A satellite is to be placed in a circular orbit where the local gravitational…

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Fields and their consequences · Fields and their consequences

Problem

A satellite is to be placed in a circular orbit where the local gravitational acceleration is

0.25\,g_0

, with

g_0 = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2

the surface value. Taking Earth’s radius as

6.4\times10^6\,\text{m}

, what orbital speed is required at this altitude? (a)

7.9\,\text{km/s}

(b)

4.0\,\text{km/s}

(c)

5.6\,\text{km/s}

(d)

11\,\text{km/s}