Satellites: A satellite of mass m has an orbital period T when it is in a circular orbit of radius R around the earth. If the satellite instead had mass 4m, its orbital period would be
A) 4T.
B) 2T.
C) T.
D) T/2.
E) T/4.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orbital period of a satellite in a circular orbit around the Earth depends on the radius of the orbit and the mass of the Earth, but not on the mass of the satellite. Therefore, changing the mass of the satellite does not affect its orbital period.

Satellites: a Satellite of Mass M Has an Orbital Period