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A geosynchronous satellite orbits above the equator of Earth in a circular orbit, remaining in a fixed position with respect to observers on the ground. Therefore, the satellite's period of revolution must be equal to the period of rotation of the Earth. When calculations are made to launch a certain geosynchronous satellite and the satellite is launched, the satellite's orbital period is slightly larger than the rotational period of Earth. Which of the following could have caused the difference?
A) The mass of the satellite was larger than what was used in the calculation.
B) The mass of the satellite was smaller than what was used in the calculation.
C) The altitude of the satellite was larger than predicted by the calculation.
D) The altitude of the satellite was smaller than predicted by the calculation.
E) The diameter of the satellite was larger than what was used in the calculation.

Answer :

Answer:

Explanation:

The relation between orbital period T and orbital radius R is as follows .

T² ∝ R³

T ∝ R¹°⁵

So time period of orbit is proportional to radius of orbit . Higher the height , larger the orbital period . As the orbital period is larger than required , the altitude of satellite must have been larger than required .

As mass of satellite  is not involved in the formula of orbital period , this is independent of mass of the satellite .

Hence the option C is correct .

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