Question

Obtain expression for orbital velocity for satellite revolving near the Earth's surface.

Answer 1

Orbital Velocity of Satellite-derivation of 3 expressions
October 21, 2017
Orbital Velocity of Satellite
Definition of Orbital velocity: Orbital Velocity of a satellite is the minimum velocity it has to maintain to continue its circular motion in its orbit. We know for a circular motion to continue, a force called centripetal force is required to work upon the object in circular motion. And this force is a real and acts towards the centre of the circle. As this is a real force it’s to be supplied by a real mechanism or system. A satellite moves in a circular track and the centripetal force acting on it is supplied by the gravitational force acting between the earth and the satellite. Orbital Velocity formula:With the help of this concept or information we can easily go for the derivation of Orbital Velocity. We will derive this expression(2 sets) and later will find out the expression of Orbital Velocity for a nearby orbit. (so you get total 3 sets of equations)


orbital velocity of satellite

Derivation of Orbital Velocity
Deriving the expression or formula #1
The Gravitational Force between the earth and the satellite = Fg = (G.M.m)/r2 ……………… (1)

The centripetal force acting on the satellite = Fc = mV2/r ……………………….. (2)

Here, M is the mass of earth and m is the mass of the satellite which is having a uniform circular motion in a circular track of radius r around the earth. V is the linear velocity of the satellite at a point on its circular track.

Now this r is the sum of the radius of the earth(R) and the height(h) of the satellite from the surface of the earth.

r = R + h

Now equating, equation 1 and 2 we get,

Fg = Fc

=> (G.M.m)/r2 = mV2/r

V = [(GM)/r]1/2 ……………………………….. (3)

This is the first equation or expression of Orbital Velocity of a satellite. Here r = R +h



Another expression or formula of Orbital velocity of a satellite
Deriving the expression or formula #2


For a mass of m on earth’s surface, the following is true:

mg = (GMm)/R2 ………………………. (4)

Note, on earth surface h=0 and r = R. And gravitational force on a mass is equal to its weight on the surface.

From equation 4 we get this equation, GM = g. R2 …………………….. (5)



Substituting this expression of GM in equation 3 (Orbital velocity), we get,

V = [(gR2)/r]1/2

V = R . (g/r)1/2 ……………………. (6)

This is the second expression of Orbital Velocity of a satellite. Here, as said earlier, r = R +h

Next we will derive the 3rd equation and that is for a NEARBY ORBIT, i.e. for an orbit which has negligible height above the earth’s surface.

Nearby Orbit and Orbital velocity – when height above surface is less or reduced
Let’s consider an orbit which is pretty close to the earth. (formula #3)

Now if the height of the satellite (h) from the surface of the earth is negligible with respect to the Radius of the earth, then we can write r=R+h = R (as h is negligible).

**From equation 3 (the fundamental form of orbital velocity equation), we get an equation of nearby orbit’s Orbital velocity:

V = [(GM)/R]1/2………….(3.1)

**And from equation 6 we get another form of equation for orbital speed (when h is negligible) at near earth orbit:



Vorbital = R . (g/r)1/2 = R . (g/R)1/2 = (gR)1/2…………….(6.1)

Orbital Velocity Formula
Here you get a set of Orbital Velocity Equations or expressions are as follows-
Vorbital = [(GM)/r]1/2
Vorbital = R . (g/r)1/2

And for Nearby Orbit


Vorbital = [(GM)/R]1/2
Vorbital = (gR)1/2


Here are some important pointers, which are important to know.

read tutorial – Buoyancy and Archimedes’ principle
Orbital Velocity and Radius of the orbit
From both the equations it’s evident that as the radius of the circular path increases, the minimum velocity requirement of the satellite (orbital velocity) to maintain its circular track decreases.

In other words, if the satellite rotates closer to the earth, it has to move faster. If the radius is more then this velocity in orbit is less.

Any Dependency on mass?
This velocity in a