Gravitation – IIT/JEE Solved Problems

Phase 1 • Page 4 • Satellites, Time Period & Energy Change


Problem 16: Time Period Ratio of Satellites

Q: Two satellites revolve around Earth in circular orbits of radii R and 8R. Find the ratio of their time periods.

Solution:

Time period of satellite:
T ∝ r3/2

T2 / T1 = (8R / R)3/2 = 83/2 = 16√2

IIT Shortcut: Never derive formula again—remember T ∝ r3/2.


Problem 17: Satellite Speed Ratio

Q: Find the ratio of orbital speeds of two satellites at radii R and 4R.

Solution:

Orbital speed:
v ∝ 1/√r

v1 / v2 = √(4R / R) = 2

Concept: Higher orbit ⇒ lower speed.


Problem 18: Energy Change on Moving to Higher Orbit

Q: A satellite is moved from orbit of radius r to 2r. Find change in total energy.

Solution:

Total energy:
E = −GMm / (2r)

Initial energy:
E1 = −GMm / (2r)

Final energy:
E2 = −GMm / (4r)

Change in energy:
ΔE = E2 − E1 = +GMm / (4r)

Important: Energy increases (becomes less negative) when satellite goes to higher orbit.


Problem 19: Satellite Falling Towards Earth

Q: If a satellite loses some energy due to friction, what happens to its orbit?

Answer:

Loss of energy causes satellite to move to a lower orbit. Orbital radius decreases and speed increases. Eventually, it may burn due to atmospheric friction.

IIT Insight: Lower orbit = lower energy but higher speed.


Problem 20: Satellite at Geostationary Orbit

Q: Why must a geostationary satellite revolve in equatorial plane?

Answer:

For a satellite to remain fixed over a point on Earth, its orbital plane must coincide with Earth’s equatorial plane.

Key Point: Geostationary satellites are special circular orbits.


Phase-1 High-Value Relations

  • T ∝ r3/2
  • v ∝ 1/√r
  • E ∝ −1/r
  • Higher orbit ⇒ lower speed, higher energy

Phase 1 • Page 4 Completed Successfully

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