Topic explanation

Standard explanation

The orbital period is the time required for a satellite to complete one full orbit.

Key points

• T = 2π√(r³/GM)
• T² ∝ r³
• Formula / Key Relation: For circular orbit: distance travelled in one revolution: 2πr Therefore: v = 2πr/T From
• Period grows rapidly with orbital radius.
• The orbital period is the time required for a satellite to complete one full orbit.

Labelled diagram