Question

Geo Stationary satellites are commonly used for communication purpose.

1. Name one geostationary satellite of earth.

2. What are the requirements of a geostationary satellite for its orbital motion.

3. Explain the phenomenon of ‘weightlessness’ in orbiting satellites.

4. Distinguish between gravitational mass and inertial mass.

Answer 1

1. INSAT.

2. The period of this satellite must be same as the period of the rotation of earth about its own axis. Its direction of rotation must be the same as that of the earth (from west to east).

3. The weight of satellite is used for providing centripetal force required for rotation. Hence anybody inside the satellite appears to be weightlessness.

4. The mass related with newtons second law of motion is called inertial mass. But the mass related with newtons law of gravitation is called gravitational mass.