Question

the table below shows the masses of three satellites orbiting earth. assume that all three satellites are the same distance from the planet.

satellite	mass (kg)
b	400
c	6,700

which satellite experiences the strongest force of gravity from earth?

choose 1 answer:

a) satellite a
b) satellite b
c) satellite c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the law of gravitation

The gravitational force \( F \) between two objects is given by \( F = G\frac{Mm}{r^2} \), where \( G \) is the gravitational constant, \( M \) is the mass of Earth, \( m \) is the mass of the satellite, and \( r \) is the distance between them. Since \( G \), \( M \), and \( r \) are the same for all three satellites, the force \( F \) is directly proportional to the mass \( m \) of the satellite (\( F \propto m \) when \( G \), \( M \), \( r \) are constant).

Step2: Compare the masses of the satellites

The masses of the satellites are: Satellite A: \( 2100 \, \text{kg} \), Satellite B: \( 400 \, \text{kg} \), Satellite C: \( 6700 \, \text{kg} \). We compare these masses: \( 6700>2100 > 400 \). Since the force of gravity is directly proportional to the mass of the satellite (when distance from Earth is constant), the satellite with the largest mass will experience the strongest gravitational force.

Answer:

C. satellite C