# Answer the following question in detail. Obtain an expression for the critical velocity of an orbiting satellite. On what factors does it depend? - Physics

Answer the following question in detail.

Obtain an expression for the critical velocity of an orbiting satellite. On what factors does it depend?

#### Solution

The expression for critical velocity:

1. Consider a satellite of mass m revolving round the Earth at height h above its surface. Let M be the mass of the Earth and R be its radius.
2. If the satellite is moving in a circular orbit of radius (R + h) = r, its speed must be equal to the magnitude of critical velocity vc.
3. The centripetal force necessary for the circular motion of a satellite is provided by the gravitational force exerted by the satellite on the Earth.
∴ Centripetal force = Gravitational force
∴ ("mv"_"c"^2)/"r" = "GMm"/"r"^2
∴ "v"_"c"^2 = "GM"/"r"
∴ "v"_"c" = sqrt("GM"/"r")
∴ "v"_"c" = sqrt("GM"/("R + h")) = sqrt("g"_"h" ("R + h"))
This is the expression for critical speed at the orbit of radius (R + h).
4. The critical speed of a satellite is independent of the mass of the satellite. It depends upon the mass of the Earth and the height at which the satellite is the revolving or gravitational acceleration at that altitude.
Concept: Earth Satellites
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#### APPEARS IN

Balbharati Physics 11th Standard Maharashtra State Board
Chapter 5 Gravitation
Exercises | Q 3. (xv) | Page 98