Critical Velocity

 Critical Velocity

The critical velocity for a satellite revolving around the Earth is defined as the orbital velocity required for the satellite to remain in a stable orbit. This is the velocity at which the centrifugal force due to the satellite's motion balances the gravitational force pulling the satellite toward Earth. To derive the expression for the orbital velocity (which can be considered the "critical velocity" for the satellite's stable orbit), we use Newton's law of gravitation and the concept of centripetal force.

Consider a satellite of mass m revolving round the Earth at height h above its surface. Let M be the mass of the Earth and R be its radius. If the satellite is moving in a circular orbit of radius (R+h) = r, its speed must be the magnitude of critical velocity V_c .

The centripetal force necessary for circular motion of satellite is provided by gravitational force exerted by the Earth on the satellite. 

 Centripetal force = Gravitational force

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Related Topics: Introduction To Gravitation  |  Kepler's Law  | Universal Law of Gravitation |  Acceleration due to gravity | Acceleration due to gravity at height|  

Acceleration due to gravity at depth |  Acceleration due to gravity due to latitude |

Escape Velocity |  Earth's Satellite | Critical Velocity | Time Period of satellite | Binding energy |

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