Satellite A has twice the mass of satellite T, and rotates in the same orbit. Which of the following is true?
A) The speed of T is half the speed of A.
B) The speed of T is three-fourths the speed of A.
C) The speed of T is one-fourth the speed of A.
D) The speed of T is equal to the speed of A.
E) The speed of T is twice the speed of A.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In orbital mechanics, the speed of an object in orbit depends on the gravitational force acting upon it and the radius of its orbit, not its mass. Since both satellites are in the same orbit, they will have the same speed regardless of their mass differences.

Satellite a Has Twice the Mass of Satellite T, and Rotates