Question

A satellite is revolving around earth in a circular orbit. At some instant the speed of the satellite is increased `sqrt(2)` times its orbital speed keeping its direction unchanged. Then, the new path of the satellite is :
A. circular
B. straight line
C. elliptical
D. parabolic

Answer 1

Correct Answer - D
The orbital velocity,
`v_(0) = sqrt((GM)/(r))`
Its velocity is increased by `sqrt(2)` times, new velocity
`v =sqrt(2) sqrt((GM)/(r))=sqrt((2GM)/(r))`= escape velocity
The path is parabolic in case of escape velocity.