Gravitation

JEE Main level, single correct, medium

166 of 223

Question 166 of 223

Initially a satellite of 100 kg is in a circular orbit of radius 1.5RE1.5 \mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{E}}. This satellite can be moved to a circular orbit of radius 3RE3 R_{E} by supplying α×106 J\alpha \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~J} of energy. The value of α\alpha is ____\_\_\_\_. (Take Radius of Earth RE=6×106 mR_{E}=6 \times 10^{6} \mathrm{~m} and g=10 m/s2\mathrm{g}=10 \mathrm{~m} / \mathrm{s}^{2})

Show answer and solution

Answer: (B) 1000

Total energy of satellite in orbit: E=−GMm2r=−gRE2m2rE = -\frac{GMm}{2r} = -\frac{gR_E^2 m}{2r}
E1=−gRE2m2(1.5RE)=−gREm3E_1 = -\frac{gR_E^2 m}{2(1.5R_E)} = -\frac{gR_E m}{3}
E2=−gRE2m2(3RE)=−gREm6E_2 = -\frac{gR_E^2 m}{2(3R_E)} = -\frac{gR_E m}{6}
Energy supplied
=E2−E1=−gREm6+gREm3=gREm6= E_2 - E_1 = -\frac{gR_E m}{6} + \frac{gR_E m}{3} = \frac{gR_E m}{6}
=10×6×106×1006=109= \frac{10 \times 6 \times 10^6 \times 100}{6} = 10^9 J =1000×106= 1000 \times 10^6 J
α=1000\alpha = 1000

JEE Main question paper PDF

Open a shift to read the full paper on this page, or download it.

JEE Main 2025 Apr 2 Shift 1 question paper

Open Download PDF

Opening paper…

Explain it as a whiteboard videoStep-by-step, in Hinglish or English. Your first video needs no login.Solved it on paper but got it wrong?Upload a photo of your working. Mistake Doctor marks the exact line that broke.
See it move: Gravitation and orbits simulationDrag the sliders and watch the numbers in this question change.

More Physics practice

JEE Main Physics practice question on Gravitation (Motion of satellite), with the answer and a step-by-step solution. Scan a question from your own book or paper to get a whiteboard video.