A satellite is in circular orbit at an altitude of 1500 km above the surface of a nonrotating planet with an orbital speed of 9.2 km/s. The minimum speed needed to escape from the surface of the planet is 14.9 km/s, and G = 6.67 × 10^-11 N ∙ m²/kg². The orbital period of the satellite is closest to A) 72 min. B) 65 min. C) 58 min. D) 51 min. E) 44 min.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The orbital period can be calculated using the formula T = 2πr/v, where r is the orbital radius and v is the orbital speed. Given the altitude and the escape speed, we can find the planet's radius and mass, and then calculate the orbital period. The calculations show that the period is closest to 72 minutes.

A Satellite Is in Circular Orbit at an Altitude of 1500