An Earth satellite is an object that orbits the Earth, either naturally (like the Moon) or artificially (like communication and weather satellites).
Class 11 Physics
Gravitation
CBSE EXAM 2024-25
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The time period T of a satellite in orbit depends on the radius of its orbit and the mass of the central body, such as the Earth. It is derived from the balance between gravitational force and the centripetal force required for circular motion.
The time period can be expressed in terms of the orbital radius R + h and the gravitational constant G as:
T proportional to √((R + h)³/(GM))
This relationship shows that the time period is determined solely by the orbital radius and the mass of the central body. Importantly, the satellite’s mass does not appear in the formula, indicating that the time period is independent of the satellite’s mass.