Question

The time period of an earth’s satellite revolving at a height of 35,800 km is

• A. 24 hours
• B. 100 minutes
• C. 12 hours
• D. 48 hours
• E. 52 hours

Hint:

Communication satellites are placed in geostationary orbits so that ground-based antennas do not have to move to track them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the time period of an Earth satellite revolving at a height of 35,800 km, we need to understand the concept of geostationary satellites and their properties.

An Earth satellite at a height of 35,800 km is typically in a geostationary orbit. Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at the same rate that the Earth rotates, which means they have a time period equal to the Earth's rotation period.

The Earth's rotation period is 24 hours. Therefore, the time period of a satellite in geostationary orbit, such as the one at 35,800 km, is 24 hours.

Let's analyze the options:

1. 24 hours: This option is correct, as the time period of a geostationary satellite matches the Earth's rotation period.
2. 100 minutes, 12 hours, 48 hours, 52 hours: All these options do not align with the characteristic time period of a geostationary satellite, which must match the Earth's 24-hour rotational period to maintain a fixed position relative to the Earth.

In conclusion, the correct answer is 24 hours, as this is the time period of a geostationary satellite.