Gravitation – Complete Intermediate Notes

Stage 1 • Page 6 • Orbital Velocity & Escape Velocity


1. Satellites and Circular Motion

A satellite is a body that revolves around a planet under the influence of gravitational force.

The gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for circular motion.

Key Idea:
In satellite motion, gravity acts as centripetal force.


2. Orbital Velocity

Orbital velocity is the minimum velocity required by a satellite to revolve in a circular orbit around Earth.

vo = √(GM / r)

  • M → Mass of Earth
  • r → Radius of orbit from Earth’s centre

For a satellite near Earth’s surface (r = R):

vo = √(gR)

  • Independent of satellite mass
  • Decreases with increase in orbit radius

IIT Tip:
Never use mgh for satellite problems — always use energy relations.


3. Time Period of a Satellite

Time period of satellite in circular orbit:

T = 2πr / v = 2π √(r³ / GM)

  • Depends only on orbit radius
  • Independent of satellite mass

Kepler Connection:
This relation is a direct result of Kepler’s third law.


4. Escape Velocity

Escape velocity is the minimum velocity with which a body must be projected from Earth so that it escapes Earth’s gravitational field completely.

ve = √(2GM / R)

In terms of g:

ve = √(2gR)

  • Independent of mass of body
  • Independent of direction of projection
  • Assumes no air resistance

Important Result:
ve = √2 × vo


5. Comparison: Orbital Velocity vs Escape Velocity

Orbital Velocity Escape Velocity
Keeps body in orbit Removes body from gravity
√(GM/r) √(2GM/R)
Lower Higher

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Confusing orbital and escape velocity
  • Using mgh instead of −GMm/r
  • Assuming escape velocity depends on mass
  • Forgetting √2 factor

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