Two satellites are placed in geosynchronous orbits, orbits with a period of 24 hours, where each satellite hovers over a spot on the Earth's equator. Satellite B has three times the mass of satellite A. What is the relationship between the magnitudes of the gravitational forces of the Earth on the two satellites? A) F_B = F_A. B) F_B = F_A. C) F_B = F_A. D) F_B = 3F_A. E) F_B = 9F_A.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force between two objects is directly proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Since both satellites are at the same distance from the Earth's center, the only factor affecting the gravitational force is their masses. Therefore, the magnitude of the gravitational force on satellite B is three times greater than on satellite A, resulting in choice D.

Two Satellites Are Placed in Geosynchronous Orbits, Orbits with a Period