250+ TOP MCQs on Gravitation – Earth Satellite | Class 11 Physics

Physics Multiple Choice Questions on “Gravitation – Earth Satellite – 1”.

1. The satellites orbiting the earth, eventually fall to the earth when they are left unsupervised or unattended because _____
a) their power supply runs out
b) of viscous forces causing the speed of the satellite and hence height to gradually decrease
c) the laws of gravitation predict such a trajectory
d) of collisions with other satellites

Answer: b
Clarification: Due to the presence of some gases of the atmosphere and other debris, the satellites speed is reduced due to viscous forces. This reduces the height of the satellite. Hence, it eventually falls to the earth.

2. The time period of the moon around the earth is 24 hours.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Clarification: The time period of the moon around the earth cannot be 24 hours because then it would be a geostationary satellite. However, we know it is not true. The time period of the moon around the earth is found to be approximately 27.3 earth days.

3. Consider 2 satellites A and B having time periods 16 hours and 1 hour, respectively. What is the ratio of the radius of their orbits?
a) 4:1
b) 8:1
c) 16:1
d) 64:1

Answer: d
Clarification: The time periods (T) of a satellite revolving around the earth of radius R and at height h is:
T = 2 x pi x [(R + h)³ / (G X M)]^1/2
Hence, the time period is directly proportional to (R + h)^3/2
The ratio of orbits is, therefore, 64:1.

4. A satellite is launched into a circular orbit of radius R while a second satellite is launched into an orbit of radius 1.02R. What is the percentage change in the time periods of the two satellites?
a) 0.7
b) 1
c) 1.5
d) 3

Answer: d
Clarification: The time periods (T) of a satellite revolving around the earth of radius R and at height h is:
T = 2 x pi x [(R + h)³ / (G X M)]^1/2
Hence, the time period is directly proportional to (R + h)^3/2
From this, we have the ratio of the time periods as 1.03.
1.03 x 100 = 103. Hence, there is a 3% change in the time period.

5. A satellite is revolving very close to a planet of density D. What is the time period of that satellite?
a) [3/(D*G)]^1/2
b) [3/(D*G)]^3/2
c) [3/(2*D*G)]^1/2
d) [(3*G)/D]^1/2

Answer: c
Clarification: The time period of a satellite flying very close to the surface of the earth is;
T = 2 x pi x [R³ / (G X M)]^1/2;  [Height is negligible compared to the radius of the earth].
Mass (M) = Density (D) x Volume
M = D x (4/3 x pi x R³)
Substituting the relation of mass into the time period, we get;
T = [3/(2 x D x G)]^1/2

6. A satellite orbits the earth at a height of R/5. What is its orbital speed?
a) [(2*G*M)/(R)]^1/2
b) [(G*M)/(R)]^1/2
c) [(G*M)/(7*R)]^1/2
d) [(5*G*M)/(6*R)]^1/2

Answer: d
Clarification: The orbital velocity of a satellite flying at a height “h” above the surface of the earth of radius “R” is:
v = [(G*M)/(R+h)]^1/2
Here, h = R/5
Therefore; v = [(5*G*M)/(6*R)]^1/2

7. The time period of a satellite is independent of the mass of the satellite.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Clarification: For a satellite of mass “m” revolving around a planet of mass “M” and radius
“R” at a height “h” above the surface, the satellite traverses a distance [2 x pi x (R + h)] in time “T” if the orbital velocity is “v”.
Hence, the time periods (T) = [2 x pi x (R + h)]/v
We know; orbital velocity (v) = [(G x M)/(R+h)]^1/2
Hence; T = [2 x pi x (R + h)^3/2/(G X M)^½], which is independent of the mass of the satellite.

8. The time period of a satellite of earth is 90 minutes. If the separation between the earth and the satellite is quadrupled, the new time period will be _____________
a) 90 minutes
b) 180 minutes
c) 560 minutes
d) 720 minutes

Answer: d
Clarification: The time period is directly proportional to the radius of orbit raised to the power of 1.5.
If the radius is quadrupled, the time period increases by 8 times.
Hence, the new time period = 90 x 8 = 720 minutes.