A satellite is orbiting just above the surface of the earth with period . If is the density of the earth and is the universal constant of gravitation, the quantity represents :
- A
- B
- C
- D
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Correct answer: A
For a satellite orbiting just above the surface of the Earth, we can use the formula for the period T of the satellite in terms of the Earth's density d and the gravitational constant G:
$$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{a^3}{GM}}$$
where a is the semi-major axis of the orbit (which is approximately equal to the Earth's radius R for a satellite orbiting just above the surface) and M is the mass of the Earth.
We can express the mass of the Earth M in terms of its density d and volume:
$$M = dV = d\times\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3$$
Now, substitute this expression for M into the equation for T:
$$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{a^3}{Gd\times\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3}}$$
Since the satellite is orbiting just above the Earth's surface, we can approximate a ≈ R:
$$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{R^3}{Gd\times\frac{4}{3}\pi R^3}}$$
Simplify the equation:
$$T = 2\pi\sqrt{\frac{1}{Gd\times\frac{4}{3}\pi}}$$
Now, square both sides of the equation:
$$T^2 = 4\pi^2\frac{1}{Gd\times\frac{4}{3}\pi}$$
Simplify further:
$$T^2 = \frac{3\pi}{Gd}$$
Thus, the quantity $\frac{3\pi}{Gd}$ represents $T^2$.
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