Let G be the universal gravitational constant and mp be the mass of the planet a satellite is orbiting. Which equation could be used to find the velocity of the satellite if it is placed in a geostationary orbit?(1 point)

Responses

v=Gmp(42,164 km)−−−−−−−−√
v=Gmp(42,164 km)−−−−−−−−√

v=Gmp(15,522 km)−−−−−−−−√
v=Gmp(15,522 km)−−−−−−−−√

v=Gmp(48,115 km)−−−−−−−−√
v=Gmp(48,115 km)−−−−−−−−√

v=Gmp(7,324 km)−−−−−−−√

1 answer

To determine the velocity of a satellite in a geostationary orbit, we use the formula for orbital velocity \( v \):

\[ v = \sqrt{\frac{G m_p}{r}} \]

where:

  • \( G \) is the universal gravitational constant,
  • \( m_p \) is the mass of the planet,
  • \( r \) is the distance from the center of the planet to the satellite.

For a geostationary orbit, the satellite orbits at a specific altitude above the planet's surface, which for Earth is approximately 42,164 km from the center of the Earth. Therefore, the correct equation to find the orbital velocity of a satellite in a geostationary orbit would be:

\[ v = \sqrt{\frac{G m_p}{42,164 \text{ km}}} \]

Thus, the appropriate response from the given options is:

v = Gmp(42,164 km)−−−−−−−−√