Why does a satellite in elliptical orbit gain speed as it moves closer to the planet? When is its kinetic energy the greatest? The least? Where is its potential energy greatest? The least?
What will be an ideal response?
The sum of a satellite's potential and kinetic energies remains constant if the satellite is in a closed orbit about a planet. As the satellite moves closer to the planet, it falls with gravity and gains speed. Potential energy decreases, kinetic energy correspondingly increases, and hence speed increases. As it moves farther from the planet, it moves against gravity, its kinetic energy decreases, and its potential energy increases. Its potential energy is greatest when the satellite is farthest from the planet, and least when it is closest to the planet.
You might also like to view...
What mountain range in Europe is over 500 miles long and has peaks reaching 15,000 feet?
A) Carpathians B) Alps C) Pyrenees D) Apennines E) Himalayas
This cloud sometimes produces "mare's tails"
What will be an ideal response?
Areas where civilization has followed the domestication of plants and animals and from where the diffusion of cultural traits originated are called ____
a. cultural/religious regions b. culture complexes c. culture landscapes d. culture realms e. culture hearths
Aerial Photography
What will be an ideal response?