Energy of an Orbiting Satellite

• What path does an orbiting satellite follow around a planet?

  Circular path
• What types of energy does an orbiting satellite have?

  Kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy

  
• What is the relationship between total energy, kinetic energy, and gravitational potential energy for an orbiting satellite?

  Total energy is constant and equals KE + GPE
• What happens to a satellite's KE and GPE in a particular orbit?

  Both KE and GPE are constant
• What occurs to a satellite's KE and GPE when its orbital radius decreases?

  KE increases and GPE decreases
• What occurs to a satellite's KE and GPE when its orbital radius increases?

  KE decreases and GPE increases
• At orbit Y, how does the satellite's GPE compare to orbit X?

  Greater GPE and less KE than at orbit X
• What are the characteristics of a satellite in orbit X around Earth?

  • Larger gravitational force
  • Higher speed
  • Higher KE
  • Lower GPE
  • Shorter orbital time period, T
• What are the characteristics of a satellite in orbit Y around Earth?

  • Smaller gravitational force
  • Smaller speed
  • Lower KE
  • Higher GPE
  • Longer orbital time period, T
• Which satellite has more kinetic energy, A or B, if A orbits at radius R and B at 3R?

  Satellite A has more kinetic energy

  
• Which satellite has a shorter time period, A or B, if A orbits at radius R and B at 3R?

  Satellite A has a shorter time period
• What is the relationship between orbital radius and time period for an orbiting satellite?

  Time period is proportional to orbital radius
• Why does satellite B travel slower than satellite A?

  B is at a larger orbital radius
• What happens to the gravitational force on satellite B compared to satellite A?

  It is much lower for satellite B
• How does the velocity of a satellite relate to its distance from the planet?

  • Closer to the planet: higher velocity
  • Further from the planet: lower velocity

  
• How does kinetic energy relate to the velocity of a satellite?

  Kinetic energy is proportional to velocity squared
• What must happen to potential energy when kinetic energy increases to keep total energy constant?

  Potential energy must decrease
• Where can students find more resources for exam preparation?

  www.savemyexams.com