A satellite of mass M takes time T to orbit a planet.If the satellite had twice as much mass,the time for it to orbit the planet would be:
A)4T
B)2T
C)T
D)T/2
E)T/4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Kepler's third law, the time period of a satellite orbiting a planet is proportional to the square root of the cube of the semi-major axis of the orbit. The mass of the satellite does not affect the time period. Therefore, if the mass of the satellite is doubled, the time period will remain the same. Hence the answer is C)T.

A Satellite of Mass M Takes Time T to Orbit