NEET Physics: Motion of a satellite Practice Questions
14 free multiple-choice questions on Motion of a satellite (Gravitation) for NEET Physics, each with the correct answer and a step-by-step explanation. Attempt a question, then reveal the solution to check your reasoning.
Practice thousands more NEET questions in the app →Q1. What force is primarily responsible for keeping a satellite in its stable orbit around the Earth?
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Correct answer: C — Gravitational force of the Earth
The satellite remains in orbit because the gravitational force exerted by the Earth provides the necessary centripetal force for the satellite's circular motion.
Q2. Which statement best describes the force acting on a satellite that causes it to move in a circular path?
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Correct answer: D — The force is the net inward force required for circular motion.
The force causing the satellite to move in a circle (centripetal force) is the net inward gravitational force, which acts towards the center of the Earth.
Q3. The force of gravity acting on a satellite is directly proportional to the product of the masses of the satellite and the Earth, and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. This is based on which fundamental law of physics?
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Correct answer: C — Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation
The gravitational force between any two masses is governed by Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation, which states that the force is proportional to the product of the masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (F = GmM/r²).
Q4. For a satellite in a stable orbit, the acceleration experienced by the satellite is known as:
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Correct answer: D — Centripetal acceleration
Since the satellite is moving in a circular path, the acceleration directed towards the center of the circle is the centripetal acceleration, which is necessary to maintain the orbit.
Q5. If the orbital period of a satellite increases, what happens to its orbital speed (assuming the orbit remains circular)?
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Correct answer: B — It decreases
According to Kepler's laws, for a satellite orbiting the Earth, a longer period implies a larger radius and therefore a slower orbital speed to maintain the required balance.
Q6. The orbital velocity of a satellite is directly related to which physical property of the orbit?
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Correct answer: D — The period of revolution
The orbital velocity is fundamentally linked to the period (time taken to complete one orbit). The orbital velocity is inversely proportional to the period and proportional to the orbital radius.
Q7. Which of the following statements correctly describes the relationship between the orbital radius and the time period of a satellite in orbit (Kepler's Third Law implication)?
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Correct answer: A — Orbital period is directly proportional to the orbital radius
Kepler's Third Law states that the square of the orbital period (T) is proportional to the cube of the semi-major axis (orbital radius, r³), meaning T² ∝ r³. Therefore, T ∝ r⁽3/2). This implies that the orbital period is directly proportional to the orbital radius (for a fixed central body).
Q8. For a satellite in a stable circular orbit, the gravitational force acting on it must be balanced by which force?
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Correct answer: A — The centrifugal force
In a stable circular orbit, the gravitational pull (centripetal force) must be exactly balanced by the required centripetal force, which is the necessary inward force for circular motion.
Q9. The gravitational acceleration experienced by a satellite depends on:
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Correct answer: C — The distance from the Earth only
The gravitational acceleration (g) experienced by the satellite depends on the mass of the Earth and the distance of the satellite from the Earth, as per Newton's law of gravitation.
Q10. The time period of revolution of a satellite is primarily determined by:
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Correct answer: B — The gravitational force only
The time period of revolution is governed by Kepler's Third Law, which relates the orbital period to the semi-major axis (radius) and the mass of the central body (Earth).
Q11. If a satellite is placed at a greater distance from the Earth, how does the gravitational force acting on the satellite change?
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Correct answer: C — It decreases
Gravitational force is proportional to 1/r². If the satellite moves to a greater distance (larger r), the gravitational force acting on it decreases.
Q12. A satellite is revolving in a stable circular orbit around the Earth. The force providing the necessary centripetal acceleration for this motion is due to which force?
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Correct answer: C — Gravitational Force
For a satellite to maintain a stable circular orbit, the attractive force of gravity exerted by the Earth provides the required centripetal force.
Q13. If a satellite is moving in a higher orbit (greater distance from Earth) with the same orbital speed, what happens to the gravitational force acting on it?
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Correct answer: A — It decreases
Since gravitational force depends on the inverse square of the distance (F ∝ 1/r²), increasing the distance results in a decrease in the gravitational force.
Q14. The time period of a satellite's revolution is directly proportional to which property of the orbiting body?
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Correct answer: A — Mass of the central body
The time period T of a satellite is proportional to 1/√M, where M is the mass of the central body. Therefore, the period is inversely proportional to the square root of the central body's mass.
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