Wiki User
∙ 11y agoNot very much, I would say. There is no work being done in this situation so there's no change in kinetic energy. So the satellite's speed remains constant.
But we already knew the speed was constant. Perhaps I'm missing something.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe work-energy theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to its change in kinetic energy. In the case of a satellite in circular orbit, the work done on the satellite is zero because no external forces are acting on it. Therefore, the speed of the satellite in circular orbit remains constant.
In a circular orbit with negligible air resistance, the main forces acting on a satellite are the gravitational force pulling it towards the Earth's center, and the centripetal force keeping it in its circular path. These two forces are balanced, allowing the satellite to maintain a stable orbit.
Satellites orbit the Earth or other bodies due to a careful balance of their velocity and the gravitational attraction of the body. Essentially gravity pulls them down but their velocity moves then out (Newton's Fist Law of Motion) at the same rate. They keep missing the body they orbit.The path is not necessarily circular since the gravity over the Earth varies with the density of the ground below the satellite. They are also satisfied to be in an elliptical orbit (closer at some times than others). The moon is a good example of a satellite in an almost circular elliptical orbit. comets have wildly elliptical orbits.
Straight toward the center of mass of whatever body it's orbiting. If the orbit happens to be circular, then that's the center of the circle.
An elliptical orbit is a non-circular orbit where the orbiting object follows an elongated path around another object.
circular
Yes.
A satellite's orbit is just the path it follows around the Earth or some other planet.Satellites' orbits can be elliptical or circular.
low-orbit (satellite)
no
In a circular orbit with negligible air resistance, the main forces acting on a satellite are the gravitational force pulling it towards the Earth's center, and the centripetal force keeping it in its circular path. These two forces are balanced, allowing the satellite to maintain a stable orbit.
The direction of motion of a satellite in a circular orbit is perpendicular to the curved surface of the Earth. This means that the satellite moves parallel to the surface at a constant distance rather than following the curve of the Earth.
circular velocity
The orbit is a circle. When the velocity of the satellite is perpendicular to the force of gravity, it means the gravitational force only provides the centripetal force needed for circular motion.
Not necessarily. A circular orbit around a central body, such as a planet, would also have a radial velocity of zero at all times. In a circular orbit, the satellite's velocity vector is always perpendicular to the radius vector, resulting in a constant radial velocity of zero.
a satellite in orbit; it is moving at constant speed but is accelerating outward in circular acceleration, balanced by gravity acceleration (centripetal force).
The gravitational force acting on the satellite is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth, and is directed towards the center of the Earth. The gravitational force is responsible for causing the satellite to move in a circular path around the Earth. The centripetal force required to keep the satellite in its circular orbit is provided by the gravitational force between the satellite and the Earth.
In order to appear motionless in the sky, the satellite must be in an orbit that is -- circular -- over the equator -- 22,400 miles above the surface