Derive an expression to show that for satellites in a circular orbit T² ∝ r ³ where T is the period of orbit and r is the radius of the orbit.

For an object to stay in a steady orbit; F=mv2/r where: F is the force on the object towards the centre of the orbit, m is the mass of the object, v is the radial velocity of the object, and r is the radius of the orbit.In the case of a satellite orbiting a planet, all of F is provided by the gravitational force acting on the satellite due to the planet/moon/star. This force is given by Newton's law of gravitation:F = GMm/r2where F is the gravitational force, G is the gravitational constant; 6.67 x 10 -11 Nm2kg-2, M is the mass of the planet/moon/star, m is the mass of the satellite, and r is the distance between the planet/moon/star and the satellite.We can therefore equate these two forces, as F = F, giving;GMm/r2 = mv2/rWe can multiply both sides by r and divide both sides by m to give;GM/r = v2Finally, we need the time period, T, not the velocity, v, therefore we can use v = s/t. In this case, s is the circumference of orbit = 2πr, and t is T, the time period of the orbit. We can write:v = 2πr/TSubstituting this into before gives:GM/r = (2πr/T)2Expanding the brackets, multiplying both sides by T, and multiplying both sides by r gives;GMT2 = 4π2r3

JM
Answered by James M. Physics tutor

6163 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain, using appropriate laws of motion, why the air exerts a force on the engine in the forward direction.


Why the Newton's second law of motion important?


A uniform plank of wood of mass 32 kg and length 4.0 m is used to cross a ditch. In the ditch is a rock, which is used to support the plank horizontally 0.80 m from one end. The other end is supported by the bank. Calculate the rock's supporting force.


Find current and voltage across resistors R1 and R2, when they connected in parallel and in series. A 12V battery is connected, R1=4Ω and R2=3Ω.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning