The radius R of a stable,circular orbit for a satellite of mass m and velocity v about a planet of mass M is given by A)R = Gv/M B)R = Gv/mM C)R = GmM/v D)R = GM/mv E)R = GM/v²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational force provides the necessary centripetal force for the satellite's circular motion. Equating gravitational force (GMm/R^2) to centripetal force (mv^2/R) and solving for R gives R = GM/v^2.

The Radius R of a Stable,circular Orbit for a Satellite