Orbital Motion

Question 1

Lexy used the formula shown to calculate the force of gravity on a space shuttle.Fg = G

Revolt · Accepted Answer

the mass of the space shuttle

Question 2

Brendan drew a diagram to illustrate the centripetal force acting on a satellite.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Change the Fg = Fc vector so it is perpendicular to the v vector.

Question 3

Once an object enters orbit, what keeps the object moving sideways?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

inertia

Question 4

Which would cause the greatest increase in the acceleration of a satellite?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

a decrease in the radius and an increase in the tangential speed

Question 5

Two satellites, X and Y, are orbiting Earth. Satellite X is1.2 × 106 m from Earth, and Satellite Y is 1.9 × 105 m from Earth.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Satellite X has a greater period and a slower tangential speed than Satellite Y.

Question 6

Why are satellites placed into orbit at least 150 km above Earth’s surface?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

to avoid air resistance

Question 7

Which formula can be used to find the tangential speed of an orbiting object?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

v =

Question 8

decreasesincreasescontinuously fluctuatesstays constant

Revolt · Accepted Answer

increases

Question 9

What is the only force acting on an object orbiting Earth?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

gravity

Orbital Motion Answers