InterviewSolution
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State the conditions for various possible orbits of a satellite depending upon the horizontal speed of projection |
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Answer» The path of the satellite depends upon the value of horizontal speed of projection vh relative to critical velocity vc and escape velocity ve. Case (I) vh < vc : The orbit of satellite is an ellipse with point of projection as apogee and Earth at one of the foci. During this elliptical path, if the satellite passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. it experiences a non-conservative force of air resistance. As a result it loses energy and spirals down to the Earth. Case (II) vh = vc : The satellite moves in a stable circular orbit around the Earth. Case (III) vc < vh < ve : The satellite moves in an elliptical orbit round the Earth with the point of projection as perigee. Case (IV) vh = ve : The satellite travels along parabolic path and never returns to the point of projection. Its speed will be zero at infinity. Case (V) vh > ve : The satellite escapes from gravitational influence of Earth traversing a hyperbolic path. |
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