Q.What is orbital velocity ? Obtain an expression for it.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Orbital velocity is the speed needed for a satellite to stay in a circular orbit; v_o = sqrt(G M / (R + h)), and near the surface v_o = sqrt(g R).
Definition: Orbital velocity is the velocity required to put a satellite into a given stable circular orbit around a planet, i.e. the horizontal speed at which the gravitational pull exactly provides the centripetal force needed for circular motion.
Derivation:
Let a satellite of mass m revolve around a planet of mass M and radius R, in a circular orbit at height h above the surface. The radius of the orbit is r = R + h, and let v_o be the orbital velocity.
The gravitational force between the planet and satellite provides the necessary centripetal force:
Gravitational force = G M m / (R + h)^2
Required centripetal force = m v_o^2 / (R + h)
Equating the two:
m v_o^2 / (R + h) = G M m / (R + h)^2
Cancelling m and simplifying:
v_o^2 = G M / (R + h)
Therefore:
v_o = sqrt(G M / (R + h))
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