The time period of a satellite in low Earth orbit is about
A. 12 hours
B. 365 days
C. 90 minutes
D. 24 hours
Answer: Option C
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites (altitude ~200-2000 km) have orbital period ~90 minutes. ISS orbits in ~93 min. Geostationary orbit period 24 h. Moon 27 days. Kepler's third law applies.
Explanation:
Centripetal force acts radially inward, perpendicular to tangential displacement. Work W = F·d·cosθ; θ=90° ⇒ cos90°=0 ⇒ W=0. No energy transfer occurs; speed remains constant in uniform circular motion. Memory tip: 'Perpendicular force ⇒ zero work'. Conceptual question testing work-energy understanding, common in competitive exams to identify misconceptions about circular motion.
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