If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what is the relationship between i

If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what is the relationship between its centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration?

If a satellite is moving in a circular orbit, what is the relationship between its centripetal acceleration and gravitational acceleration?

Step 1: Understand that a satellite in orbit is moving in a circular path.
Step 2: Know that centripetal acceleration is the acceleration that keeps the satellite moving in that circular path.
Step 3: Recognize that gravitational acceleration is the force that pulls the satellite towards the planet it is orbiting.
Step 4: Realize that for a satellite to stay in a stable orbit, the gravitational force must provide the exact amount of centripetal acceleration needed to keep it moving in a circle.
Step 5: Conclude that in a stable circular orbit, the centripetal acceleration (which keeps the satellite in orbit) is equal to the gravitational acceleration (which pulls it towards the planet).

Centripetal Acceleration – The acceleration directed towards the center of a circular path, necessary for an object to maintain its circular motion.
Gravitational Acceleration – The acceleration experienced by an object due to the gravitational force acting on it, which varies with distance from the mass causing the gravitational field.
Orbital Mechanics – The study of the motion of objects in space, particularly how gravitational forces affect the trajectories of satellites and other celestial bodies.