Question

Two satellites, Satellite 1 and Satellite 2 are at equal distances from Earth. If the mass of Satellite 2 is greater than the mass of Satellite 1, then

A. Earth pulls Satellite 1 but Satellite 2 does not pull Satellite 1
B. Earth pulls Satellite 2 but Satellite 1 does not pull Satellite 2
C. Earth pulls Satellite 1 with a greater gravitational force than Satellite 2
D. Earth pulls Satellite 2 with a greater gravitational force than Satellite 1

Answer 1

If the mass of #2 is greater than #1, then when they're at
equal distances from Earth, the gravitational force on #2
is greater than on #1 ... we say that #2 "weighs" more. (D)

But they both still have the same orbital period.

Answer 2

Answer: option D. Earth pulls Satellite 2 with a greater gravitational force than Satellite 1

Explanation:

The gravitation force acts between any two bodies having mass. Its magnitude depends on the mass ( M and m) of the two bodies and distance (r) between them. It is attractive in nature always which means the two bodies tend to always pull each other.

`F = G \frac {M m}{r^2}`

Where G is the gravitational constant.

Since, the distance both the satellites is equal. The mass of satellite 2 is greater than satellite 1. Hence, gravitation force between satellite 2 and Earth is more than between satellite 1 and Earth. Thus, the correct option is D.