A satellite which is geostationary in a particular orbit is taken to another orbit. Its distance from the center of the earth in a new orbit is 2 times than that of the earlier orbit. The time period in the 2nd orbit is given by-
(a) 4.8 hours
(b) \[48\sqrt 2 \] hours
(c) 24 hours
(d) \[24\sqrt 2 \] hours
Answer
301.2k+ views
Hint:
1. Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion gives direct proportionality relation between radius of the orbit and approximate time taken by the planet to complete 1 revolution.
2. Time period of revolution of the geostationary satellite is T= 24hrs Here, in question, there is no mention of Mass and other parameters so we should not think along gravitational force direction.
Formula Used:
According to Kepler’s 3rd law, for a given orbit around its Sun: $\dfrac{{{T^2}}}{{{R^3}}} = $ constant …… (1)
Where,
T is time period of revolution
R is radius of the circular orbit or path followed
Complete step by step answer:
Given:
1.Radius of the geostationary satellite: R where, R is radius of earth
Let, the time period of geostationary satellite: T
Let, New radius for the satellite: ${R_{new}} = 2R$ …… (a)
Let, new time period of the satellite in shifted orbit be: ${T_{new}}$
To find: New time period of revolution ${T_{new}}$
Step 1:
From equation (1) we know initially: $\dfrac{{{T^2}}}{{{R^3}}} = $ k …… (2)
where, k is constant
Step 2:
Similarly, Kepler’s 3rd law is valid for new orbit as well.
So, using equation (1) for new orbit we can again say: ${({T_{new}})^2} = k.{({R_{new}})^3}$ …… (3)
Step 3:
Dividing equation (2) by equation (3), we get-
$\dfrac{{{{(T)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{{k.{{(R)}^3}}}{{k.{{({R_{new}})}^3}}}$ …… (4)
Step 4:
From the hint we know, the time period of revolution is T=24 hours for geostationary satellites.
Using above fact, and substituting value from equation (a) in equation (4) we get-
$
\Rightarrow \dfrac{{{{(T)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{{k.{{(R)}^3}}}{{k.{{(2R)}^3}}} \\
\Rightarrow \dfrac{{{{(24)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{1}{8} \Rightarrow {(24)^2} \times 8 = {({T_{new}})^2} \\
\Rightarrow {T_{new}} = 24 \times 2\sqrt 2 \\
$
Final Answer
(b) \[48\sqrt 2 \] hours
Note: New time period is different than 24 hours. Hence the satellite is no more geo-stationary, for a satellite to be geo-stationary its time period should be the same as time taken for earth to rotate about its axis i.e 24hrs.
1. Kepler’s 3rd law of planetary motion gives direct proportionality relation between radius of the orbit and approximate time taken by the planet to complete 1 revolution.
2. Time period of revolution of the geostationary satellite is T= 24hrs Here, in question, there is no mention of Mass and other parameters so we should not think along gravitational force direction.
Formula Used:
According to Kepler’s 3rd law, for a given orbit around its Sun: $\dfrac{{{T^2}}}{{{R^3}}} = $ constant …… (1)
Where,
T is time period of revolution
R is radius of the circular orbit or path followed
Complete step by step answer:
Given:
1.Radius of the geostationary satellite: R where, R is radius of earth
Let, the time period of geostationary satellite: T
Let, New radius for the satellite: ${R_{new}} = 2R$ …… (a)
Let, new time period of the satellite in shifted orbit be: ${T_{new}}$
To find: New time period of revolution ${T_{new}}$
Step 1:
From equation (1) we know initially: $\dfrac{{{T^2}}}{{{R^3}}} = $ k …… (2)
where, k is constant
Step 2:
Similarly, Kepler’s 3rd law is valid for new orbit as well.
So, using equation (1) for new orbit we can again say: ${({T_{new}})^2} = k.{({R_{new}})^3}$ …… (3)
Step 3:
Dividing equation (2) by equation (3), we get-
$\dfrac{{{{(T)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{{k.{{(R)}^3}}}{{k.{{({R_{new}})}^3}}}$ …… (4)
Step 4:
From the hint we know, the time period of revolution is T=24 hours for geostationary satellites.
Using above fact, and substituting value from equation (a) in equation (4) we get-
$
\Rightarrow \dfrac{{{{(T)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{{k.{{(R)}^3}}}{{k.{{(2R)}^3}}} \\
\Rightarrow \dfrac{{{{(24)}^2}}}{{{{({T_{new}})}^2}}} = \dfrac{1}{8} \Rightarrow {(24)^2} \times 8 = {({T_{new}})^2} \\
\Rightarrow {T_{new}} = 24 \times 2\sqrt 2 \\
$
Final Answer
(b) \[48\sqrt 2 \] hours
Note: New time period is different than 24 hours. Hence the satellite is no more geo-stationary, for a satellite to be geo-stationary its time period should be the same as time taken for earth to rotate about its axis i.e 24hrs.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Understanding Uniform Acceleration in Physics

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 3 Motion In A Plane - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

