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Q.

A satellite revolves around a planet in circular orbit of radius R (much larger than the radius of the planet) with a time period of revolution T. If the satellite is stopped and then released in its orbit
 (Assume that the satellite experiences gravitational force due to the planet only)
 

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a

The time of fall of the satellite is nearly T8

b

The time of fall of the satellite into the planet is nearly 2T8

c

It will fall into the planet

d

It cannot fall into the planet so time of fall of the satellite is meaningless 

answer is A, C.

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Detailed Solution

(A) It will fall because mg is acting on it towards the centre of planet and initial velocity is zero. It’ll move in straight line. 
(C) Time of fall can be found by two methods:
Method-I: By energy conservation 
12mv2GMmr=0GMmR1  Using this we get V = f(r). 
Now use 
V=drdt       fr=drdt 
RRdrfr=0tdt   ;   R' = radius of the planet.
In the final expression (or in the beginning itself) R'0  R>>R'       
you will get  t=T42
Here  GMmR2=m2πT2R
Method-II: 
Kepler’s Law:  T2αr3.
Assume that the satellite moves in elliptical path with maximum and minimum distances from centre as R and R’.
R>>R'   Velocity at R is very small 0. When it reaches R’ then it touches the surface of the planet. This motion (from R to R’) is almost, same as given in the question.

Question Image


 Now T12T22=r13r23,T1=T,r1=Rr2=R+R2R2 T2=T42

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A satellite revolves around a planet in circular orbit of radius R (much larger than the radius of the planet) with a time period of revolution T. If the satellite is stopped and then released in its orbit (Assume that the satellite experiences gravitational force due to the planet only)