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Gravitational Fields Questions

Q4.

(a) By considering the force equation for a satellite of mass m in an orbit of radius r around a planet of mass M, show that the orbital time period T of the satellite does not depend upon m.

(3 marks)

(b) One of the moons of Jupiter, Ganymede, is the largest satellite in the solar system.

Its orbital period is equal to 7.15 Earth days and the radius of its orbit is 1.07 × 106 km. Calculate

(i) the angular speed of Ganymede in its orbit,

(ii) the centripetal acceleration of Ganymede in its orbit,

(iii) the mass of Jupiter.

(5 marks)

(Total 8 marks)