Question:

Two planets, A and B orbit around a star such that the time period of A is 8 times the time period of B. The ratio of orbital velocities of the planets A and B is:

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For planets revolving around the same star: \[ T^2\propto r^3 \] and \[ v\propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{r}}. \] First find the orbital radius ratio using Kepler’s law, then calculate the velocity ratio.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • \(4:1\)
  • \(1:4\)
  • \(2:1\)
  • \(1:2\)
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Use Kepler’s third law.
For planets revolving around the same star, \[ T^2\propto r^3 \] where \[ T=\text{time period} \] and \[ r=\text{orbital radius} \]

Step 2: Write the ratio of time periods.
Given, \[ T_A=8T_B \] Thus, \[ \frac{T_A}{T_B}=8 \] Using Kepler’s law, \[ \left(\frac{T_A}{T_B}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{r_A}{r_B}\right)^3 \] \[ 8^2=\left(\frac{r_A}{r_B}\right)^3 \] \[ 64=\left(\frac{r_A}{r_B}\right)^3 \]

Step 3: Find the ratio of orbital radii.
Taking cube root, \[ \frac{r_A}{r_B}=4 \] Thus, \[ r_A:r_B=4:1 \]

Step 4: Use the formula for orbital velocity.
Orbital velocity is \[ v=\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}} \] Therefore, \[ v\propto \frac{1}{\sqrt{r}} \]

Step 5: Find the ratio of orbital velocities.
\[ \frac{v_A}{v_B} = \sqrt{\frac{r_B}{r_A}} \] \[ = \sqrt{\frac{1}{4}} \] \[ =\frac{1}{2} \] Thus, \[ v_A:v_B=1:2 \]

Step 6: Final conclusion.
Hence, the required ratio is \[ \boxed{1:2} \]
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