In GPS, satellites are placed in orbits with orbital radius approximately of
- A1500 km
- B15200 km
- C18400 km
- D26600 kmCorrect
Solution
Concept
Orbital radius of GPS satellites
Formula
NONE
Step-by-step solution
1. Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites operate at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km above the Earth surface. 2. The average radius of the Earth is approximately 6,371 km. 3. Orbital radius = 20,200 km + 6,371 km = 26,571 km, which is approximately 26,600 km. Answer: D
Explanation
Global Positioning System satellites operate in Medium Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km above the surface. Adding the average radius of the Earth of about 6,371 km yields an orbital radius of approximately 26,600 km from the center of the Earth.
Why the other options are wrong
A) An orbital radius of 1500 km corresponds to Low Earth Orbit satellites. B) GPS satellites operate at an orbital radius of approximately 26,600 km rather than 15,200 km. C) An orbital radius of 18,400 km is lower than the medium Earth orbit used by GPS satellites.
Shortcut
GPS orbital altitude ≈ 20,200 km, making orbital radius ≈ 26,600 km (altitude + Earth radius).
Common mistake
Confusing the orbital radius of GPS satellites with their altitude above the Earth's surface.
Correct answer: D) 26600 km