A space probe projected from the earth moves round the moon in a circular orbit at a distance equal to its radius Rₘₒₒₙ= R/4 where R = radius of the earth. Its rocket launcher moves in circular orbit around the earth at a distance equal to R from its surface. The ratio of the times taken for one revolution by the probe and the rocket launcher is (Mₘₒₒₙ = M/80, where M = mass of the earth))
Correct Answer :
√5:2
Solution :
The correct answer is √5:2.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Identify the given parameters:
- Radius of the Earth =
- Mass of the Earth =
- Radius of the Moon =
- Mass of the Moon =
2. Determine the orbital radii:
- The space probe moves around the Moon in a circular orbit at a distance equal to its radius (meaning a height of above the Moon's surface). Therefore, the orbital radius of the probe () from the center of the Moon is:
- The rocket launcher moves around the Earth in a circular orbit at a distance equal to from the Earth's surface. Therefore, the orbital radius of the launcher () from the center of the Earth is:
3. Use the formula for the time period of a circular orbit:
The time period of one revolution of a satellite orbiting a central body of mass at a radius is given by Kepler's Third Law:
4. Calculate the ratio of the time periods:
For the space probe:
For the rocket launcher:
Taking the ratio of to :
Thus, the ratio of the times taken for one revolution by the probe and the rocket launcher is √5:2.
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