What type of orbit does a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit have?
Practice Questions
Q1
What type of orbit does a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit have?
Elliptical orbit
Circular orbit
Parabolic orbit
Hyperbolic orbit
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What type of orbit does a satellite in a geosynchronous orbit have?
Correct Answer: Circular orbit
Step 1: Understand what a satellite is. A satellite is an object that orbits around a planet.
Step 2: Learn about geosynchronous orbit. A geosynchronous orbit means the satellite takes the same amount of time to orbit the Earth as the Earth takes to rotate once on its axis.
Step 3: Know the time it takes for a geosynchronous satellite to orbit the Earth. It takes 24 hours.
Step 4: Realize that to stay in a geosynchronous orbit, the satellite must move at a specific speed and distance from the Earth.
Step 5: Understand that a circular orbit means the satellite's path around the Earth is a perfect circle.
Step 6: Conclude that a geosynchronous satellite typically has a circular orbit to maintain a constant position relative to the Earth's surface.
