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  4. The distance of a geostationary satellite from the centre of earth (radius R = 6400 km) is nearest to :

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Q. The distance of a geostationary satellite from the centre of earth (radius $R = 6400\, km) $ is nearest to :

AFMCAFMC 2001

Solution:

Geostationary satellites are positioned at an exact height above the earth (above $35600 \,km$ ).
The distance of geostationary satellite from centre of earth is
$\left(R_{e}+35600\right) km =6400+35600 $
$=42000 \,km$
At this height they rotate around the earth with the same speed as the earth rotates around its axis.
So, its effect remains stationary above a point on earth.
$\therefore 42000 =6400 \times R $
$\Rightarrow R=\frac{42000}{6400} \approx 7 R $.