Question

which factor is not needed when calculating the velocity of a satellite orbiting a planet? (1 point)

the universal gravitational constant

the mass of the satellite

the orbital radius of the satellite

the mass of the planet

Explanation:

To find the orbital velocity \( v \) of a satellite, we use the formula \( v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}} \), where \( G \) is the universal gravitational constant, \( M \) is the mass of the planet, and \( r \) is the orbital radius. The mass of the satellite (\( m \)) cancels out when equating gravitational force (\( \frac{GMm}{r^2} \)) to centripetal force (\( \frac{mv^2}{r} \)), so it is not needed.

Answer:

the mass of the satellite