Question

Prove that a satellite revolving close to the Earth’s surface has orbital velocity approximately 8 km/s.

Answer 1

Orbital Velocity of a Satellite

The velocity of object by which is revolving in the orbit, is called orbital velocity.

Suppose a satellite of mass M is revolving around the Earth (mass M) at a distance h from the surface of earth with orbital velocity v₀. The radius of the orbit of the satellite; r = (R + h)

The gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth provides the necessary centripetal force.

Fig: The satellite revolve around the earth

∵ Acceleration due to gravity at the surface of the Earth