The period of geostationary satellite is

Options

A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 365 days
D. `365(1)/(4)`days

Answer

To determine the period of a geostationary satellite, we need to understand what a geostationary satellite is and how its orbital period is related to the rotation of the Earth.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Geostationary Satellite**: A geostationary satellite is one that orbits the Earth at the same rotational speed as the Earth itself. This means that it appears to be stationary relative to a point on the Earth's surface.

2. **Understanding Earth's Rotation**: The Earth completes one full rotation about its axis in approximately 24 hours. This rotation period is what allows the geostationary satellite to maintain its position over a fixed point on the Earth.

3. **Orbital Period of the Satellite**: For a satellite to be geostationary, its orbital period must match the rotational period of the Earth. Therefore, the satellite must complete one orbit around the Earth in the same time it takes for the Earth to complete one rotation.

4. **Conclusion**: Since the Earth takes 24 hours to complete one rotation, the period of a geostationary satellite is also 24 hours.

5. **Answer Selection**: Based on the options provided:
- Option 1: 12 hours
- Option 2: 24 hours (Correct Answer)
- Option 3: 365 days
- Option 4: 365 × 1/4 days

The correct answer is **Option 2: 24 hours**.