Which of the following statements is true for a satellite in a stable orbit?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following statements is true for a satellite in a stable orbit?
It requires continuous propulsion.
It moves in a straight line.
It is acted upon by gravitational force.
It has zero velocity.
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following statements is true for a satellite in a stable orbit?
Step 1: Understand what a satellite is. A satellite is an object that orbits around a planet or another celestial body.
Step 2: Learn about gravitational force. This is the force that pulls objects towards each other, like how Earth pulls satellites towards it.
Step 3: Know what a stable orbit means. A stable orbit is when a satellite moves around a planet in a way that it doesn't fall to the ground or fly away into space.
Step 4: Recognize the role of centripetal force. This is the force that keeps an object moving in a circle. For a satellite, this force is provided by gravity.
Step 5: Combine the ideas. In a stable orbit, the gravitational force acting on the satellite is equal to the centripetal force needed to keep it moving in a circular path.
