What is the relationship between mass and velocity in orbits?

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SUMMARY

The relationship between mass and orbital velocity is defined by the equation v = √(GM_e/r), indicating that the orbital speed of satellites is independent of their mass when in a circular orbit at the same radius. In this discussion, Satellite A (1000kg) and Satellite B (2000kg) both orbit at 250km above Earth's surface, resulting in identical orbital speeds. Additionally, the gravitational force between two masses increases by a factor of four when the distance is halved, confirming that gravitational force is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.

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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.
[tex]F_g = \frac{GM_eM}{r^2}[/tex]
[tex]F_c = \frac{Mv^2}{r}[/tex]
Therefore...
[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{GM_e}{r}}[/tex]
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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