The satellites when launched from earth are not given the orbital velocity initially, in…

Physics · JEE Advanced · NTA ExamsGravitation


The satellites when launched from earth are not given the
orbital velocity initially, in practice, a multi-stage rocket
propeller carries the spacecraft up to its orbit and during each
stage rocket has been fired to increase the velocity to acquire
the desired velocity for a particular orbit. The last stage of the
rocket brings the satellite in circular/elliptical (desired) orbit.
Consider a satellite of mass 150 kg in low circular orbit, in
this orbit, we can't neglect the effect of air drag. This air drag
opposes the motion of satellite and hence total mechanical
energy of earth-satellite system decreases means total energy
becomes more negative and hence orbital radius decreases
which causes the increase in KE. When the satellite comes in
enough low orbit, the excessive thermal energy generation
due to air friction may cause the satellite to burn up.
 What is the reason that during launching of satellite, while crossing the atmosphere it doesn't get burnt, but while falling down towards earth or if orbiting in lower orbit, it gets burnt up?
  1. While going up air friction force doesn't come into existence
  2. While going up satellite is with launching vehicle whose speed is controllable
  3. While going up space-craft is protecting the satellite from air friction by itself getting burned
  4. None of these

Answer

(B) While going up satellite is with launching vehicle whose speed is controllable

Sign up free on Edukali to view the step-by-step worked solution and practice thousands of similar questions.

Related practice questions

More Gravitation questions · Browse all practice questions