Answer
The correct answer is:
(b) the same magnitude as the radial acceleration of satellite 1
Work Step by Step
The correct answer is:
(b) the same magnitude as the radial acceleration of satellite 1
The speed of a satellite in uniform circular motion around a planet depends on the orbital radius $r$ and the mass of the planet. The speed does not depend on the mass of the satellite.
Since the orbital radius is equal, and the two satellites are orbiting around the same planet, their orbital speeds must be equal.
Since $a_c = \frac{v^2}{r}$, the two satellites must have the same radial acceleration.
