The equation for the speed of a satellite in a circular orbit around the earth depends on mass. which mass?

The equation for the speed of a satellite in a circular orbit around the Earth depends on mass. Which mass?

a. The mass of the sun

b. The mass of the satellite

c. The mass of the Earth

The equation for the speed of a satellite orbiting in a circular path around the earth depends upon the mass of Earth.

Option c

Any particular body performing circular motion has a centripetal force in picture. In this case of a satellite revolving in a circular orbit around the earth, the necessary centripetal force is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and earth. Hence .

Gravitational force between Earth and Satellite:

Centripetal force of Satellite :

Where G = Gravitational Constant

= Mass of Earth

= Mass of satellite

R= Radius of satellite’s circular orbit

V = Speed of satellite

Equating  , we get  

Speed of Satellite

Thus the speed of satellite depends only on the mass of Earth.