---
title: "A satellite is in orbit around a spherical planet of uniform density and radius \\(R\\) at an altitude of \\(2R\\) above the planet’s surface. The gravitational acceleration at the surface of the planet is \\(g_0\\). What is the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration due to the planet at the satellite’s location?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/120543/"
date_modified: "2026-08-23T04:41:24+00:00"
---

# A satellite is in orbit around a spherical planet of uniform density and radius \(R\) at an altitude of \(2R\) above the planet’s surface. The gravitational acceleration at the surface of the planet is \(g_0\). What is the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration due to the planet at the satellite’s location?

A satellite is in orbit around a spherical planet of uniform density and radius \(R\) at an altitude of \(2R\) above the planet's surface. The gravitational acceleration at the surface of the planet is \(g_0\). What is the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration due to the planet at the satellite's location?

- **A.** \(\dfrac{1}{9}g_0\)
- **B.** \(\dfrac{1}{4}g_0\)
- **C.** \(\dfrac{1}{3}g_0\)
- **D.** \(\dfrac{1}{2}g_0\)

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/120543/*