass of the earth, and M is the mass of the object in orbit, so the velocity of the two will be the same as long as the radius of orbit is the same.:wink:
 
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