Question

The period of revolution of a satellite is

• A. independent of mass of a satellite.
• B. independent of radius of planet.
• C. dependent on the mass of a satellite.
• D. independent of height of the satellite from the planet.

Hint:

Satellite motion depends on the planet’s mass and orbital radius, not on satellite mass.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Expression for time period of satellite.
For a satellite in circular orbit:
\[ T = 2\pi \sqrt{\frac{r^3}{GM}} \] where $M$ is mass of planet.

Step 2: Analysis of formula.
The mass of satellite does not appear in the expression of $T$.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Hence, the time period of revolution of a satellite is independent of its mass.